Saw this on the web thought some would like it http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Pr...50-bench/Print check it out
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Saw this on the web thought some would like it http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Pr...50-bench/Print check it out
http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/benchnrma.pdf
I built this one and could not be happier with it.
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/IMG_0664.jpg
I built the same bench except I left more lip on the front edge of the top to make it easier to mount my press. I covered the top of the table with tempered Masonite (hard board), over the plywood top, for easier cleaning and deleted all the sliding doors and put in more movable shelves. Also put a 1" rim around the top of the cabinet to keep things from sliding off. This is the second one like this I have built and they work great.
Thats not a bad little bench Nelson. The bottom half is very similar to the bench I built to do my reloading on. I dont have a gun room yet so I made this bench so I can move it around wherever I need it, with the thought that I can just screw it to the wall once I get the room done. I like the lighting idea though, and may have to add that to mine.
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN4365.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN4367.jpg
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t...s/DSCN4368.jpg
pdog06, how tall did you make you'rs?
I made mine 30", which is a standard table top height. It is perfect for using that kind of chair or a kitchen style chair, but if you plan to use a barstool to sit on then I would make it 42".
I actually have some thin sections of carpet to put on it to make it more comfortable but havent done it yet.
I have plans on making mine longer, or adding a higher section to it so I can also reload either standing or from a barstool. Just one of those many projects that works now and keeps getting put on the backburner, just like the gun room ::).
I always like these topics about what people use for reloading benches. Allot of good plans and ideas. As for me I ended up going the easy route and didn't build mine. It was a CHEAP route though. I picked up this over sized office desk at a thrift store for $40. I was able to offset the top to one side so it gave me plenty room to mount my two presses and still have room to solid mount my trimmer. Lots of drawer space for brass and supplies.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...r/IMG_5747.jpg
You might as well make everyone drool and post a picture of the entire room....Then Hammer would have to start posting pics of his reloading bench(es).
I would love to see a closer pic of the 6th gun from the left if ya have one. I have wanted an exotic wood stock for one of mine for a while now, but just havent coughed up the $ yet...Could be cause there is none...LOL
Sure, anything to get a chance at getting a peek at Utopia! Not nearly the machinery that Hammer has but it makes for a cozy place to enjoy my hobby. 15 ft. out the gray door is my shooting bench and 100 yard range. Makes it nice for load work as I can just load five for testing and shoot right away.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...r/IMG_5749.jpg
I did build my cleaning bench though. Just some 2x4's and a top made of malamine. Simple but effective.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...r/IMG_5750.jpg
You have probably seen this pic before. Sixth from the left is my 20Vartarg. Stock by Joel Russo out of figured walnut.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...IMG_4200_1.jpg
So were do you live that you can shoot behind your house??
Middle of nowhere ND. Closest occupied farmstead is about 1 mile. Not much in the way of big city entertainment around here but when I read where allot of you guys have to drive a fair distance to the shooting range I feel VERY fortunate to be able to enjoy my hobby the way I can.
I like the modified desk.
I've used two approaches over the years:
-- A Sears mechanics cabinet, with a plywood top that extends over one side that allows the press to be attached w/o obstructing the drawers. Excellent if you need something that can be moved or stored in a closet. Drawers are strong enough to handle boxes of bullets and dies.
-- Half of a heavy-duty steel shelving set (originally 48" wide, 18" deep, 72" high) from CostCo, with a cut down kitchen counter top on it. The second half of the shelving set is my gun cleaning, etc. bench. Lots of storage on the two shelves under it.
Very nice TOOBuilder. Nice layout, clean and crisp....I like it.
Today, I started arranging the garage. Most of the garage cabinets on one wall are set in place. 250 more boxes and I will be done.
Thanks for the pics Too Builder! I remember when you finished the cave, but couldnt remember what the finished room looked like. You did an outstanding job..
Same goes with the guns. I have seen your pic of that rifle a while ago. Is that a different wood alltogether, or the same as the lighter one and you just added stain? That is kinda about what I had in mind for a wood stock if I did one.
