Anyone reload in a garage?? [Archive]

Mickstix

03-02-2009, 09:41 PM

Hey again!! Was thinkin about how I was gonna be mounting my press when it dawned on me that it gets fairly cold in the winter months, and darn hot in the summer, out in my garage.. (Which is where I plan to put the press) Do any of you guys use your garage as a reloading shop, and are there any probs with the changing climate? (Mine doesnt have heat or air) It's a basic 2 car garage, connected to the house, with finished walls and ceiling, but no insulation or anything like that.. I dont know what the temp swings are, but I'd imagine anywhere from 85-90* in the summer and down in the 40-50's during the winter.. Do I have anything to worry about, or should I be thinkin about a bench inside the house somewhere? (Not sure if that could be done w/o a knock-down-drag-out..) :D Thanks for ideas and info, as usual!! :patriot:
Note: Im not worried about me, just the equipment, quality of ammo, etc.. (I can store powder, primers and other small stuff inside the house if needed)

AdamN

03-02-2009, 09:45 PM

I reload in the garage, always have, (Ohio) heated garage but its usually about 50 thru the winter and hot in the summer.

No problems

MullahElRon

03-02-2009, 09:51 PM

Mickstix

03-02-2009, 10:40 PM

Cool, thanks!! Any idea if they make dust covers for presses?? I didnt see such an accessory when I was checking out the Lee Classic Turret press, but I only checked a couple places..

BigSlick

03-02-2009, 10:49 PM

I don't now, but I have in da past when I was livin across da tracks. Keep ya ram lubed regularly and keep the press fairly clean an you'll do OK. If ya happen to get some powder/residue buildup, it will hold moisture. Make ya some kind of enclosure to keep the dust off ya scale and dial calipers and you should be good ta go.

El cheapo construction remodel tear out kitchen cabinets and counters come in kinda handy for the drawers and cabinets. I don't think primers would be a problem in the garage if stored where they won't get wet/damp. Not because of any effect on the priming compound, more because of the moisture can cause the brass cup to tarnish and eventually corrode.

While ya out there measurin ta see if ya press gonna set right for ya workflow an all, it a only take a minute ta see if there happens ta be just enough room for a bed... wife might like it out there, then you a have some room in da house for da press an all ya components. ;)

Jus sayin....

CZ93X62

03-02-2009, 10:56 PM

Another garage reloader here. I try to NOT do much in the summer (got to 118* here a couple times), and winter has seen some low 20s. 8 months of the year is good to go, though.

BIGGUNGOBOOM

03-02-2009, 11:49 PM

All of my reloading is done in the Garage, got 4 press's mounted out there, powders, primers, and such. best thing to get is some old High school lockers for your storage, one their lockable and two there pretty darn thick. I insulated the garage door with the extra thick whit insulation from homi depot and run a small heater out there in the winter. summer I wait until its later in the night and then reload. gives it time to cool off after the hot day.
you can make it as cozy as a shop if you do it right. I think It depends on where you live I guess, I dont worry about rust out here in the desert, but If I know that I am not going to be useing a certain set of dies or press for a while I spray them down with WD40. has worked great for many years

zipper046

03-03-2009, 06:21 AM

Attic for me! Climate controlled with heat/AC...use plastic from my dry-cleaning to cover the press & keep dust & stuff off the moving parts.

Just hoping not to have any primers go off! Then I'll have to put in a sky-light ;-)

gokyo

03-03-2009, 07:16 AM

I live in washington I just use a little heater to keep the temp ın the 50's during the winter.

During the summers there is only a few days a summer where it is to hot to reload comfortable.

İf you are really worried about temp. Maybe you should consider building a little office in the garage.

craig110

03-03-2009, 07:22 AM

I reload in a basement-level garage whose heat comes from the ground or what gets through the insulation from the room above it. I find that being rather stationary in front of a press at 40-45 degrees for more than a little while to be too bone chilling, so I don't reload often in the winter. One of my goals when we move is to have a reloading area in a heated part of the house.

GLOCKENNBOOMER

03-03-2009, 07:29 AM

If it gets cold in winter ANYTHING you have to use with batteries will be dead..I started in the garage but then moved everything to a little shop. Right now I've been using a little space heater to keep it comfy. It does get kind of cold out in that shop when I'm not in there. Went out there the other day and all my batteries were either dead or dying (For the calipers, low powder sensor and low primer sensor) Before it starts to get too hot I need to cut a hole in the wall and install a A/C window unit...Another plus about the little shop is it's under lock and key and I'm the only one that has a key. When I had my setup in the garage I caught my son playing with my mechanical scale, it aint seemed to be right ever since. The kids were always in there, and even though I told them not to mess with my stuff, sometimes I could still tell that something had been moved.

