Advice on Mounting Press on Bench...

[BoltNut]

Okay, so I'm on vacation this week, and I'm hoping the weather, money and energy holds out enough to hopefully fininsh the bench that good ole Dan started with me (finally cool enough to hang out on the porch for hours at a timE!

Here's a question that's bugged me since Dan was here:

#1, do I need to mount the press a certain distance off the front of the bench (overhang) to keep things from hanging up on the press, and if I do, is there a "torque danger" if it is mounted with too much gap (where it might want to rip out of the wood?

#2, do I mount it with the intent to use my right hand on the lever (I'm primarily right handed, but ambidextrious), and feed in components with my right hand (more coordinated of the two)...or do you always mount so your dominant uses the lever? I want to pre-mount & pre-drill the press, so when I put the sealer on the wood, it will get down in the holes a little bit to help with the overall seal of all the surfaces.

#3, I have two compartments that I intend to seal with exterior doors that lock...do I try and put certain materials in the compartment nearest the press for quick and frequent access, and put other stuff used less often in the other space...if so...what?

That is all...I trust the feedback I'll get!:patriot:

[Ken8521]

What press are you using? Only press I'm aware of that you can switch sides for the handle, is the Lee presses.

[BigSlick]

Position the press near the edge of the bench, drop the handle to it's full lower travel, and move the press as close to the bench top as the handle will allow. I use about ½" clearance between the handle in the full downward position and the edge of the bench. Make sure it's square to the edge of the bench... THEN drill your 5/16" holes using the press frame as a guide. .

Seal the holes however ya want, when they dry, you ready to go

Be sure to allow for any drawer travel/clearance. ;)

[Pitmaster]

Trying to seal the holes is little too intense for me to try and answer the questions, but here goes. :biggrinjester:

1. Your press may have a lip to give enough overhang.

2. I'm right handed and use it for the lever and feed with my left.

3. I always keep the stuff I need the most nearest. That's why there's so much crap on the bench.

Check out the ROCKDock mounting system (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=68704%0D).

http://www.westcoastminisplitter.com/closebase550left.jpg

[BoltNut]

It's a blue press... ;-)

Thanks, Slick...didn't think about the drawer issue, which made me think about the cabinet doors swinging open too - GREAT CATCH!!! I was actually thinking about the drawers being inside the cabinet doors, and only opening when you open the cabinet sections, but the issue still is legit about needing the clearance to do so.

[BoltNut]

Holy Crow, Mr. Pit...that is an awesome gadget, which meets my needs to be able to lock the press inside the bench cabinet while not using!!! And it don't cost too much either. I believe I may wait on drilling my holes until I can get that little baby for my press. It is the perfect solution for my situation.

[BigSlick]

It ain't like I'm overly intelligent about some things, but I do learn from my mistakes ;)

I mounted on about 4 years ago got it all mounted an was happy as could be about it. I went ta install da caliber conversion (which I had in the drawer below the press) an realized, sometimes ya just gotta be a little more thorough in thinkin things out.

I moved da press, sealed da holes an went on my way. I almost did da same thin a couple years ago, but caught myself before I drilled - barely.

Every time I see those filled up holes I think about it.

[BoltNut]

Lessons learned the hard way are lessons learned forever! :-D

[creophus]

Boltnut, just toss a cover over the press and leave it mounted. Out of sight out of mind.

Chances are you won't have any issues with torque on the bench. Most of the force goes into reloading the ammo.

[BoltNut]

I also want instant removal for being able to use the bench for various OTHER activities too. This bracket makes it a good deal.

[MakeMineaP99]

If you know any one with a mill, you could make one of those things easy. Or even just a band saw and MIG. It's not rocket science. Just sayin'.

If you mount the press on the left or right side of the bench, that will leave you plenty of room.

Creo, you better make sure BN follows through on this one. It's been six months since we broke ground on that bench and it's not even commissioned yet! I'm going to be running down south in the first quarter. Maybe I'll have to stop in for commissioning.

[Bush Pilot]

What press are you using? Only press I'm aware of that you can switch sides for the handle, is the Lee presses.

Doesn't the Rock Chucker allow you to switch? I could be losing my mind, it wouldn't be the first time.

[BigSlick]

Old school Rock Chucker no, new style yes.

[creophus]

Creo, you better make sure BN follows through on this one. It's been six months since we broke ground on that bench and it's not even commissioned yet! I'm going to be running down south in the first quarter. Maybe I'll have to stop in for commissioning.
I'll do my best. It's been over a year since he bought the press!!!

Boltnut, just mount the press. It doesn't take up that much room. If you need to remove it at some point just unbolt it. It's not that hard and there's no need for a autobot bench to get started.

[zdogk9]

Lessons learned the hard way are lessons learned forever! :-D
Mostly

[Rick]

I'll do my best. It's been over a year since he bought the press!!!



What the heck?

Shooting factory ammo or sumthin?

[creophus]

What the heck?

Shooting factory ammo or sumthin?
He a busy man.

[BoltNut]

What the heck?

