New Reloading Setup

[GardDog]

I used the last few months to redo my reloading / gunplumber bench in my garage. I went from a store bought pegboard and powder coated sheet metal bench to a custom built wooden setup. My dad always had a woodworking shop operating when I was growing up, so I used this project to get the Ole Man down to my place and spend some quality time making sawdust together.

I ended up with 14' of worktop with storage underneath and a stand alone cabinet. I also painted the garage floor with the epoxy sealer kit.

I ran into an issue with finding a suitable place to mount my reloading press, so I searched da Google for reloading press stands. I found plans for a portable press stand that is made from one piece of stair tread (link here: November | 2012 | Precision Rifles & Handloading).

The only change I had to make was due to the original plans being designed for a Rockchucker Press. My Lee press needed more clearance height than the RCBS, so if you use the plans for your project, measure your press prior to making the final cuts.

I full-length sized about 200 .308 Win, .300 WSM and .260 Rem cases on Monday. The portable press stand held up and met my expectations.

 

[gixxer822]

i personally prefer my presses to be mobile. i think its a great space saver and makes your bench useable for so many different things. i mounted mine to a steel stand from Harbor freight and when i have to size my 50 bmg i just put sandbags at the base. looks good man

 

[dbowhunter]

Bookmarked for the day I'm ready...

Looks nice.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

 

[GSluzenski]

Great job! Plenty of workspace and storage. Treasure the quality time with your Dad!

 

[Bob 964]

I built a similar portable stand for my reloading press out of 3/4 inch walnut plywood that can be stored in a closet when not in use. The heat and humidity of summertime in Tallahassee quickly drove me indoors to a more climate-controlled environment.

 

[Hntelk]

outstanding setup...I use a portable press like that as well...very nice to move around. Now, you going to load in there in the summer?? Next project...a/c to the garage..lol

 

[GardDog]

No doubt on the A/C being needed. I've got a couple fans for now, but in a month or so, it'll be way too hot to be out there for long. I need to insulate the garage door first, then extend some ductwork. It's definitely in the next phase of my project.

 

[JoeBUtah]

Real good looking set up. Even sealed the floor. Nice!

 

[BravoSix]

FYI for anyone making a stand for a Lee Classic Cast press. I don't think that it needs much, if any, additional clearance than the original plans call for here: Portable Reloading Press Plans | Precision Rifles & Handloading

I measured my press and the piston and swing linkage clearance appears to be the same as the rockchucker. To be on the safe side, I used 10.5" side height in place of the original plan's 8.25". I kept the remaining dimensions roughly the same and I have at least 3" of excess room under the piston and swing linkage. I used 9x11.5" for the base and have more than enough clearance for the lever as well. If I were to build another one, I wouldn't go more than 9.5" for the side height.

[Please excuse my poor woodworking skills displayed in the pic.]