Nope, no stain. I use straight tung oil on the figured wood stocks. You are probably thinking of the 20 Vartargs big brother, the curly maple 6.5x55AI. Here they both are basking in the warm sun.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...G_4331_1_1.jpg
thanks for making us drooool!
No problem, glad you like them. We kind of strayed off topic from Balljoints original post but I'll say that it has been what I have read and learned right here on this site that has inspired me to build my rifles the way I want them.
Same goes with the reloading room and bench. I started with a bare "Cave" in my basement and slowly picked away at it. It didn't happen over night and there are still a couple finishing touches I would like to do.
Be it a dedicated room or a bedroom closet I think it is interesting see others setups and always get good ideas from them.
agreed! Only problem about seeing everyone elses setups is that I want to spend money....LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by TOO Builder
Gordon, did you buy that bench kit yet? I'm gonna look around and see what extra wood i got layin around and try to upgrade mine a little bit. Nice rainy day project.
I don't mind anyone going off and showing their loading bench or man cave loading room, I'm using half of my garage for all my loading and gun work hard to take pictures as it's a little small to take a pic through the door wouldn't show everything.
So show them man caves.
now I want to go to Cabalas!!!!! I think I need a new hornady sonic cleaner! :(Quote:
Originally Posted by pdog06
should be able to find a spot for it!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...g/100_4430.jpg
legs are WWII mil surplus and the rest is anything that would fit in the corner and provide storage.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ing/6br015.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...0728891304.jpg
I started out with one of those little Craftsman fold up work benches, but have since graduated to half of the basement. The only thing I mounted to the counter top is the press. I just built shelves under the stairs for the rest of the stuff.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/PICT0234.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/PICT0232.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/PICT0233.jpg
I got a buddy to build me this gun rack which basically just turned into pellet gun storage so I have easy access when the rabbits invade the garden.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/100_0431.jpg
The other side of the stairs just has the safe (hopefully that will be plural soon) and some mounts.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/PICT0236.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...9/100_1066.jpg
ADAM:
Damn thats a large Ram! Im in Central washington and I've seen some nice rams but nothing with a double curl! Good looking mounts, and reloading room!
I was thinking the same thing when i saw the Ram. Dang nice one for sure!
If you don't want too build your own bench try this from Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch...nch-93454.html this was in an ad in my local paper with a 20% off Super Coupon have seen this coupon in many gun magazines including the new American Rifleman pg. 73.
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One example of a reloading setup…
None of this is for any commercial or productive operation.
It is simply one man’s hobby in his spare time.
All of it paid for by his own efforts (no gov’t dollars at work).
Have been playing around with this stuff for over forty years. Had my first bullet casting setup when I was 13. Had three horizontal SAS bullet swaging presses for calibers up to 458 by the time I was 16. Can make my own bullet jackets for about anything. And, yes, rimfire cases can be reloaded. And, contrary to the rumor mill and conventional wisdom, there is a 3-inch chambered 16 gauge.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/b2ea57d5.jpg
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP0173.jpg
Old six-cylinder 5-speed CJ is used to change targets which are setup out past one mile. One day will put a V8 in it to speed up the target changing process.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/ae82efb3.jpg
There’s about two dozen Dillon presses setup and over 150 Dillon tool heads
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/2c9e4d85.jpg
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/9e1ece60.jpg
Though the Dillons can load up to 500 A-Square and 550 Magnum, the RCBS AmmoMasters fill in for semi-progressive loading of larger rounds.
Think every brand and model of reloading tool and accessory made in the past 100 years is around here somewhere. Some custom made for trying a new idea.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/9e4317e3.jpg
Can load, shoot, and test year round from indoor bench.