Shooting factory ammo or sumthin?
Yeah, Creo's right...waaaaaaaaaay busy this year! I haven't done much factory ammo - heck - I haven't done much of ANY ammo, due to said busyness.

I've shot a good bunch of sporting clays with my buddies who do that with me, but I can hardly think of any non-shotshell ammo slung down range this year at all. Frankly, it is expensive, hard to find (was) and it is relatively boring compared to the interactive sporting clay stuff.

The Okeechobee range re-opened and has the tactical course now, so maybe I'll do some of that for interactive "regular gun" stuff, but the rush to get the bench done hasn't been too high for LOTS of other reasons.

DAN YOU BETTER STOP (or stay with us) BY IF YOU ARE IN TOWN!!! :)

[BoltNut]

Well, I've got almost the whole bench sealed and ready to start the re-assembly process! I've been taking lots of pictures, measurements and notes that I hope to turn into a detailed thread on "HOW TO" do one of your own one day...remember a real "rocket scientist" designed mine!!!

It should be easy enough to convert all the measurements into whatever size bench you might consider for yourself, but rest assured, you build it like this one and you'll be able to park your semi tractor trailer on it!!!

MAN'S BENCH!!! :sixgun:

[creophus]

Well, I've got almost the whole bench sealed and ready to start the re-assembly process! I've been taking lots of pictures, measurements and notes that I hope to turn into a detailed thread on "HOW TO" do one of your own one day...remember a real "rocket scientist" designed mine!!!

It should be easy enough to convert all the measurements into whatever size bench you might consider for yourself, but rest assured, you build it like this one and you'll be able to park your semi tractor trailer on it!!!

MAN'S BENCH!!! :sixgun:
Great. Now actually load some ammo!!!!!

[BoltNut]

Help me set this confounded engineering nightmare up, will ya!!! :-D

[creophus]

Help me set this confounded engineering nightmare up, will ya!!! :-D
I'd be more than happy to do that. We're coming over Sunday night for bible study right? If you want I'll try to come over a little early.

How much work is left?

[MakeMineaP99]

Umm, you talking the bench or the press? The bench should be plug and play. Insert the fasteners, get your 1/2" gear wrench and go.

Can't help you with a 550.

[creophus]

Umm, you talking the bench or the press? The bench should be plug and play. Insert the fasteners, get your 1/2" gear wrench and go.

Can't help you with a 550.
No, but I can.

We'll see what needs to be done when I get there if BoltNut doesn't reply.

[BoltNut]

That's fine to come over early if you want to. I still want to get one of those brackets to mount the press with, but perhaps I can get things set initially without it. The bench really looks nice with the sealant all done! Lemme see if I can get my camera to cooperate with pictures.

[creophus]

That's fine to come over early if you want to. I still want to get one of those brackets to mount the press with, but perhaps I can get things set initially without it. The bench really looks nice with the sealant all done! Lemme see if I can get my camera to cooperate with pictures.
You don't need a bracket. Just bolt it to the wood.

[MakeMineaP99]

:ttiwwop:

[BoltNut]

Well...let's see if my picture postin' skillz still intact...drumroll, please!

The fun begins late one night in the driveway with Dr. Dan's mad skillz in overdrive!!!

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/P6200059-1.jpg

It all starts with the lay-out of the PT 4x4 legs.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/P6200060.jpg

Cutting all the "other stuff" before assembly begins.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/P6200061.jpg

Dan doing all the figuring out of angles of dangles and such.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/P6200062.jpg

Phase I completed with a "stress test" to show how beefy Dan designed this monster construction project.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/P6210063.jpg

Now several months later, Phase II begins now that the weather has cooled off enough to even consider going outside the A/C!!! This is the final sanding of the surfaces to prepare for the sealant...
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC290126.jpg

Sealing the top bench boards started bottoms-up first. The screws are to hold the boards up off the horses while drying.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300127.jpg

Last job for the top planks was to flip them over to expose the top surfaces for sealing.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300128.jpg

View from the right end of the bench's underframe to show the bolt patterns and the crossmembers.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300129.jpg

View from the right front corner to show the underframe.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300130.jpg

[BoltNut]

Front center view to show bolt pattern and crossmembers.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300131.jpg

View from the left rear underframe.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300132.jpg

Showing the bolt pattern of the middle crossmembers. Note, the two bottom bolts go all the way through as carriage bolts with larger washers, due to the threat of the pine wanting to split sometimes (prior crossmember split when bolts tightened.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300133.jpg

Showing the carriage bolts from the "head" side.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300134.jpg

Now on to the bottom shelf, and showing the notching of the planks around the legs.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300135.jpg

End view of the bottom shelf to show the bolt patterns and the notching required.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300136.jpg

Left side top view of underframe and the bolt pattern used.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300137.jpg

Front view of the underframe nearing completion.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300138.jpg

Top planks all sealed and dried and ready to reattach to bench.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300139.jpg

Even the ends of all the wood was sealed for protection.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300140.jpg

[BoltNut]

The bench was flipped over to allow sealing of all the undersurfaces, and for a view of the bolts and crossmembers.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300141.jpg