BoltNut

03-03-2009, 08:08 AM

creophus

03-03-2009, 09:21 AM

I actually thinking about the garage for my bench too, but Tampa is about 362 days of the year :66: SURFACE OF THE SUN HOT!!!

I believe I am going to opt for the back porch where there are two ceiling fans, two window shaker A/C units, etc. that will allow for some level of not-inside-the-house comfort. You don't even want to know what our attics are like...picture nuclear bombs exploding on the surface of the sun, then times that by like 100!!! :)
My man...you have a certain flare for exaggeration! :)

By the time you come home and settle in, the temps will already be dropping. Get you a fan and a cold glass of sweet tea and you'll be set loading in that garage.

The back porch is a good idea too. It's the folks up North that load in a garage that really amaze me. I can handle the heat, but that cold stuff...it ain't for me.

Pitmaster

03-03-2009, 09:36 AM

Basement workshop here. Year round access and comfort to reload in spite of any type of weather.

craig110

03-03-2009, 10:40 AM

I actually thinking about the garage for my bench too, but Tampa is about 362 days of the year :66: SURFACE OF THE SUN HOT!!!

I believe I am going to opt for the back porch where there are two ceiling fans, two window shaker A/C units, etc. that will allow for some level of not-inside-the-house comfort. You don't even want to know what our attics are like...picture nuclear bombs exploding on the surface of the sun, then times that by like 100!!! :)

Sounds like you're all set for some easy casting: Just place some lead chunks on top of your mould and hold it in the sunshine for a few minutes to melt it. Just remember to bring the mould back into the shade before dropping the boolits or you might end up with lead splatters on the ground.

Triggerbender

03-03-2009, 11:30 AM

Big Wes

03-03-2009, 11:37 AM

I've been reloading in my 12x16 shed in my back yard ever since I started reloading many years ago. I have a kerosene heater I fire up in the winter, like today for example, it was 23* the shed got up to a nice comfy 65* in no time flat. Summer time I run a ceiling fan and a oscilating fan to cool things down some. A small window A/C would do the trick if I ever find one on the cheap. Heck, I got cable T.V., and a Bose Wave Radio in the there. Almost all the comforts of home. I love my man room.....:)

I have the Dillon covers for my presses and tool heads.

Never any issues with my presses or other loading stuff so far.:)

selzbytes

03-03-2009, 12:02 PM

Cool, thanks!! Any idea if they make dust covers for presses?? I didnt see such an accessory when I was checking out the Lee Classic Turret press, but I only checked a couple places..
Being a Squeaky CRB, I just use old plastic grocery style bags. Might need to find one of the larger size ones for your application, but........
Previous lube comments +1.

BoltNut

03-03-2009, 12:08 PM

...By the time you come home and settle in, the temps will already be dropping...
To a frigid, humid 98F after sundown...BRRRRRRRRRR!!! No thanks... back porch is fine, methinks. :yesnod:

187racing

03-03-2009, 01:09 PM

I currently load in my garage as well. 90's in the summer, 40's in the winter. I've got a space heater I use in the winter time. It is rather humid here too, so I gotta make sure I keep everything lubed up or it rusts. Powder I keep in a cabinet and primers live in an ammo can (supposed to be weather tight) All my dies and scale have their own cabinet to live in when they're not being used. I like loading in the garage as I don't have to worry about that primer I just dropped getting lost in the carpet or powder flakes getting sucked up in the vacuum.

buffdriver

03-03-2009, 01:20 PM

I live in Nevada where it's nice and dry, so reloading in the garage is not a humidity/rust problem (though it DOES get a bit warm in the summer).

I will probably be moving to Texas within the next couple of years, though, so I'm thinking about ways to combat moisture. Have any of you ever thought of installing a dehumidifier in your garage reloading area? When I was a kid, my room was in the basement and I had no problems with moisture as long as the dehumidifier was running. We rigged a drain line and didn't even have to empty the accumulated water.

Oreo

03-03-2009, 01:42 PM

I've noticed fluctuations in OAL when I adjust the bullet seating die in either temperature extreme. When the press warms up & the metal expands you can see it with a micrometer on your loaded rounds. Just something else to keep in mind.

RustyFN

03-03-2009, 01:46 PM

I reload in the garage but am lucky. When my house was built they ran a duct from the furnace into the garage so I have heat and air in there. It's not as comfortable as in the house but it does help a lot. I don't think the temps you are talking about are anything to worry about. But if I could talk the boss into it I would rather load in the house.

TwoShot

03-03-2009, 03:01 PM

here are a couple pics of my "MAN CAVE". Window A/C for summer,,Little electric heater for winter. Bed for when all else fails.
Up stairs ,,,Wife no like to climb stairs woooooo hoooooooo..!!!!

