new reloading bench
- Thread starter ubet
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Re: new reloading bench
Looks solid. Looks like it, but hopefully the 2X6's are fully dry. I made a somewhat temporary bench with 2X6's on the top and they shrunk a bit and left gaps in between them. Now it's a solid oak top! But yours looks good.
Looks solid. Looks like it, but hopefully the 2X6's are fully dry. I made a somewhat temporary bench with 2X6's on the top and they shrunk a bit and left gaps in between them. Now it's a solid oak top! But yours looks good.
Re: new reloading bench
Looks good! I'll be anxious to see it fully setup and squared away!
I did the same thing with my workbench top (except I went with 2x12s instead...kiln dried so no warping/gap issues).
Looks good! I'll be anxious to see it fully setup and squared away!
I did the same thing with my workbench top (except I went with 2x12s instead...kiln dried so no warping/gap issues).
Re: new reloading bench
Thanks. Didnt think about the drying/warping, the top boards are (2)2x10x8 (1)2x8x8 If they do dry, I can unscrew them and set them closer together. Or just replace it with something else. Materials and all, only cost about $75 to do.
Thanks. Didnt think about the drying/warping, the top boards are (2)2x10x8 (1)2x8x8 If they do dry, I can unscrew them and set them closer together. Or just replace it with something else. Materials and all, only cost about $75 to do.
Re: new reloading bench
Looks good! You might be able to cover it with a solid piece even. That would add some weight and stability. Looks great though!
Looks good! You might be able to cover it with a solid piece even. That would add some weight and stability. Looks great though!
Re: new reloading bench
Done mine the same way except all 2x6 & 2x4. About 4 years ago I took a belt sander and leveled the top out and then went back a sanded the whole table down with a handheld sander. I have not had any wraping or drying problem. Knock on wood! I had decided if it did dry and the gaps gave me problem I was going to get a peice of plexiglass for the top.
Looks good.
Done mine the same way except all 2x6 & 2x4. About 4 years ago I took a belt sander and leveled the top out and then went back a sanded the whole table down with a handheld sander. I have not had any wraping or drying problem. Knock on wood! I had decided if it did dry and the gaps gave me problem I was going to get a peice of plexiglass for the top.
Looks good.
Re: new reloading bench
Thanks, dont know how heavy it is, but not as heavy as I was suspecting, I think if I have any problems, I will insert a leg under where my press is gonna go, to help with the torque of it. Do like the idea of the plexiglass, that would look pretty cool!
Thanks, dont know how heavy it is, but not as heavy as I was suspecting, I think if I have any problems, I will insert a leg under where my press is gonna go, to help with the torque of it. Do like the idea of the plexiglass, that would look pretty cool!
Re: new reloading bench
On my bench I put inch wide by quarter inch thick flat wood around the perimeter 3/8" above the top to catch powder and bb's. Makes clean-up easier too.
Nice job on your bench, lead shot on the bottom shelf helps stability.
On my bench I put inch wide by quarter inch thick flat wood around the perimeter 3/8" above the top to catch powder and bb's. Makes clean-up easier too.
Nice job on your bench, lead shot on the bottom shelf helps stability.
Re: new reloading bench
Looks good, but you might want to buy a cheep counter-top, or the like for it so it's flat. Getting excess powder and stuff like that might be a problem with all those seams...
Looks good, but you might want to buy a cheep counter-top, or the like for it so it's flat. Getting excess powder and stuff like that might be a problem with all those seams...
Re: new reloading bench
Nice looking bench! The cracks in mine are a pain,sometimes.Thinking of putting a layer of formica on it. Pete
Nice looking bench! The cracks in mine are a pain,sometimes.Thinking of putting a layer of formica on it. Pete
Re: new reloading bench
Yeah used it for the first time last night, the seams are going to be a problem, maybe I will try sanding everything flat first. Then see how much plexiglass is.
Yeah used it for the first time last night, the seams are going to be a problem, maybe I will try sanding everything flat first. Then see how much plexiglass is.
