My new portable reloading stand

[Voodoocld]

I wanted a stand that i could move to the garage when the weather was nice, or in the back room when it was cold/hot. This way all i need is a flat table, and i can reload anywhere. I didn't like any of the commercial units, so i went scrounging in my junk metal pile.

I started with this heavy chair that was bought at a university auction, and removed the stainless steel base.

And made this

Welded on a heavy wall steel post to the non stainless supporting structure in the chair base. It had a little more flex than i wanted, so we added the steel ribs. It's nice and stiff now, yet surprisingly light. I also welded nuts to the bottom of the feet and added elevator bolts, so i can level it out. Here is the result after painting, and adding my lee classic. As soon as i buy a rockchucker, i'm gonna add it on the other side.



A few more

 

[Bob 964]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

It only took one summer reloading in my garage in Tallahassee to make me move my reloading operation indoors. I found some plans for a portable press stand on the Hide and made one out of 3/4" walnut plywood. It's very stable, and I can store it in a closet when not in use.

 

[Voodoocld]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

I saw those plans, and considered making one. What held me back was that i have a heavy duty metal machinist desk in my back room that doesn't have a ledge to clamp anything onto. I also don't want to drill holes in it. Therefore i decided a floor mount was the best options. That way i can use the desk to measure powder, and organize, and then rotate in the chair to use the press. Or i could sit on the couch in front of the t.v. and do some bulk resize/deprime.

I also plan on buying another press in the near future, so i would of had to make 2 of them, or switch out presses, which i didn't want to do.

 

[Bob 964]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

You don't have to secure this press stand to your desk. This portable press stand is stable enough to work without any clamps or drilling. I put some felt pads on the bottom to keep it from scuffing the counter tops and to keep it from scooting around. All you would have to do is lift it up onto your machinist desk and start reloading. For the price of a small piece of walnut plywood, you can't beat this press stand.

 

[Voodoocld]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

Hmmm, i wish someone would have mentioned that it doesn't need clamping down before hand. I have seen a few picture of people using those and clamping them down, and i assumed it was needed.

either way, i don't have a table in my living room, so the free standing stand will be nice.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

I like the chair stand--enough so that I pilfered a copy of your picture and sent along to my welding buddy. I was supposed to be drawing up ideas of what I wanted for a portable stand since my bench is getting too tight, no drawing needed, yours will work with a little side tray.

 

[Silverbullet2]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

Nice job! When I was single, I had my Dillon 650 set up on a piece of plywood on my coffee table in my living room. Case feed and all. My roommate and I both shot a pistol league every week, and loaded a shit ton of 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP. The UPS guy we had was always pissed when we ordered Montana Gold bullets. One time we bought 8 cases, and he knocked on my door, and only said, "REALY"! Thoes were the days!

 

[Voodoocld]

Re: My new portable reloading stand

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Will in Kenai</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the chair stand--enough so that I pilfered a copy of your picture and sent along to my welding buddy. I was supposed to be drawing up ideas of what I wanted for a portable stand since my bench is getting too tight, no drawing needed, yours will work with a little side tray. </div></div>

Glad it helped you out. I was a little dissapointed in the creativity of portable stands, when i was looking for ideas.

I also have large diameter pipe that i might make another one out of, but this one should do me just fine for now.

I will say that if you're only going to use 1 press you might consider a 3 legged base. With a 4 legged base you're forced to use elevator bolts to level it out, where 3 legged base would be more "self leveling"

However if you want to mount a press on both sides you'll need 4 legs so you can mount the leg inline with the press for more support.

 

[calz]

I created a table-top portable reloading press stand for this, similar to the one Sinclair offers (but with some improvements ... at least in my opinion). I drew it all up in a CAD program, and posted all the plans and instructions to try to help. I thought you guys might be interested in looking at it as an option.

Check out the full plans at: http://precisionrifleblog.com/2012/11/12/portable-reloading-press-plans/

 

[JGorski]

So how does it work with the big 50BMG?

 

[P7id10t]

That's cool. I used to use an old Smith Corona typewriter stand with the fold up ears. Setup was fast and easy, plus the shelving worked for my supplies on one side, loaded rounds on the other.
Could move it wherever I wanted - but I didn't like the mobility. I wanted my own space.

Now I have MY AREA with shelving, storage and a 500# table that won't_fucking_move, holds a rock steady level and supports three presses, permanently mounted.
Just bought a worn out oriental rug and laid it on the floor, put in a 42" Visio with the Xbox and stereo. All that's missing is the kegerator.
Thankfully, it never gets too hot or humid here in Oregon or I'd install AC.