Well time for a new bench...

So a few years ago I needed to make a quick reloading bench. I a 2x4 basics bench kit so I made it and threw some mdf on top. It has held up well but resizing some 300 win mag and the mdf has had enough and cracked.


Time for a new bench. And since I am doing that I might as well look at a new press

Looking at a coax or t7

COAX and one of the hardwood work benches from Lowes, Harbor Freight, Home Depot..... would get my vote. My workbench sits on 3/4 oak plywood and use 12" square 3/4 plywood plates to attach press to the bench via captive nuts. That way I can switch between presses easily MEC Shotgun, COAX, LEE 50 BMG or Lyman Turret.

The workbench is also lag bolted to the wall and it is solid even when decapping and resizing the 50BMG brass.

Prolly going to get a hardwood top and frame something nice out with 2x4s

I built this for a reloading and general use bench at the house. Love this bench and there was very little wastage. It is rather big but super sturdy. I used a piece of ply board for the table top surfaces. It very heavy so I did final assembly in place. Never reloaded any huge caliber but I know this bench won't need to attached to a wall.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/...bench/view-all/

I simply reinforced a small area under the press to the rest of the frame. My kids and nephews play with it all the time and the bench has no give when they do.

WW Grainger has great hardwood bench tops.

Bench Tops and legs

They have steel legs and benches/stringers to make a very solid bench.

Floor & decor also carries butcher block counter tops. I used this one. It was about the cheapest I could find. The 25” depth was also a little better for the space I had available.

https://www.flooranddecor.com/wood-butch...60&start=15

It was unfinished & a little rough. Just sand smooth & finish with tung oil.

Home Depot has a husky wood top for like 140 as well...


I found some oak kitchen cabinets I could use and then throw the butcher block on it....

Decision decisions

Anyone have a link to the thread with reloading pictures?

Is this the one?

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6845952/1

I built mine out of 2" X 6" frame, and 3/4" birch top. 2" X 4" legs in a tee connection on all four corners, tied together at the floor, and a gussett from top rear, to lower front.

Think I am leaning towards getting some 4x4s for post and 2x4 connecting and just frame something basic out.


Could go buy some online fabrication stuff instead of buying a new press

Some features to consider that I have learned I like on my bench.

1. Build twice the shelves you think you need. More gear than you think will accumulate over time.
2. A perfectly level shelf at eye level. Dedicated full time for your scale and trickler that is right next to the powder measure.
3. A quarter inch lip all the way around the work surface that keeps all spilled powder on the bench.
4. A power strip bolted to the bench.
5. Machinists lamp that is articulated so you have light where you want it.

I cannot argue with any of this.

I failed to mention, the area where your press will be, needs to be nearly as strong as an anvil. I'm sure you know, sizing brass requires some serious force from time to time.

2"X4" table frame will be fine, provided the field is not too large. Mine is 3' deep and 8' long, thus the 2"X6" frame.

And being a welder first, and carpenter second, I don't use nails too much. Glued and screwed is my motto attaching wood together.

1) I moved most of my reloading stuff to a free standing cabinet
2) I have a slat wall above mine so got shelves
3) stealing this idea
4) makes life better
5) need more light around my bench as a whole

I'm thinking about trying one of these. Not sure how well it will hold up.


https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/workbench-legs-kit?a=207081

Definitely a Coax press. I sold my T7 and acquired the coax. I love how the die free floats. I would also recommend a inline fabrication ultra mount for the coax. You can also get other attachments from in line fabrication to make your space more efficient on your bench. Check out their website.

Good luck with your build.

Built mine with doubled up 2x4 legs and a solid core door for a top. Love it!

good to know

Although currently a mess I like the metal table. Mine is an old machine shop table I got for free. I have to clean it every time I use it. Never claimed to be organized. Yes I use the cheap Lee single stage presses. If I was going to run more than 2-3000 rounds a year I might look into something else. For now these have not failed to impress on the range where it counts.