Can shoot, measure, make decisions, reload the exact same piece of brass with desired modifications, and shoot again in under a minute.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP0365.jpg
Sound reducing chamber allows me to test 50 calibers while the cowboys work with two-year-old colts in a round pen less than 200 feet away.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP0368.jpg
Each round fired is measured on seven independent chronographs in order to average out measurement error and to identify measurement outliers.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP1206.jpg
The range is a surveyed one mile. Has paper and automatic re-setting steel targets in multiple directions from the shooting bench. Shooter can choose whatever degree of crosswind he needs for a particular test.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP0200.jpg
This particular Savage has over 150 barrels ranging from the 14-221 Walker up through the 470 Capstick. Five complete bolt assemblies with different cartridge bolt heads. Also has half-dozen different stocks. And about a dozen scopes preset in detachable rings. Got to have the right equipment for whatever tests need to be done.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP2175.jpg
In rifles, currently load for hundreds of cartridges ranging from the 14-221 Walker up through the 585 Nyati. Similarly with handguns.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMG_1850.jpg
And field testing is essential…
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP0185.jpg
A Comment about Handloading Bench Construction
Some of my benches are built of 2-inch square steel tubing welded together. They have 4 foot by 8 foot tops made of 1½ inch thick plywood with steel support every two feet. Under each loading press is a large piece of steel to spread the pressure before the bolts reach the washers and nuts. These benches are tall enough to work from standing up or with a high adjustable stool or chair.
Other benches are made with either 4 x 4 or 6 x 6 posts for legs. Edge, cross bars, and other supports are 2 x 8’s. The tops once again are 1½ inch thick plywood. Lots of glue, long screws, and nuts and bolts hold them together. These benches are a little shorter and use Dillon strong mount to raise the presses.
Yet other benches are made by using two sets of Gorilla Racks together to form the legs for a 4 x 4 foot top made of 1½ inch plywood.
Make a bench that is solid by design and construction without any need of added weight. Make one that will not be shaken by dropping a Big Block V8 on it. Then add weight to the shelves in the form of lead shot or bullets. Make something that requires a big diesel to budge it.
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Before the question gets asked...
No.
Cannot afford the liability of giving handloading recipe advice.
Besides, I consider a rubber mallet an essential tool in testing.
And barrels and actions are consumable goods.
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Shotgun loading and testing is done in another building.
Nearly all shotgun loading is done on Spolars.
Wife says I have to quit using vintage Parkers and L C Smiths for experimentation purposes.
The newer Merkels and Krieghoffs will hold a little more juice.
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Have had benchrest type loading dies and equipment since the beginning.
My first rifle was built by benchrester Fred Sinclair himself, founder of Sinclair International.
Grew up within a couple of miles of where national benchrest matches were routinely held.
Having said that, Dillon's progressive equipment will load ammunition suitable for any purpose including competition.
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My goodness I love when you post those! ;D
Although I'm feeling a bit inadequate at the moment..............
Thanks Hammer it gives the rest of us something to dream about. I mean it, thanks again.
you have quite the setup ive never even imagined anything like that :o you gotta have one hell of a wife to have all the toys too all i can say is wow
Any ranch lands for sale or auction in the area you live, looks like a very good area too live BUT how much SNOW do you get during the winter and when does it start
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Quote:
... how much SNOW do you get during the winter and when does it start...
Doesn’t snow much.
The first snow starts about mid-September. Last snow melts about mid-July. August is rough sledding.
But we still put up 150 tons or more of hay each year for the livestock.
One night’s fresh snow
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP1074.jpg
Typical morning for the cowboys
Real snow removal equipment has large diesel engines and either tracks or lots of wheels.
Sand trucks are not optional.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP1107.jpg
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP1069.jpg
Sometimes have to knock a little snow away from the windows.
Rarely have snow above the second story eves.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP1251.jpg
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Quote:
... you gotta have one **** of a wife to have all the toys too all i can say is wow...
She tolerates my habits pretty well.
On top of that, as a senior scientist and engineer in high tech stuff, she can help me with my experiments and tests.
Her excellent cooking is favored by all our overseas guests and a topic of discussion when we visit them at their homes.
