Let's see yer bench!!

[jnyork]

Once in a while someone will post wanting ideas for a loading bench, here's mine. I used two cabinet bases I bought damaged from the lumber yard, only a few dollars for these, I had to cut them off about 3-4 inches. At the same sale I bought the molded counter top, also with some slight damage. I glued and screwed a piece of 1" chip board to the bottom of the counter top to make it good and heavy, then glued and screwed the whole thing to the counter tops. Has served me for maybe 25 years.

[O.S.O.K.]

Well, I've posted this before maybe a couple of times but here it is again - one corner anyway



This is in my shop - which is an enclosure on one side of my garage building - about 10'x25'. I built the substructure with 2x4's and had a couple of countertops on-hand that I used for the benchtop. Solid enough

[Hobie]

Again? Haven't I suffered enough embarrassment being compared to others here?

[O.S.O.K.]

That's what I was thinking too .... there are some really cool setups here - loaded with huge stacks of dies and cool old stuff.

[cas]

I built my new bench a year ago January. I made sure I took a photo of it early on so I'd have a "neat" photo for threads like this.

The other side of the room is not as clean, just shelves of ammo cans, boxes and brass bins.

[Guncase]

Mine always seems to be a mess.

[Sixgun]

I've been at it a long time.

,

[2ndovc]

Was the old coal bin in the original part of my house before I added on.
Need to expand!




jb

[Sixgun]

[quote="cas"]I built my new bench a year ago January. I made sure I took a photo of it early on so I'd have a "neat" photo for threads like this.

Yo CAS, Thats a very powerful pair of rifles you have there on the rack. Not too much recoil to handle, are they? ----------------------Sixgun

[AJMD429]

When that image came up on the screen, I could swear I smelled a combination of cigar smoke and Hoppe's No. 9...!

[Ysabel Kid]

We have done this one before, but I always enjoy it. I get an idea or two each time the topic comes up. Also, it probably helps new members out quite a bit.

I built this bench over 10 years ago back when I had to reload in my garage. Space was at an absolute premium. I liked the bench so much that I kept it after moving to the house we are in now, even though I have a lot of room in the basement.

Here is kind of a long view of the bench, side cabinets, and some storage shelves.



Here is a close-up of the bench.



Simple 2x4 and OSB construction, with MFB for the bench top. The key is the bench top. Here's a picture with one of my presses ready to go.



If I want to switch to another press, I just pop out the insert by undoing the two large bolts with butterfly nuts.



Each press and tool is mounted to it's own insert, so replacing them takes all of 30 seconds, if I take my time!



This set up is so flexible, I can also put other reloading-related tools in the insert spot, such as my tumbler:



or my case trimmer:



So, if you are limited on space, have a bench of presses and other bench-mounted reloading tools, or just like the flexibility, this is a nifty set-up!

[Chuck 100 yd]

My area for loading is TINY compared to others. It is not because of available space though as my shop is 30'x 36'. I just like to have it all togeather in one spot. Component storage is in other sealed climate controled areas.

[cas]

Yo CAS, Thats a very powerful pair of rifles you have there on the rack. Not too much recoil to handle, are they? ----------------------Sixgun

Late 1940's and early 1990's Red Ryders.

[GEOFF]

All the above look real good to me!

Ysabel kid you are one OUTSTANDINGLY organized fella! That's going to be my New Year resolution, to clean up my bench and get HALF as organized as you!!

Geoff

[AJMD429]

...I just noticed the calendar on the cabinet door underneath...!

[GEOFF]

Great observation Doc!!!

And I notice it is on INSIDE of that cabinet door!!!

Then I notice in picture number 1 there is a LOCK on that set of doors??!!

Makes me wonder what's on the inside of the other door!!

Hmmmmmmmmmm!

I guess we shouldn't pick on a guy when he's not feeling well but I sure got a laugh out of this new light on the situation!! HA!!

Geoff

[Modoc ED]

Here is my bench -- 4' wide x 2' deep x 34" high. I built it small so it would fit in the corner of my pump house where the temperature is kept constant 24/7/365 thereby making a good storage area for my powder, primers, etc.


I only reload for .30-06; .30-30; and .444 Marlin and only use four powders. I keep my bulk powder under the bench on the bottom shelf along with my primers, etc.. Note the LEE Hand Press. I reload all my .444 Marlin rounds with it. Im very particular about those handloads especially and feel that I get a better feel for bullet seating/crimping with the LEE Hand Press. My reloading manuals are out of frame on the top shelf.

I keep no pictures of scantilly clad women in my pump hose as "Ysable Kid" keeps hidden on the back of the door on his bench. With that kind of distraction, I might double charge a case and blow my guns up. Also, please note that there are no slippers showing in my pictures!!!!

[Dave]

Here is my current bench. I have had larger and smaller. The smallest was my first. It was triangular shaped to fit in a corner. I have had big ones when I had my Dillon mounted and was loading a whole lot. Now I just kind of piddle around and use the single stage. That red rifle cradle is a blessing. I wish I had it many years before I got it.

[Ysabel Kid]

...I just noticed the calendar on the cabinet door underneath...!

I'd show the other calendar pictures on the other three doors, but Hobie and Paul would let me!

[Ysabel Kid]

Great observation Doc!!!

And I notice it is on INSIDE of that cabinet door!!!

Then I notice in picture number 1 there is a LOCK on that set of doors??!!

Makes me wonder what's on the inside of the other door!!

Hmmmmmmmmmm!

I guess we shouldn't pick on a guy when he's not feeling well but I sure got a laugh out of this new light on the situation!! HA!!

Geoff

Actually, the locks are left over from when it was out in the garage. I use them now more for limited access to powder, primers and loaded ammo.

[Cimarron Red]

My wife and I moved to Colorado earlier this year, and we were fortunate in finding a house that had garage space for 5 cars, 3 attached and a detached two-car. I'm in the process of setting up the detached garage as a work shop. Progress is slower than I would like, but I'm getting there. Here are some pics:



I have big views of the Wet Mountains and the Spanish Peaks out this window.



Here's a longer view of the loading bench:



Here is my casting table:



And another long view looking away from the loading area:

[marlinman93]

I'm not showing my mess again!