My reloading bench project

[Ernie]

Got the base welded up today. Had to locate the top stringers 1" down from flush because of the welds on the top brackets so I am debating on whether to run the tubing all the way across or just put some in the center to keep the bench top true. Back stringer will be lag bolted into the studs in the wall if necessary for stability. The levelers on the legs have a ball swivel for full contact on the concrete. Paint comes next.
Bench top is in the background and is 72" X 30" X 2" thick butcher block. Not sure of the wood, seems like yellow pine. This was used for some welding by the previous owner so I used a belt sander to remove the paint and some burns and will use a jointer plane to level the surface. Have to remove the paint from the sides then I think I will stain it and use an acrylic sealer. Going to use 2" X 6" plank for the lower shelf. Will weld up a frame out of 1" square tubing to make 2 plywood shelves for the rear of the bench with a bracket for lights.

IMG_1167.jpeg (291.12 KiB) Viewed 1999 times

IMG_1165.jpeg (306.76 KiB) Viewed 1999 times

Sorry for rambling. Any suggestions are welcome.
Ernie

[runnin n gunnin]

Nice Ernie !

[Headhog]

Nice job and off to a good start. Looking forward to the completed project.

Paul

[fortyshooter]

Great work for a real sturdy bench Ernie! I like those welding projects!

[Travlin]

Very nice work. One suggestion, Try to allow for at least one drawer using full extension side mount hardware. You will find it very useful.

[GFK]

Looks like nice work! Me, I would try for the top to have full contact with the base. If placing some tube in the middle will do that, it seems like a plan. At any rate, it seems like it will be a fine bench.

[DsGrouse]

That is going to make for an excellent work space.

[Hatchdog]

Your bench is going to be “hell for stout” as they say…

Don’t hesitate to load some 50BMG on that bench.

[Oldbrass]

Going to be a good sturdy bench, nice work Ernie

[JEBar]

nice start, looking forward to following your progress

[Ernie]

IMG_1174.jpeg (305.53 KiB) Viewed 1600 times

Took the top off the old bench and clamped it in place. Decided I am adding a second shelf underneath and a pull out shelf in the middle. Once that is done I will round over the angles in the front and paint. After I attach top, will remove the rest of the old paint, smooth with a jointer plane, fill some cracks with epoxy and then finish sand and seal it. Boards on the shelving will be planed flat and probably painted.
Have tool boxes that I believe will provide me with enough drawers so I will skip that. Also decided to mount shelves on the wall instead of mounting on the bench.
This old bench talks to me. The boards to mount the drawers are so hard they ring when struck. They and the hardware will be saved for later use. The top has stories to tell if you take the time to study it. It certainly has served well and I am going to continue the tale.

[DsGrouse]

I like it, the top has some class to it.

[Hatchdog]

You will appreciate your shelves being mounted on the wall instead of on the bench. When you are torquing some rifle cases the stuff on your shelves won’t jump around. Like yours, mine are mounted to the wall and it works great.

620D2B0D-4C76-4071-AE4B-3770BB8BDCAE.jpeg (155.85 KiB) Viewed 1582 times

[DsGrouse]

I haven't had that problem as of yet with my new bench, but my bench top weights around 500lbs. With the bullets, brass and powders on the lower shelf it seems to be pretty stable.

[Ernie]

Thanks for the input. Worked too hard to drag myself out to the shop today. Need to let the job go so I have more energy and time to spend on MY projects.

[MuddyWaters62]

Nice looking bench, Ernie. Can't wait to see final look.

Hatchdog, I see that I'm not the only one that uses their Folgers Black Silk 2+lb cans to store their brass. As I deprime and clean my brass, I put my clean brass in the same size Coffee Mate can. Keeps me organized?

Muddy Waters68

[Hatchdog]

Nice looking bench, Ernie. Can't wait to see final look.

Hatchdog, I see that I'm not the only one that uses their Folgers Black Silk 2+lb cans to store their brass. As I deprime and clean my brass, I put my clean brass in the same size Coffee Mate can. Keeps me organized?

Muddy Waters68

Yep, they work perfectly and the price is right. I have two per caliber, dirty brass and cleaned.

[Ernie]

IMG_1178.jpeg (258.22 KiB) Viewed 1537 times

Finished all the welding today. Added second shelf and supports on the top leaving room to add 16" pull out shelf. Then placed the butcher block back on bottom side up and started sanding to remove all the old paint from the bottom and the sides.

IMG_1179.jpeg (286.05 KiB) Viewed 1537 times

IMG_1182.jpeg (273.96 KiB) Viewed 1537 times

Waiting for some warmer weather to paint the steel. Going to plane all the shelf boards but I am done for the day. Time to make supper.

[NHshtr]

Haven't been on much at all since December, but I'm catching up and find this great bench project underway.
I loaded (first time since December) 50 rounds of 7mm-08 Rem, using 45.0 gns of IMR4350 and 120 gr Nosler BTs.

Hope to see this bench project when it's completed. Should be a beauty. I love to watch other people work!

[DsGrouse]

That is a nice looking bench.