Re: new reloading bench
Try a sheet of hardboard or "masonite" for the top. My top is a sheet of 3/4 plywood with the hardboard on top of the plywood. If you use double sided tape to mount the hardboard you can replace it later if it gets damaged or you need to adjust the underlying boards.
Try a sheet of hardboard or "masonite" for the top. My top is a sheet of 3/4 plywood with the hardboard on top of the plywood. If you use double sided tape to mount the hardboard you can replace it later if it gets damaged or you need to adjust the underlying boards.
Re: new reloading bench
You fellas need to stay away from the Formica, Plexiglas and other plastics on a reloading bench. Anything that can build up static is a big no-no with primers and gunpowder. I thought this was common knowledge, but please do some research.
You fellas need to stay away from the Formica, Plexiglas and other plastics on a reloading bench. Anything that can build up static is a big no-no with primers and gunpowder. I thought this was common knowledge, but please do some research.
Re: new reloading bench
High pressure laminate isn't the same as plexiglass as it has been engineered to include issues with static. Most commercial work surfaces, including those used in electronics services are P.L.
I have been working and reloading on a laminated bench for years. In fact, it is a bank of cabinets and a counter top I built in the early 90's and subsequently salvaged from the tenant after they vacated the office they were installed in.
Mac,
If you have a link, I'd love to read on the subject as just because I have had no problems for the last 12 years doesn't mean I haven't just been lucky!
I recall Greg Langeleus has often suggested a ground wire be added to one's press as an extra precaution.
Ubet,
As a suggestion, you could add a sheet of cabinet grade plywood to the top of your bench and then run a hardwood nosing around it. It is very smooth and takes finish well. A good wood glue at the perimeter, when you pin your nosing to it, and you'll have no seams to torment you! Finish with a quality polyurethane and it'll be nearly as durable as plastic laminate.
High pressure laminate isn't the same as plexiglass as it has been engineered to include issues with static. Most commercial work surfaces, including those used in electronics services are P.L.
I have been working and reloading on a laminated bench for years. In fact, it is a bank of cabinets and a counter top I built in the early 90's and subsequently salvaged from the tenant after they vacated the office they were installed in.
Mac,
If you have a link, I'd love to read on the subject as just because I have had no problems for the last 12 years doesn't mean I haven't just been lucky!
I recall Greg Langeleus has often suggested a ground wire be added to one's press as an extra precaution.
Ubet,
As a suggestion, you could add a sheet of cabinet grade plywood to the top of your bench and then run a hardwood nosing around it. It is very smooth and takes finish well. A good wood glue at the perimeter, when you pin your nosing to it, and you'll have no seams to torment you! Finish with a quality polyurethane and it'll be nearly as durable as plastic laminate.
Re: new reloading bench
Sorry Bro. No link. This was knowledge passed on to Me long before the internets existed.LOL There probably is something out there about plastics, but I have never read anything about Formica. I just automatically grouped it in with other plastics, and stayed away from it. If it has worked for You, then it's probably fine.
Sorry Bro. No link. This was knowledge passed on to Me long before the internets existed.LOL There probably is something out there about plastics, but I have never read anything about Formica. I just automatically grouped it in with other plastics, and stayed away from it. If it has worked for You, then it's probably fine.
Re: new reloading bench
May what to look at a sheet of 1/4" luan flooring to cover it with if the cracks give you problems. My bench was made in the same fashion as yours. I did sand mine done flat as stated above and while I do have alittle powder hang up in the cracks it's not a problem to me. I just take and brush up most of it and then take a shop vac and get the rest and also vac'm out my primer catch. I would however dump the vac out after each use where powder was picked up don't want it to build up in the vac and get a fire due to static discharge in side the vac.
May what to look at a sheet of 1/4" luan flooring to cover it with if the cracks give you problems. My bench was made in the same fashion as yours. I did sand mine done flat as stated above and while I do have alittle powder hang up in the cracks it's not a problem to me. I just take and brush up most of it and then take a shop vac and get the rest and also vac'm out my primer catch. I would however dump the vac out after each use where powder was picked up don't want it to build up in the vac and get a fire due to static discharge in side the vac.