MullahElRon

03-03-2009, 03:06 PM

Cozy TwoShot. :thumbsup:

AlPackin

03-03-2009, 03:18 PM

if I had a garage I'd load in it ... I'd also try to model it after Two Shots cave

RustyFN

03-03-2009, 03:58 PM

TS I bet you had fun getting that safe up there.

TwoShot

03-03-2009, 06:43 PM

TS I bet you had fun getting that safe up there.

I could lie and tell you a bunch of wild stories about getting it up there. Like I had to chop a hole in the roof with a chain saw,and lower it in with a boom truck.
BUT in all reality I did it my self..
Ok OK actually it is just a thin walled gun locker,bought it at a local Bi-Mart store for 129.95 bucks. Prolly weights 75 lbs is all.:biggrinjester:

ustate

03-03-2009, 07:53 PM

I've been reloading in the basement since I lost my reloading room. As mentioned previoulsy I use pillowcases to cover both my 550 and Lee Turret.

UtahIrishman

03-03-2009, 07:57 PM

I load in the garage. Humidity here is very low so not concerned about that. It gets darn cold out in the garage during the winter though. So when I've been reloading this winter my sessions are pretty short...like an hour an half at most. Then I come in and thaw out.

My wife says I was born in a refrigerator anyways

I do have cabinets for components and powder. Need to get locks for them though.

Thinking about insulating the garage door and walls. Figure it would cut down on the heat bill for the house too since part of the house is over the garage.

Mickstix

03-03-2009, 08:21 PM

Thanks for all the good info!! Cant wait to get started!!:driving:

gokyo

03-03-2009, 09:32 PM

Old pillow case maybe??
Yup That is what I use.

One for the press
One for the sizer
One for the electronic balance
One layed over the Tool heads sitting on there stands.

MakeMineaP99

03-03-2009, 11:00 PM

I load in a basement, plenty of moisture in N. IN, I run a dehumidifier to keep it down though, can't stand rust of the press.

Steve Koski

03-04-2009, 07:03 PM

Mick,

I reloaded in my basement for several years. In the winter I'd bundle up and reload until my hands got too cold then go warm up upstairs. You should be fine in your garage.

Koski

Dark Horse

03-04-2009, 08:07 PM

Basement here. The garage is either frozen or Damp.

Jerry Snyder

03-11-2009, 05:28 PM

I load in my garage.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/1911jerry/finished.jpg

Gunsmithing bench, two presses.

JS

Mickstix

03-11-2009, 09:29 PM

You guys have some very nice reloading areas! Im affraid mines not gonna be quite as tidy as some.. :D

BIGGUNGOBOOM

03-12-2009, 02:26 AM

its all what you make it

creophus

03-12-2009, 07:22 AM

Nice setup there Jerry.

Timberwolf

03-12-2009, 07:29 AM

If you can reload somewhere else, you should. Otherwise keep an eye on humidity, condensation an' such. A little good anticorrosion type product fix you right up, any oil used for an occasional wipe down will do it. Many do load out there.

Basement workshop here. Year round access and comfort to reload in spite of any type of weather.

I concur with the basement or other in house location.

Reason is more for the climate control. It's more comfortable for you and your powders and primers. They shouldn't be subjected to temperature extremes.

blueline541

03-12-2009, 07:30 AM

creophus

03-12-2009, 07:37 AM

I claimed a spare room in the house. Now it's a reloader's dream/nightmare depending on how you feel about organization, etc.

I like the pillow case idea for a press cover. I'll have to give that a try.
So far so good on the spare room for me also. As my family grows that might have to change.

Even so, I have covers for both my Dillon presses.

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 08:32 AM

I heard there's plenty of room for children and reloading a few houses down....

...nice set-up Jerry, I'm feelin' all inspired again. :)

creophus

03-12-2009, 08:35 AM

I heard there's plenty of room for children and reloading a few houses down....

...nice set-up Jerry, I'm feelin' all inspired again. :)
That quarter million dollar house still sitting there? No surprise in this economy.

You ready to start reloading in your garage/backporch yet?? You keep dragging your feet and I'll have bought up all the components.

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 08:43 AM

Maybe this weekend... one never knows... :)

creophus

03-12-2009, 08:48 AM

DO IT!!!!

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 08:51 AM

HELP ME!!!

creophus

03-12-2009, 09:00 AM

I already got you a 550 for dirt cheap. Heck I'm even holding the 223 dies for ya. What else you want me to do? Get a bench and setup that thing. You got the best people on the web as your support staff.

