Good substitute for a reloading bench?

[tjhands]

I don't have a workbench in my basement and was wondering what y'all would recommend as a substitute (price being an issue). I'm just going to be a weekend-warrior as far as reloading goes.....maybe 150 rounds a week as a side hobby, so high quality is not an absolute MUST as far as the bench goes. Thanks.

 

[redhawk41]

i mounted my press on a 2x12, got a couple of clamps, and clamp the 2x12 to whatever table or counter top is available.

 

[Jaywalker]

Build one out 2X4's, or do what I did: go to a used furniture store and buy an old kitchen table. It cost me $75, but this is a high-cost area. There were cheaper ones there...

Jaywalker

 

[rbwillnj]

I use the Frankford Arsenal portable reloading stands. I have three of them, plus some extra tops. I made one modification. I use carrage bolts to anchor 1/2" X 1/2" screen in the base to act as reinforcing wire. Then I fill the base with acrylic concrete. It adds a lot of weight and rigidity to the base, but you can still take the whole thing apart and put it away.

Not that I ever do it, but you can even assemble it in front of the TV and watch the Super Bowl while your reloading. http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/155024

 

[bill k]

I agree with RB about the Frankford Arsenal stand. As you can see from the picture it takes up very little space. I didn't make any changes to mine either. I have my press and powder thrower on it and it's very sturdy. I keep my trimer and tools in a drawer in my desk.

 

[tjhands]

Thanks for the ideas, fellas!

 

[rn22723]

Another option is Black & Decker Workmate and then mount the stuff to 2x12 and then clamp to Workmate.

 

[crazylegs]

Another option is an old surplus steel desk. I got one for free and screwed an old solid core door to the top. Very solid and stable with drawers to use as storage. Take a look.
Bronson7

Sorry, that didn't work. I'll try again.

 

[crazylegs]

Here it is
Crazylegs

 

[BigSlick]

Here's one option that works pretty well.

Cheap and easy as hell to make

http://www.2x4basics.com/WorkBench-Legs.asp

HTH

BigSlick

 

[kkb]

Oh goody! A show off your cheap bench thread

Here's mine...

 

[tjhands]

Thanks for the cool pics. Y'all convinced me to do it the "imaginative" way!

I have 2 extremely sturdy sawhorses in the basement that I never use. I think I'll get some 2X12's and bolt them on top of the horses.....like a picnic table.

Man, I think this is gonna be a really FUN hobby! Thanks again.

 

[Edward429451]

I started out on an apt size kit table and progressed eventually to an old steel office desk. The light weight tables'll schooch around a little bit but not enough to make a difference.

Garage sales, Goodwill, 2nd hand furniture stores. 10 bucks or less should get you something suitable.

 

[tjhands]

Thank you, Edward....I'll check Goodwill before I settle on an idea.

 

[xmastree]

Here's mine

Here's a pic of my bench

 

[dfaugh]

Cheap is nice, free is better

If you wanna build something on the cheap (and have access to a truck), I have scrounged some NICE lumber for free...Cruise by any commercial glass shops in the area...They get large plate glass in frameworks, made of 2x4,2x6,2x8,2x10 even 2x12(as well a 1x4 and 1x6s,make good braces)...much of the stuff is just as good as you'd get from the local lumber store, and sometimes up 10-12 ft long....I used to carry a coupla wrecking bars, a 3 lb. hammer and a sledge around in my truck(they use ALOT of nails in these things), and a broom to clean up any mess I make...Most places are more than happy to give whatever you want, so they don't have to deal with dissasembly and removal...I've also picked stuff up on jobsites where they're installing windows in office buildings...I also have scrounged stuff from places that sell kitchen cabinets, same idea on a smaller scale...Sometimes get up to full sheets of plywood of varying thickness as well.

P.S. I stopped scrounging a while ago, as I now have 1/2 of the bottom of my barn (equivalent to a 2 car garage) FULL of "reclaimed" lumber. Built multiple benches and all kinds of other stuff out it. Working on framing in the upstairs of the barn, to make it weatherproof/heatable...All for FREE (yes, I'm a cheap SOB)

 

[44-40]

After you get your 2x12's mounted cover it with a smooth work suface like half inch particle board or plywood,it will sturdy up your bench and will keep from spilling crap all over,been there done that.Build it big enough or you'll be sorry

 

[Robert M Boren Sr]

This is easy to build, takes a little time but easy to build. You can also make it any size you want. Email me if you want the plans. I will send you an attatchment with them if you want.

 

[tjhands]

Boren, that's the nicest bench I've ever seen. VERY nice. Might be a little more than I'm looking for, but wow.

Appreciate the advice everyone.

 

[LAH]

I saw a bench made from a refrigator once. The door was removed and the frig. was laid on it's side on concrete blocks. A shelf was added and a sheet of plywood bolted to the top (side) and wala.......a bench.