Moving Bench

[hunter24605]

Hey guys, getting married in June and putting my house on the market and moving into Robin's home. I have an area selected in the basement (dry and climate-controlled basement) Anyway, since I'm starting fresh with a new area looking for little tips before I lay it out and start building a new bench. I'm replacing the countertops in my house before it goes on the market and thinking about using the old ones as my bench. looking for ideas on lighting, storage, layout, really anything... I know what I've figured out over the years, but there's eons of experience here.

 

[Todd NE WY]

I used base cabinets and put counter top on them. Before I put the counter top down I put a sheet of, whatever thickness filled the lip on the front of the countertop, particle board for more rigidity. I have my Rockchucker and RCBS 2000 progressive mounted in the opening between the cabinets and haven't had any issues with flex. The cabinets I bought are modular, so I put 2 drawers at the top of each one with a door below that with shelves. I went full length over the bench top with overhead cabinets so I have tons of storage for powder, primers, dies and bullets. I bought my cabinets at Menards, not sure if you have one local but they have some really nice cabinets reasonably priced. For lighting I did under cabinet led.

Todd

 

[NYDAN]

When I got to start fresh with a new reloading room in a new-to-me house I found three things which I have been VERY happy with.

The first is pegboard walls. They are great because you can redesign your set-up numerous times. I think I went through about 4 versions before I settled on the lay out for my tools, etc. You can make little shelves, utilize various tool holders, and on and on.



The second thing is a thimble rack which I found at Walmart in the sewing section. It is perfect for modified cases, shell holders, neck bushings, etc.



I found LED lights at Home Depot. I think they were only around $25 ea.. They give off a "white" light, don't interfere with electronics, and you can string them together like Christmas lights. It makes putting them up very easy since you only have to use one outlet somewhere. Each one can be turn off individually with a pull chain.

 

[JD338]

Howie
I did what Todd did. You can't have enough cabinets for storage so don't take any shortcuts. Cabinets above the bench top with under cabinet lighting is the way to go and gives it a clean uncluttered look. Extra electrical outlets is a good thing too.

JD338

 

[NYDAN]

I have seen Jim's set-up. It is the cat's meow.

 

[Chuck R]

I took a different approach with my 21' long bench.

I sort of lucked out by having a friend that's a cabinet maker. The one thing I didn't want was closed cabinets as I end up opening up doors to find stuff. My reloading area is under my 3 car garage with a vault door and has its own zone on the HVAC, so dust isn't an issue. I mounted my presses on thick oak boards to obtain the same footprint so they can easily be swapped/moved.

For small parts, tools, I use a rolling cabinet:

 

[Ralt71]

This thread is great, you guys have some really nice reloading rooms. When we moved to our new house my new reloading room became half the size it use to be and is in a temp. set up if you will, until I can do something more permanent.

 

[Nannyhammer]

I hate normal height cabinets so I built mine with just a 2 X 4 frame to make it taller. The top is a recycled butcher block top with shelves under it to store large items like tumblers and the rifle vice. All the small components like brass and bullets are stored on shelves adjacent to the bench. All powder and primers are stored in ammo cans that fit on the side shelving units.

 

[JD338]

Good stuff fellas!

JD338

 

[hunter24605]

Good night sally! Looks like I tapped into the right brain trust. Great stuff fellas . Thanks!

 

[RL338]

Man there is really nice member set ups on here.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. There are some outstanding looking benches and ideas that you will be able to have a great loading bench and storage area.