SHTFPreparedness may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
Reloading bench is a workspace table used by shooters to reload their own cartridges and casings.
It is every gun lovers important tool in their arsenal. The reloading bench is designed in such a way that it can hold all the reloading supplies in a single place. This makes it easy for the users when working on reloading their ammos.
If you’ve been using your kitchen table or some piece of wood on support in your garage for reloading your cartridge, then it’s essential that you start thinking about investing in a professional reloading bench.
The critical thing to look for when looking for a reloading bench is the durability and the design.
The table should be durable enough to withstand the weight exerted due to the downward pressure created by the reloading press and have a rugged and robust design for a long-lasting lifetime.
How to Build a Basic Reloading Bench?
If you love doing DIY jobs at home, then building a reloading bench is no big thing to ask. The biggest difference between a pre-built reloading bench and a DIY one is the quality of finish and the cost.
It’s imperative to take all the considerations into account prior to starting the work to get the best in quality and economical reloading bench. Plan the size of your reloading bench, opt for high-quality wood materials, and get all the tools required to build the reloading bench.
The process to build the DIY basic reloading bench will take one day.
Materials Required:
- 2×6 lumber – 21” long – 8 pieces (for Base and Tabletop)
- 2×6 lumber – 47” long – 4 pieces (for Base and Tabletop)
- 4×4 lumber – 48” long – 4 pieces (to connect the Base and Tabletop)
- ¾” plywood – 47” x 24” – 4 pieces (2 to cover the base and 2 for the Tabletop)
- 2×10 lumber – 30 ½” long – 2 pieces (used for the shelf legs)
- 2×10 lumber – 47″ long – 1 piece (used as the middle-level shelf)
- 2×10 lumber – 50” long – 1 piece (used as the top-level shelf)
Tools Required:
- Drill machine with drill bits
- Screwdriver set
- Tape Measure
- Safety Gloves
- Eyeglasses (to avoid sand dust)
- Carpentry pencil
- Saw to chip the wood
- Framing square
Steps To Build The Reloading Bench
Step 1. The first step to make the reloading machine is to build the base frame. For the base frame, take the 2×6 lumber and make two pieces, each 47” in length. Make sure you smoothen the edges after cutting to get the perfect finish.
Step 2. Next, in the same 2×6 lumber, make four pieces, each 21″ in length. These four pieces will be the central perpendicular support for the two 47” pieces.
Step 3. Drill the holes on the two 47” components and insert the 2 ½” screws into the four central pieces. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
Step 4. Repeat Steps 1-3 to make the tabletop frame.
Step 5. Once the base frame and tabletop frame are ready (they should look the same), the next step is to attach the four legs for the reloading table. The legs will connect the base frame and tabletop frame. For the legs, take the 4×4 lumber and make four pieces, each 48” long.
Step 6. Set the four pieces (the legs) between the base and the table top on the inside. Drill the holes on both sides of the legs through the base and tabletop frames (across the L-shaped corners).
Insert the 2 ½” screws to tighten the legs with the frame. Make sure the frames are perfectly horizontal, and the legs are vertical and firmly connected. Now, we have the base and tabletop setup ready. The next step will be to add the plywood on the top of the base and tabletop layers.
Step 7. For the base, take one ¾” plywood and make cuts on the four corners (using a saw/jigsaw) to fit the plywood around the legs. Make sure the edges are smooth. Next, take ¾” plywood and lay it over the tabletop layer. Drill holes along the edges and use 2 ½” screws to secure the plywood with the table top.
Step 8. The penultimate step will be to build the shelves for the reloading bench. Take the two 30 ½” 2×10 lumber components and secure them perpendicular with the table top. Drill holes through the sides of the 2×10 and 2×6 lumber component and insert a 3” screw to secure the setup.
Step 9. The last step – place the 2×10 50” long component over the two 2×10 side components. Drill holes from the top of the 50” component to secure the top shelf for the reloading table.
Similarly, take the 2×10 47” long components and place it beneath the top shelf. Drill holes from the sides (vertical support) and insert 2 ½” screws to secure the middle shelf with the setup.
Step 10. Once the setup is complete, you must apply lots of wood stain material to protect the wood from decay or any other damage. Also, make sure you sand the entire setup once complete to get the perfect finish.
Free Plans
http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/benchnrma.pdf
http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/benchrayvin.pdf
https://web.archive.org/web/20150218185853/https://www.strongtie.com/ftp/fliers/diy-projctpad06.pdf
Conclusion
With the right tools and the perfect quality lumber, you can build a simple DIY reloading bench that will look professional and elegant. Hopefully, that will help you get a cleaner and safe working environment and with easy access to all required items for reloading your ammo.
