Reloading room countertops

[32-40win]

When I built the last one, I used 2 pcs of 1/2" plywood, this next one will be 2 pcs of 3/4", had to reinforce the edges of the 1/2" at the tool mount area, as I had a 4" overhang on it, and it would bend there, all I did was another piece of 1/2" butted up against the 2x4 on the outside under the overhang, the NMRA bench I have is 2 pcs of 3/4", I did find out what it takes to flex that one day, but, I can assure you, I'm not doing that again, that involved using a snipe on the Rockchucker. I will cover the top of it with Formica this time too, Varnished it last time, meh, it's ok, but, not as nice to deal with as Formica over time what with scratches and dents etc.

[Dubious]

I went with 2 Layers of 3/4 “ topped it off with spread stone and did the edge with 1-1/2 band iron seems pretty sturdy and looks good.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Dubious

Did you glue the top on your self? How does the front face look?

I glued it with PL400.
The edge is trimmed with pine .
Cat

[CNP]

1.5 inch hardwood top. Press and powder thrower are bolted down on top of T6 plates and through the hardwood.

[Sashi]

2 layers of 3/4" plywood stained and varnished, still in good shape. It has lasted 45 yrs and will last another 45, even if I won't.

[Attilathecanuk]

3 layers of 3/4 maple ply glued, pressed and screwed. 60” wide and 30” deep and 41” high so I can stand comfortably. 3 carriage bolts hold the Lyman t-Mag turret press and I can work it without the scale moving. The next bench will be made the same way but MUCH longer lol.

[Ebrand]

Go there and find a solid wood door.

Cut it to size and you are laughing.

Edmonton calls theirs the ReStore. I think it is a Habit for Humanity thing.
They “upcycle” tons of stuff.

Find a similar place in Cow City and go from there.

[Puma]

I used a solid core Oak office door for my top.

8' 4" X 36" X 1 7/8"

Makes a beautiful bench.

Puma

[Tungsten,]

I know nothing about re loading but would cement tops work?

[Homesteader]

Originally Posted by Tungsten,

I know nothing about re loading but would cement tops work?

I'd definitely prefer something a bit softer for working with dies and guns. Wood is a good compromise.

Man some of you guys are hardcore, 3 layers of 3/4" maple lol. What are you loading 50 BMG?? I applaud all the amazing bench ideas, I went with one layer of 3/4" oak on top of a 2x4 frame, before that I had an old oak office desk but left it at the last house. Started new with the oak plywood, seems super solid.

[sns2]

Lotsa really great setups. Thanks for the pics fellas.

[bat119]

I'm in old solid wood door club with a painted hardboard top, the base was made from an old water bed frame and salvaged drawers from a metal desk.

It's in my shop doesn't need to be fancy