Setting up my loading bench

F

fishbone

Guest
It's been a long time since loading (and shooting) and most everything needs to be bought; actually starting over.
I recently bought a gun from a member on this forum and have a couple others kind enough to advise.
So, with a load of loading tools and equipment on order and coming in daily, I got to work on a bench.
I have a woodworking shop which makes the project much easier.
First, 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood was glued together (36"x80") for the top. Then a sheet of Formica was applied with contact cement. Using some scrap oak sitting around for the edging, I milled it to the thickness of the top, plus 3/8" so as to sit proud on the back and sides to stop items from rolling onto the floor. The front is flush, top and underside, so clamps can be used on loading equipment.
The bottom used 3/4" ply 4" wide for the skirts. The legs are laminated 2x4's that were then trimmed and tapered which reduces the clunky appearance.
It weights a ton !!
I cleaned up my old machinist chest to sit on top. The new tools will move in shortly.



 
now bolt it to the wall!
and then you are ready to go....is there lighting directly over the bench...say directly above the front edge ?
i did two layers pf hdpb...glued and screwed together
nice looking bench!
mike in co
.......
fishbone said:
It's been a long time since loading (and shooting) and most everything needs to be bought; actually starting over.
I recently bought a gun from a member on this forum and have a couple others kind enough to advise.
So, with a load of loading tools and equipment on order and coming in daily, I got to work on a bench.
I have a woodworking shop which makes the project much easier.
First, 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood was glued together (36"x80") for the top. Then a sheet of Formica was applied with contact cement. Using some scrap oak sitting around for the edging, I milled it to the thickness of the top, plus 3/8" so as to sit proud on the back and sides to stop items from rolling onto the floor. The front is flush, top and underside, so clamps can be used on loading equipment.
The bottom used 3/4" ply 4" wide for the skirts. The legs are laminated 2x4's that were then trimmed and tapered which reduces the clunky appearance.
It weights a ton !!
I cleaned up my old machinist chest to sit on top. The new tools will move in shortly.



Click to expand...
 
Wall bolting may be needed after trying it as is.
I'm thinking track lighting. Have to search around.
 
Fish, I had a small coil of copper tubing lying around, I think 1/4" dia. I straightened and fastened the tube to the front Bottom, underside of my bench. Then I soldered a piece of cooper wire to one end and ran the other end of the wire to a cold water pipe close by in the basement. Now anytime I need to get rid of static electricity I just touch the copper.
Centerfire
 
I never considered static discharge as a problem during the years I use to load. Is it a serious hazard? Not getting 'zapped' when touching things, I never thought about it.
If your area has high static, maybe an anti-static wrist strap with a coiled lead gator clipped to your copper tube/ground link should be used.
 
Great looking bench.
Track lighting would be great.
For me the static electricity causes issues with powder in the funnel.
Ted
 
Another thing I considered was to drill holes in the top for bolting down equipment. A threaded T-nut would be inserted from the bottom. However, some degree of certainty is needed as to where the location should be that will come from a period of use.
 
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