Post your reloading bench and setup

[Radek 73]

A long awaited project is finally taking shape. Just cleared out (er, organized) the basement!!

 

My plan is to set it up in the basement with an exhaust fan. Not sure yet if I want to cast bullets ... The setup will be on a strong computer desk with drawers underneath. Now buying parts and accessories ... will be buying a Dillon 650. (I know some of you will recommend a non-progressive, but I prefer to splurge once!)

 

I have a carpet in my basement, so I need some mechanism to drain static ... any gadget ideas? I have seen people use a flat metal sheet on the carpet that's connected to main ground, though not sure if that actually works!?

 

Since I am just starting out, I would like to see pics of your setup to get ideas.

 

Oh, I definitely need a vertical storage / cabinet at the rear of the table. Ideally, metal, lockable, so I can store primers, powder, etc.

[Maksim 1,504]

For the press, at a minimum at least 3 inches of wood.

 

Can you cover the carpet? the big issue that I see is when you spill stuff.

[Radek 73]

For the press, at a minimum at least 3 inches of wood.

 

Can you cover the carpet? the big issue that I see is when you spill stuff.

 

3" of wood? Seems overkill. I have a 1.5" particle board table top and that's rated for 350lbs! I think that should suffice ...

 

I can cover the carpet, sure, but walking to/from the table will generate static ... so, I want a system that will work, always. Can't have a Ka boom in the basement! Kinda, like the static wrist-straps working on computer equipment. I had come across roll mats that are grounded, have to look again ...

[Maksim 1,504]

will take pictures of my setup in the office tomorrow... but it is a 2 1 inch oak boards, glued and screwed together, clamped to a 1 inch oak desk. That is what both the presses sit on, have one setup on each press.

 

I had it originally setup on a 1 inch oak board, clamped to the desk, but it was way wobbly.

 

the dillon 650 is twice the press my lee presses are and going to create alot of movement.

 

I know tim setup a small single stage for someone here on the forum and used 3 1 inch oak boards together, then c clamped to the desk.

[Old School 611]

You guys are killing me....

[tony357 386]

the important part of your table is to have a strong frame especialy in the front where the press will be mounted this will keep the press from pushing under the table.

 

[tbtrout 141]

You will be surprised at the amount of flex you will encounter with your press. I have my presses bolted through a 1 1/4 in commercial counter top into a 2x4 frame.

 

I think you can get an anti static mat to put under your chair as well. Cover a large area, you will spill powder and it is messy.

[coldsolderjoint 84]

I'm still working with a single stage, but I got 3x 1/4" lag bolts into my $10 craigslist bench. The table top is about 1.25" thick. Haven't noticed any flex yet, but could loosen up over time I spose.

[Col. Mortimer 11]

There is no such thing as overkill when it comes to a bench. The bench MUST be on a hard surface and MUST be bolted to the wall or floor. Any movement or flex in the bench will affect the function of your press, especially a progressive press and cause significant fuctuations in loads (this is a very bad thing). I tried my friend's Dillion 550B and I was very surprised at the amount of force needed to re-size a case. Additionally, my friend said to use a grade 5 bolts for the press as the weaker bolts he bought at Lowes broke.

[Maksim 1,504]

I can tell you this.... when I was reloading 223, and when I had my press only mounted to a piece of 1 inch oak.... on one upstroak, the bolts ripped through the wood.

[Shane45 807]

I didnt want to put holes in my bench so I mounted 2X10's to the wall studs with a giant aluminum angle plate on the end. I also needed it to be inset and not hang over so I could wheel the Busa in and out. It is very riged this way. Ill try and snap a pic or 2 later.

 

Shane

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

Old kitchen table in basement. Press mounted to board with very thing layer of rubber on bottom for grip and no scratching, board clamped on with vice grip tongs. VERY solid! I attach all 4 of my presses this way and nothing is permenent.

 

Reloading wall with a little shooting gear mixed in

[crackaloon 15]

I have a carpet in my basement, so I need some mechanism to drain static ... any gadget ideas? I have seen people use a flat metal sheet on the carpet that's connected to main ground, though not sure if that actually works!?

 

The sheet of metal would work as a ground, but it's advisable to have a resistance between you and earth ground. It's been a while, but I believe it's at least 10 mega ohms. I can think of at least 2 reasons for this. One is that you don't want to discharge yourself with a spark, that's what you're trying to avoid. Two, if a large spike like a close lightning strike or power transformer problem occurs you're giving that spike a direct path to where you don't want it to go. The easiest thing that comes to mind is a conductive floor mat from an office store and to wear an electronic wrist strap. There are more durable ones than the ones that come with many switches and routers now-a-days, but that's the idea. Slow the discharge enough so you don't create a spark. You can plug your wrist strap directly to earth ground without the fear of electrocution because they burn out first.

