My reloading bench project

[Hatchdog]

Wow, that’s some nice looking butcher block under that ugly utility gray paint.

[Rifletom]

Nothing major around the bench, but, am about to put up some peg board to help unclutter things that seem to be gaining control of my bench.

[Hatchdog]

Nothing major around the bench, but, am about to put up some peg board to help unclutter things that seem to be gaining control of my bench.

I hear that, sometimes between work benches and reloading bench’s I find I don’t have one square inch of available horizontal bench space anywhere.

[DsGrouse]

Nothing major around the bench, but, am about to put up some peg board to help unclutter things that seem to be gaining control of my bench.

I hear that, sometimes between work benches and reloading bench’s I find I don’t have one square inch of available horizontal bench space anywhere.

No kidding, where does it all go?

[Ernie]

Taking a vacation and got back to the bench. Decided to use what was the bottom of the butcher block for the top and I wasn't as careful sanding this surface so I am having to spend a lot of time getting an acceptable finish. I have decided this has got to be maple it is soooo hard but the surface is smooth as glass after 100 grit paper. This will take a long time but I will get it done eventually.

[Ernie]

IMG_1217.jpeg (304.73 KiB) Viewed 1552 times

IMG_1218.jpeg (317.52 KiB) Viewed 1552 times

I got the frame painted, re-installed the leveler/swivels, finished sanding the butcher block top and installed that. Then leveled the bench placed a dam around the edges, and applied a seal coat of Top Boat epoxy. After 3 hours I poured on around a gallon of the epoxy, spread it and used a torch to get rid of the air bubbles. The epoxy worked out well it is about 1/8 thick. Now that I have removed the dam I am going to sand down the top edges to a radius, sand the outside edges and coat with some polyurethane. After the abuse it received from welding etc I think it looks pretty good. Was pleased to save it. Getting close.
PS, I had to fill a section with epoxy filler and decided to place my initials on it for they heck of it.

[DsGrouse]

That looks fantastic

[runnin n gunnin]

You know Ernie, I'm afraid I would move the bench to the kitchen, its way to pretty for my load bench !

[BigAl52]

Looks good Ernie. Id almost not want to drill holes in it.

[Ernie]

I had to use the pour on finish to level the top because it was not completely flat due to age and abuse so I figured I might as well make it look good. I took the time to sand it down and let the wood grain show off a bit.

[NHshtr]

Good job on the finish. It really looks nice. Be sure to show us when it's all rigged up. Don't scratch it!

[Hatchdog]

You know Ernie, I'm afraid I would move the bench to the kitchen, its way to pretty for my load bench !

Agree! Nice work.

[JVogler]

Good looking bench. You can be proud of all your efforts.

[Ernie]

Mounted the Rock Chucker, Redding T7. and MEC Size Master 12 gauge presses. First photo shows shelves, hanging bin hardware and where I was going to mount presses and second photo is where I actually mounted the RC and T7. The MEC is mounted about 4 inches left of where it is shown.

IMG_0035.jpeg (152.88 KiB) Viewed 1295 times

IMG_0036.jpeg (268.61 KiB) Viewed 1295 times

Have more stuff to take out tomorrow and put in tentative place.

[NHshtr]

Nice! A very successful bench project. Best of luck using it.

[Rifletom]

Ernie, what tool box is that? I need[want?] a new one. That looks perfect.

[Ernie]

Ernie, what tool box is that? I need[want?] a new one. That looks perfect.

That is a Kennedy machinist toolbox model 520 that I got off Ebay in April for $250. It is built a lot better and was cheaper than the new Craftsman boxes. It has felt lined drawers full length steel slides and for me the perfect size (20" long). I have the same box at work that I bought new in the late 70's and they are both show little wear. They will easily outlast me.

[Ernie]

After much research I ordered a Lee Classic turret press. The biggest factor was a $12 cost for the extra turrets so I can set them up as needed and swap them out as needed. I will mount it today and start setting up the dies to do some 357. Slow baby steps until I gain some confidence with the process.

[BrokenolMarine]

Beautiful job. I really like that large bench. My loading and ammo storage is in a small room at the back of the house out of view of little ones, when the kids and grandkids visit. I have been loading on a compact bench so long I'm green with envy.

[Vaquero]

After much research I ordered a Lee Classic turret press. The biggest factor was a $12 cost for the extra turrets so I can set them up as needed and swap them out as needed. I will mount it today and start setting up the dies to do some 357. Slow baby steps until I gain some confidence with the process.

I love my 4-hole Classic turret, I have all my die sets in their own turret.
So changing calibers is easy, slip one out and change shell holders and slip the next set right in and continue on.
I have a single stage, but I use it mainly with a universal decapping die.
Also for sizing cast boolits.

RP