Looking for a reloading bench top, cheap

[Notalentbum]

Ideally, I want one of those heavy laminated maple work bench tops. I have a couple buddies that said they might be able to find me one but so far no luck. I am leaning towards one of the solid core doors that Lowes sells for about $55. Not really what I want but have not found a better alternative yet.
Any other ideas out there? I will be hanging a Crusher II and a Dillon 650 on it if that matters.

Thanks, Matt

 

[Squirt239]

I used solid core doors for my set up. You might also consider buying two 1" plywood/particle board/what have you, and screwing them together.

 

[Squirt239]

PS...check on craigslist for doors...some people throw them away, or give them away...

 

[skulhedface]

I'm planning to make one out of some scrap decking and reinforce under the presses with 2x6. Got most of the materials free on craigslist

 

[EvilElmo]

I used a sheet of 1" birch plywood reinforced with some spare strips of aluminum that I had. The birch is holding up very well.

 

[hammer24]

Menards has oak butcher block for work bench tops. Cheaper than you would think.
Search Results for "oak workbench top" at Menards

1 3/8 x 24 x 60 for $73.99 1 3/8" x 24" x 60" Red Oak Benchtop at Menards

 

[Leo]

If you laminate two pieces of 3/4 plywood together with liquid nails, you will have as much strength as you can use. Cut it to final size after the glue sets up a few days, you'll be happy.

 

[IndyGunworks]

buy 2x4's and some all thread. bolt them all together TIGHT, and fill in with epoxy to make the surface flat. Use 4x4's for the legs and bolt to the wall and you will have a SOLID reloading bench.

 

[gopurdue02]

If you laminate two pieces of 3/4 plywood together with liquid nails, you will have as much strength as you can use. Cut it to final size after the glue sets up a few days, you'll be happy.

I used particle board-like material on top that had a veneer finish which was screwed & glued into several 2x4 that I drilled together as the "base" for the press. I screwed the whole bench into the house wall and I have zero moment issues. I think I have 100 bucks worth of material tied up in my bench. The key is to tie it into the structure of your house so you get zero moment...and use screws threw out the whole process. There have been times I have put some force on my single stage press when resizing rifle brass

 

[g+16]

I used kitchen cabnet base with counter top, bolted to wall studs and floor. Strong as rock.

 

[Leo]

buy 2x4's and some all thread. bolt them all together TIGHT, and fill in with epoxy to make the surface flat. Use 4x4's for the legs and bolt to the wall and you will have a SOLID reloading bench.

Wow Indy, you don't mess around! That would hold up a small car. It would outlast the reloader. I like how you think

 

[rvb]

3/4" melamine on top of a 3/4" ply base. very sold, easy cleanup, etc.


-rvb

 

[Giddaltti]

FWI....pay close attention to secure points on your press in relation to where you will screw it in on the table. For example my first table top was heavy duty then once I bolted down the press I only used less then 6 inches from the edge. Since I built the legs and cross supports using 2×4 that was enough support to bolt down two presses. The rest of the tabl was dead weight. I went with 1/2 plywood. Returned the heavy stuff used the $$ on a new press!

See distance from edge to top bolt. Hope this helps.

 

[Seancass]

I have a cheap workbench from Menards with 1/2" particle board top(it may be 3/4"), but it's way too weak, it would flex with every pull of the lever. So, instead of buying a whole new top, i just re-enforced the section under the press! Two 2x4's laid flat in a T shape, long leg facing away from the loader, spread the force out over more of the table top. Stiffened it right up and only cost a few cents for the (scrap) boards and some screws.

If i were doing it all over again, I'd double up on 3/4 inch plywood, and bolt the bench to the wall.

 

[kludge]

It's probably smaller than what you want but I have a nice clean piece of MDF roughly 30"x20"and 1.5" thick. It's yours if you want it.

Finshed in black with a nice smooth "painted" surface on top. It was a "scrap bin" piece I brought home from work to upgrade my bench, but I since have found another bench top.

 

[Notalentbum]

It's probably smaller than what you want but I have a nice clean piece of MDF roughly 30"x20"and 1.5" thick. It's yours if you want it.

Finshed in black with a nice smooth "painted" surface on top. It was a "scrap bin" piece I brought home from work to upgrade my bench, but I since have found another bench top.

that at is smaller than what I want. I really want 8' as that is the space I have to fill. One of the solid doors are likely where I'll end up. I intend to get something this weekend one way or another. I looked at the tops from Menards but they are 3-4 weeks out to get an 8 footer.
There is a guy in northern IN that sells sections of bowling alley lanes that would make a great bench top at only $12/foot but it would cost me way more in time and gas money than the top would cost.

Thanks, Matt

 

[GMtoblat]

I used kitchen cabnet base with counter top, bolted to wall studs and floor. Strong as rock.

This, I have a "sink" size base cabinet with wood laminate top it was used as a microwave stand. Dont need it now, if you want to drive down south it's yours free.

 

[remauto1187]

Theres a company over in Effingham, IL that makes butcher block and they sell the "defect" ones for pennies on the dollar.

 

[jbell_64]

Theres a company over in Effingham, IL that makes butcher block and they sell the "defect" ones for pennies on the dollar.

What company is this? I grew up just down the road from there and go visit family often. I may have to pick up one of these for my garage.

 

[Notalentbum]

John Boos & Co. Since 1887 - Cutting Boards - Butcher Blocks - Countertops - Kitchen Carts - Stainless Steel - Tables - Sinks - Racks

What company is this? I grew up just down the road from there and go visit family often. I may have to pick up one of these for my garage.

I found this company with a google search. I sent them an email asking about "seconds". No reply yet.

Matt