She has never bought me a neck tie for Christmas or my birthday.
Currently, she favors German shotguns for presents.
Yes, she has unmarried sisters and nieces.
No, their contact information is not available.
Another habit.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...6551063909.jpg
Yet another habit.
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http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...0/IMGP0284.jpg
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there is a catch to hammers life style, he has to go to all the big city's around the country and WORK to support the cowboys he employs life style. ;) I think the cowboys may be ahead of the game!
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Twelve Million frequent flyer miles earned the hard way.
Been to New York City or Washington every week this past two years. And hit the other four corners each week too. International when I cannot talk my way out of it. Was supposed to be in Tokyo and Singapore this week.
Smart cell phones and email make it more difficult to escape work.
The cowboys are all the time sharing how difficult life is.
That they'd like gentler cow ponies to break.
Couldn't I hire someone for them to supervise instead of them building fence.
Telling me they need a new rifle barrel for coyote work.
And the first generation Colt SAA 44's are getting a little worn.
Next thing they will want is a PowerPoint projector.
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wait til they want taller pony's then the shetlands so there legs quite dragging through the sage
Maybe you can get some of the firearms industry to redeem a few of them miles. other company's are doing it.
Well I'll admit that's the only animal I shot in a preserve. I said I wouldn't do it again because although I had fun it didn't really compare to actually getting out and doing all the work. I am planning a boar hunt now though for a bachelor party for a buddy of mine... and I need a way to test out my 338 Federal before I take it to Quebec this year for whitetail. Everything else was shot on public lands, except one of the 6pts. I took in Quebec a couple years back.Quote:
Originally Posted by showgun
Hammer,
Airplanes, reloading and appaloosas. Too much in common :o
If you are ever flying that Mooney over central ND you need to stop in for a visit.
This may be a bit off topic but I have been looking for someone to adopt me. HAMMER?!?!?! TOO Builder???? I dont eat much and I'll be more than happy to help out with the load development.
My wife and kids will probably want to come along also But I'll leave them behind if you only have room for one. ;D
I am not looking to be adopted, but I am going to be looking for a summer job... perhaps you are in need of another cowboy Hammer?
Agreed - when you think of a particular seat on a flight somewhere as "your seat" and the flight attendants think that way too (and you know their kids names) you are traveling too much. Same thing when Mary who makes breakfast at the hotel you stay in goes on and makes your order every day at the same time. Of course I like it that they save a cold beer for me from happy hour!Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammer
Hammer - "August is rough sledding"
That is funny
LOL I was starting to feel that way about Bay Saint Paul, Quebec. I was starting to understand French enough to read menus and signs. Knew which person panhandles which door at the train station in Montreal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric in NC
Received this email with a video for loading 223 ammo, BUT the reason i post this video is how the loading bench is set up with the loading press on a movable base on the bench play the video a good video BUT look in the back ground at the moving press base VERY GOOD IDEA WHISH I HAD THOUGHT OF IT as i have the material needed too do this in my wood shop here is the web site http://ultimatereloader.com/
That's a great idea but his base material stinks. No offense, but do you see how much that thing flexes when hes seating bullets? That would drive me nuts. I have a 1/2" piece of steel bolted to my bench and my press is mounted to that and there is ZERO flex. Of course mine isn't movable either.
I'm sure his would be solid too if he used something less flexible than plywood.
When I built mine though I was lucky enough to work at a place where we built machinery from large sheets of steel and there were lots of scraps and I machined it myself.
This is another way to go for someone that doesn't have much room, look this one http://www.harborfreight.com/adjusta...ion-46725.html
Nice Mooney there Hammer...
Kevin
Here is more on the bench system i posted on http://ultimatereloader.com/2011/03/...imate-reloader check it out still wish i had thought of it
I was watching the video to figure out the flex you pointed out& I *think* that the flex may be coming from the piece of angle iron at the front of the bench. really hard to tell though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rocca