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 09:04 AM

I need Manuel Labore to assist me in said project though... I'll need a critical eye for details. :yesnod:

Bullseye10x

03-12-2009, 11:46 AM

When I first got my LCT I had it set up in the garage:
http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3027/bench1zk3.jpg

I loaded out there for maybe 4 months and then moved inside the spare bedroom. Now I have a room all to myself in the new place :driving:

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8223/dscf1190ws3.jpg

Rust shouldn't be an issue as long as you maintain your stuff. I always go over all metal parts with a light coat of CLP (use a toothbrush or Q-tip to get into threads and other small areas) after every session. That includes dies, tools and small accessories. An old T-shirt makes a great dust cover for the press.

creophus

03-12-2009, 11:52 AM

Good looking setup Bullseye. What's that you're loading in the pic, .223?

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 11:52 AM

Very nice... don't let Dan catch ya usin' one of the GP tees though! :)

Bullseye10x

03-12-2009, 11:57 AM

Good looking setup Bullseye. What's that you're loading in the pic, .223?

Thanks! The first pic is of .38 Special (my very first reloads) and the second is some .308's I'm working up for the FN. Which I still need to get out and shoot :68:

creophus

03-12-2009, 12:00 PM

Wow, I was quite off with the 308 rounds. Let me know how you do with your 308 loads. I'm still looking for the uber accurate load.

The LCT is a great press. I don't think I"ll ever outgrow mine.

MakeMineaP99

03-12-2009, 04:00 PM

I need Manuel Labore to assist me in said project though... I'll need a critical eye for details. :yesnod:

I travel, rate is $102/hr plus travel.

Nice set up there, Bullseye.

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 09:09 PM

Dan I can afford to pay yer way through a bunch a fun shootin' and eatin' fer a weekend! Do you work for 1 minute segments?!:)

MakeMineaP99

03-12-2009, 09:17 PM

I have been know to waive my fees. ;)

In all seriousness, if I had the time I would be more than happy to come down and meet up with AJ and yourself, but work/life, etc. is like a roller coaster right now. It will be some time before I can drop back down south for something other than work, which isn't in the SE right now.

I tried to meet up with AJ when I was on the project in South GA, but we never could make are schedules mesh.

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 09:32 PM

Yeah, he and his mom woulda treated ya right, and his buddy Munchie coulda took y'all out for some fine panhandle fishin' too! Don't pass a good, cheap plane tic to TIA... we'll pig stick, golf, fish, shoot and BBQ 'till ya feel like takin' a vacation from yer vacation!!!

MakeMineaP99

03-12-2009, 09:36 PM

I'll PM you to keep this on topic.

Back to topic, y'all have some nice reloading set ups in your garages/basements.

BoltNut

03-12-2009, 09:43 PM

Hopefully I'll add one to the collection this weekend too!

TowsonTiger22

03-12-2009, 09:44 PM

I load in my living room, and still have rust on stuff. I'm disappointed in myself for letting it form. But things were real hectic for awhile. I'll get pictures when I'm less lazy.

MakeMineaP99

03-12-2009, 09:55 PM

Hornady uses mild steel that will rust. I'm anal about keep rust of my stuff and I still get surface rust every once and a while.

Clean if off with some steel wool/naval jelly and get some Corrosion X, that will end your rust problems.

TowsonTiger22

03-12-2009, 10:34 PM

Cool, I'll get on it.

jawjaboy

03-13-2009, 05:46 AM

Yeah, it's a garage, sorta.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000278.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IMG_0192.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000840.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000218.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g194/jawjaboy/IM000216.jpg

creophus

03-13-2009, 06:33 AM

JJB, that's way too nice to be called a garage!!!

BoltNut

03-13-2009, 09:34 AM

:punk: I agree... That's a MAN CAVE right there!!!

Pitmaster

03-13-2009, 09:48 AM

:punk: I agree... That's a MAN CAVE right there!!!

I don't know, more of a MANdominimum but not quite as secure as the chickenminium

Whatever it is him and granny live right.

Bullseye10x

03-13-2009, 09:50 AM

Mighty fine retreat ya' got there JJB :thumbsup:
If I could ever find a job that doesn't require a daily commute into the bowels of Houston, I'd buy a house out where the land is cheap and plentiful. Then build a nice shop like that! And a little range, of course ;)

Mickstix

03-17-2009, 06:40 PM

Finally got my LCT mounted!! Still have some cleaning up to do, but the hard part is over!!

http://home.comcast.net/~mickstix/reloading_bench.jpg

creophus

03-17-2009, 07:40 PM

Looking good Mick!

Mickstix

03-17-2009, 09:17 PM

Thanks again Creo!! Sorry for the double post of the pic.. Thought I had posted in a thread with Pit, where our benches looked similar, but I think it was a different forum.. :ow: