Building a reloading bench

[Lazarus]

I want to build a bench. I saw a video on youtube where the guy used cabinets on each end, 2x4s, and then birch plywood on top. I'm just going to do something simpler, no cabinets but I'm curious to know whats a good size? I have a lot of stuff in my garage so I was thinking of doing something 5.5' x 24. Not sure about how tall it should be. Is your bench chair height or stool height? Any other ideas on materials? I just want it really strong, no flex in the table. Is 1" thick enough for the top? Alternatively I see that Stack On makes a reloading bench, but its a little too small I think.

 

[drtybykr]

Use a solid core door from home depot, or lowes for the top.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25e...ngId=-1&keyword=sokid core door&storeId=10051

 

[spamcastle]

Use a solid core door from home depot, or lowes for the top.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25e...ngId=-1&keyword=sokid core door&storeId=10051

This is exactly what he told me to do and I couldn't be happier with it. It's heavy, durable, and inexpensive. I'll get some pictures to you soon.

 

[Lazarus]

Use a solid core door from home depot, or lowes for the top.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25e...ngId=-1&keyword=sokid core door&storeId=10051

Thanks for the tip. Thicker than the 2 plywood together.

Does anyone know if its OK that the legs and/or sides be flush with the top or should it be recessed or does it not matter? This is in regards to mounting the press. I dont want anything to interfere with anything moving.

 

[drtybykr]

Thanks for the tip. Thicker than the 2 plywood together.

Does anyone know if its OK that the legs and/or sides be flush with the top or should it be recessed or does it not matter? This is in regards to mounting the press. I dont want anything to interfere with anything moving.

It is best to leave a lip of around 4 inches on the front of the table. Makes mounting much easier.

 

[Lazarus]

This is exactly what he told me to do and I couldn't be happier with it. It's heavy, durable, and inexpensive. I'll get some pictures to you soon.

I would appreciate that.

 

[Lazarus]

It is best to leave a lip of around 4 inches on the front of the table. Makes mounting much easier.

Thanks. Do you have pics of your table? Whats your measurements?

 

[Chuckdog]

I used a single sheet of 3/4" plywood cut in half, then doubled, glued and screwed together. It made mine measure 24" X 48" X 39" using only one cut. I framed the base using standard studs. As mentioned above, you'll need about a 4" overhang to make press mounting, and the use of "C" clamps easy. I framed to the edge on the short ends, and left 4"s overhang on both long sides. This will allow me to reverse it and use the back side down the road if need be. Mine measures 39" from the floor to the work surface.

 

[Lazarus]

Thanks for those measurements Chuck.

 

[Robnotfromga]

About 8 years ago I got an old school desk from the local habitat store. Under 50 bucks, about 5'*2.5' and solid as a rock. Check for used desks