 

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Cat=2228308&k=ground%20strap

[tbtrout 141]

I can tell you this.... when I was reloading 223, and when I had my press only mounted to a piece of 1 inch oak.... on one upstroak, the bolts ripped through the wood.

Because you did not listen to me and had to find out the hard way I was right.

[Wolfy 51]

I had Tim assemble my bench.

[Maksim 1,504]

Because you did not listen to me and had to find out the hard way I was right.

 

 

and now for the next bench I am thinking 4 inch. =P But in all seriousness, this is like building up the walls and roof of the house without laying a good foundation.

 

The 650 and addons are big.... and the force required to perform the operations are alot greater than just doing one stage at a time.

 

I believe Midway sells a Frankford Arsenal metal stand designed for the major presses. That may be an option.

[djg0770 481]

It is very riged this way.

 

Do you mean rigid or rigged? (no, seriously!)

[ronhonda 86]

This is the bench I use at work. Not bolted to anything, sturdy as can be. I did not use the metal counter top cover, just bare wood. Oh, Dillon 650, with all the goodies. Drawers can be mounted vertically, perfect to mount the press and drawers great for dies, tools, manuals, etc...

 

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgf/R-100135138/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[Guest HuntingPaper]

Here's my set up!

 

[Sigman 41]

The sheet of metal would work as a ground, but it's advisable to have a resistance between you and earth ground. It's been a while, but I believe it's at least 10 mega ohms. I can think of at least 2 reasons for this. One is that you don't want to discharge yourself with a spark, that's what you're trying to avoid. Two, if a large spike like a close lightning strike or power transformer problem occurs you're giving that spike a direct path to where you don't want it to go. The easiest thing that comes to mind is a conductive floor mat from an office store and to wear an electronic wrist strap. There are more durable ones than the ones that come with many switches and routers now-a-days, but that's the idea. Slow the discharge enough so you don't create a spark. You can plug your wrist strap directly to earth ground without the fear of electrocution because they burn out first.

 

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Cat=2228308&k=ground%20strap

 

Crackaloon is correct. You want some resistance between you and ground. Electronic ditributors sell anti-static grounding matts that you can put on the floor and walk on.

[tony357 386]

Do you mean rigid or rigged? (no, seriously!)

[Radek 73]

Thanks guys for sharing your setup.

 

I am thinking of buying this table. The legs are rated 3000 lbs. I think the 1 3/4" Maple top should be quite sturdy and will not flex ... I can always add a layer of plywood underneath and bolt it together if needed.

[Maksim 1,504]

Here is my setup as promised.

 

I have an empty section in my office so decided to setup the press there.

 

In the new space I am moving too, there is about a 150 sf closet that I will turn into the reloading room. Out of sight will work great.

 

Once we move out of the condo, there will be space. Whatever house we decide to buy, will have a gun cave. lol.

 

Both of the presses are mounted to 2 inches of oak, glued and drilled. Mounted to the desk with Double head C clamps. So when I switch from one to another, very easy to do so... and still solid.

[Shane45 807]

 

[Radek 73]

I like Shane's setup! The the table w/ square tube legs looks very sturdy, and I like the reloading setup w/ storage in the back ... nice!

[Shane45 807]

Thanks Radek. And in case anyone was wondering, yes those are dog bowls hehe. The shape makes em easy to scoop out of and the rubber bottom keeps em in place

[Wolfy 51]

Shane I was going to comment on the dog dishes I use the same ones for my cat.

[Radek 73]

I am picking up this workbench tonight!

 

Workbench 72 inches long; 30 inches wide; 30 inches high and 56 inches high to top of light. Bench has 110 electric and lighting.

 

The table top is wood covered with Formica, rest is all steel ... should be sturdy!

 

I am going to put a shelf (on the leg braces) and maybe a set of drawers underneath ...

 

 

 

 

[Shane45 807]

Very nice! Dont forget to snap a pic when its in place and all set up!

[coldsolderjoint 84]

Thanks Radek. And in case anyone was wondering, yes those are dog bowls hehe. The shape makes em easy to scoop out of and the rubber bottom keeps em in place

 

Your dog eats bullets?