Flipped over view from the front while sealant applied.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC300146.jpg

The final view of the finished underframe all sealed and ready for the top planks.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310147.jpg

SPAX 3" woodscrews used to attach all the planking...these things are THE BOMB!!! The threads have little "teeth" on them to really let those bad boys grip and rip into the wood...no need for pre-drilling at all - scres on steroids, I tell ya!
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310148.jpg

Close up of one of the screws...
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310149.jpg

Phase II all done and view of left front angle.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310150.jpg

Right front angle of finished product. Most likely, the press is going on this end of the bench.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310151.jpg

Rear view of the bench from the left end, with me pointing to the "rail" that will hold the back frame for a future pegboard and light system.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310152.jpg

ALL DONE WITH PHASE II!!!! Woooo-Hooo...ready to mount the press. Notice my power outlets on either side of the bench on the wall. The 2x4 front plank at the bottom is a "toe-rail" for when I'm sitting on my barstool (Dan measured for me on the Phase I build). The bottom compartments will be closed in with door/drawers that seal and lock all components. TA-DA!!!
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g28/keithgator1966/Reloading%20Bench/PC310153.jpg

[creophus]

Looks great. How many phases before ammo gets made?

[MakeMineaP99]

Nice. Who is that ugly guy in the photos?

Guess we did need to double up on the fasteners. That's what I get for trying to cut corners and save a few bucks. Should have done it right the first time.

[MCK45ACP]

Wicked fine lookin bench there BN. Great design!

[MCK45ACP]

Can't beat those SPAX screws ether. What did you use for sealer?

[myg30]

Real nice bench BN. Should hold a bunch of stuff plus more!!
I left an over hang on 3 sides just for clamping tempory stuff. Mounted the trimmer,powder measure,de caping press all on boards that quick clamp to the bench when I need them, then put on a shelf when I need room for more stuff on da bench!
You should a ben a car pinta! Good Job man.

Mike

[Dark Horse]

Good looking Bench!

[BigDog[RE]]

Nice bench! Where is the press?

[BoltNut]

Can't beat those SPAX screws ether. What did you use for sealer?
Well, we (Dan and I) decided to try a nice Thompson's formula that could be done with a single coat, and it had a nice stain quality to it for the redwood-ish shade that finalized the look. Notice, even the PT 4x4 legs took the sealant/stain look and meshed very nice in color with the non-PT wood. I was pleasantly surprized at the final uniform look/color of it all.

MYG30, I was really wanting to do several other extras like you mentioned, but we also had scarce few hours to get this thing done before Dan's aeroplane ride up and left! ;-)

There is still a lot of potential add-ons as time progresses...like a vice or two, table and/or bandsaw attachments, drillpress, etc. All in good time. If I don't get my blue press mounted and working real soon, I think my GP membership is gonna git revoked...so the other stuff will come eventually, Lord willing.

BIGDOG, real soon...real soon...:punk:

[BigSlick]

Wow, a nice unused bench top...

I'd hafta have somebody chain me down ta keep from mountin it full a stuff right now.

Nice heavy bench, lotta room ta work, no way I could sleep till it was full a gear.

Run ya an outlet strip along the back splash, with a lotta switched receptacles, 20 A a be good ;)

[BoltNut]

Wow, a nice unused bench top...

I'd hafta have somebody chain me down ta keep from mountin it full a stuff right now.

Nice heavy bench, lotta room ta work, no way I could sleep till it was full a gear.

Run ya an outlet strip along the back splash, with a lotta switched receptacles, 20 A a be good ;)
Yeah, I want a nice light with some power strips on either end for plugging stuff in with short cords and such.

I really wanted the full 8 foot length for the size and ease of laying stuff across it with good support. We didn't want to make a lot of wood cuts, so we left stuff full sized...and I'm really glad we did now that I see the final product.

My shotgun press will fit nicely on either end (it's already mounted on its own mobile cabinet). I'm sure time will tell which end it resides on permanently.

The pegboard backing will be a nice place to hang my little parts, screws, etc. for easy access. I'm really excited...:treerat:

[selzbytes]

That bench is destined to be passed down to your grandchildren - BUILT.

[BoltNut]

Gonna haveta be Creo's kids, I suppose...I destined to die alone in a quiet corner somewhere someday, but its all good - I've been blessed in other ways. :-)

Most of my neices and nephews and cousins and such don't deserve my gear later in their life...I know Creo will raise his kids proper like, and I'd be excited to see their eyes light up with Uncle Keith's endowment funds! :-D

[creophus]

Gonna haveta be Creo's kids, I suppose...I destined to die alone in a quiet corner somewhere someday, but its all good - I've been blessed in other ways. :-)

Most of my neices and nephews and cousins and such don't deserve my gear later in their life...I know Creo will raise his kids proper like, and I'd be excited to see their eyes light up with Uncle Keith's endowment funds! :-D
You a good man BoltNut. I'm sure you'll have all sorts of things to endow. :thumbsup:

[BoltNut]

Yeah, but I'll need our mutual lawyer buddy to ensure you share with her!