Ok, I've been struggling to find a use for my grand dad's old rolltop desk. I think I'm going to turn it into a reloading bench. I plan to replace a drawer with a wooden platform that sticks out slightly to attach the press to (I don't want to harm the surface of the desk).
Any recommendations for setting-up my first dedicated reloading station? Oh, I also plan on using it as a place to clean my guns so my workbench remains uncluttered.
Re: Reloading bench tips
2Make sure whatever you attach the press to is really solid. Also make sure its not made of MDF, I tried MDF for a mount that I put into a vice and after a few hundred rounds the MDF gave way. Now I have it attached to two pieces of 1/2" wood that attaches to 2x4s that go into the vice and it seems solid.
Re: Reloading bench tips
3Thanks!
I was actually going to use MDF and 2x4s, but I guess I will ditch the MDF...thanks for the tip!
I was actually going to use MDF and 2x4s, but I guess I will ditch the MDF...thanks for the tip!
Re: Reloading bench tips
4Install a cup holder...
CDFingers
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Re: Reloading bench tips
6I have serious doubts about the drawer slot being solid enough to take the torque that a press would put on it, unless this an outstandingly unusual and burly desk.
Re: Reloading bench tips
7I'd expect Marlene is right about the press killing whatever you attach it to inside the drawer slot. There any holes in the top of the desk to work with already?
Re: Reloading bench tips
8First, it's pretty burly. It's about a century old and made from seriously hard oak. I'm guessing it comes in at about 250 lbs.
Second, I had planned on installing the drawer blank by attaching it to the inside of the desk with wood screws. This is pretty easily done as the whole desk comes apart in sections and the top comes off easily. I wasn't going to use the drawer guides to do anything other than hold the drawer blank in place until I can attach it.
Second, I had planned on installing the drawer blank by attaching it to the inside of the desk with wood screws. This is pretty easily done as the whole desk comes apart in sections and the top comes off easily. I wasn't going to use the drawer guides to do anything other than hold the drawer blank in place until I can attach it.
Re: Reloading bench tips
9You could always make a leg out of broom stick that you slip under the board when you mount the press.
CDFingers
CDFingers
Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandana
like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eyed Jack
like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eyed Jack
Re: Reloading bench tips
10I like Fingers' addition to the design. That'll take enough load off of the screws.
Re: Reloading bench tips
11I would keep the drawn as you will almost always be short on storage.
I'm going to install this on my bench and presses to make it easier to switch between presses and other tools.
https://inlinefabrication.com/collectio ... base-plate
https://inlinefabrication.com/collectio ... top-plates
They also make some other really nice stuff for reloading benches and tool caddies.
https://youtu.be/z4F93tWTC7Q
I'm going to install this on my bench and presses to make it easier to switch between presses and other tools.
https://inlinefabrication.com/collectio ... base-plate
https://inlinefabrication.com/collectio ... top-plates
They also make some other really nice stuff for reloading benches and tool caddies.
https://youtu.be/z4F93tWTC7Q
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Drain the swamp!
Re: Reloading bench tips
12You don't want it to flex and you don't want it to move. I would be uncomfortable with modifying an antique roll top desk. Making one is so easy and you won't have to worry about marking up one made out of scrap 2x4s. Hell you could even write on it.
Re: Reloading bench tips
13My bench top is 2 layers of 5/8" plywood and I still use the Lee steel quick change base to ensure less torquing of the surface.
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