Mobile/Removable Reloading Setup

mcclainm · #1 06-13-11, 03:48

So here's the deal. When I get back from Iraq, I'm moving back into an apartment. Before I left I had a Lock n Load AP screwed to a cheap Wal Mart desk with some bolts and wing nuts. I'm looking for a more viable mobile for a lack of a better term setup than what I had. I'm planning on being able to mount my equipment, tool out some rounds, and break it all down so that I'm able to stow it out of sight.

Anyone done this before? I was thinking D clamps and having the press semi-permanently attached to a 2x4 or something. Any suggestions would be helpful.

slomo · #2 06-13-11, 07:16

When I was in your situation I bought a Black & Decker Workmate folding work bench. At the time they made one that was about 3' square and it was perfect for reloading. I haven't seen one that large for a while but perhaps they're still available. The smaller ones would work to hold your press but wouldn't be large enough for all of your reloading gear.

PS I did a google after my reply and B&D sell a 425 Workmate that's the same as the one I have.

30 cal slut · #3 06-13-11, 08:40

Don't know about an entire bench, but individual tools are easy.

If you're sticking with a bolt-down single stage press, you could probably put together something cheap that looks like this (if you don't want to shell out $75 for a wooden press stand):

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pi...en_Press_Stand

Here's another setup from TOS mounted on what looks like a 2x4, then clamped to a deck exterior (great idea if you like to load outside).

The other more expensive approach is to acquire portable tools that can clamped anywhere (like a bench at the range).

Harrell's Precision makes some very nice powder measures and turret presses that come with clamps.

http://www.harrellsprec.com/

I've been kicked out of the kitchen with this:

I use this mostly to seat bullets and do my crimping, but this has enough oomph to do resizing for .223 cartridges. If I'm just seating bullets and crimping, I'll clamp this to a coffee table with the TV on.

Bimmer · #4 06-14-11, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcclainm

I'm planning on being able to mount my equipment, tool out some rounds, and break it all down so that I'm able to stow it out of sight.

Anyone done this before?

I don't know if this counts, but before I got a garage big enough to have two full-size workbenches, my regular everyday workbench had holes in the top where my RL550B mounted.

Once a year or so I'd bolt the press to the workbench, add all the accessories, and load ammo for several days straight (typically 'til I ran out of components). Then I'd break it all down and put it back in the Dillon box for another year...

mcclainm · #5 06-16-11, 04:09

I forgot to mention. I'm using an already owned Lock n Load AP. I'm thinking of constructing a rough mount for it that can clamp to a table or counter top. I'm also thinking of adding a single stage for case prep (sizing, decapping etc.). Still looking for ideas guys.

Thanks for the input so far.

codman · #6 06-16-11, 06:02

I just mounted my lee press using a Dovetail type system. I cut a 1x8 to 15" long and made to cuts 4 "s in from each end. I cut them at a 45 degree angle instead of a straight cut. I bolted the two ends to my bench and bolted the press to the middle piece. Now When i need room to my bench i just slide the press out and makes it handy for setting up other presses!

mcclainm · #7 06-16-11, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by codman

I just mounted my lee press using a Dovetail type system. I cut a 1x8 to 15" long and made to cuts 4 "s in from each end. I cut them at a 45 degree angle instead of a straight cut. I bolted the two ends to my bench and bolted the press to the middle piece. Now When i need room to my bench i just slide the press out and makes it handy for setting up other presses!

Do you have pictures of this setup?

rob_s · #8 06-16-11, 07:34

That dovetail idea is great! That's something I can make use of, thank you.

codman · #9 06-16-11, 08:00

I dont have any real detailed shots I can take some when I get home.im going to try and upload from my DROIDX a photo.

Can't figure out how to upload from phone. Only tool you need is a table saw.

tb-av · #10 06-16-11, 08:14

If you don't want to use clamps and can get to the bottom side of your bench, then these and some properly sized bolts make for a quick and secure mount.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/T-N...4&ci_sku=1XGH6

g-men10455 · #11 06-17-11, 04:25

This Lee hand press is my mobile setup.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"- Benjamin Franklin

Hehuhates · #12 05-09-12, 16:18

Necro posting for updates.

Has anyone used this bench before.

Reviews are mixed enough to give me pause. I use a Lock N load press which was named as having problems due to height by one reviewer.

Hehuhates · #13 05-12-12, 15:45

Nobody huh?

teflondon100 · #14 06-27-12, 00:17

lunchbox · #15 06-27-12, 00:52

+1 on 2x4 with clamps. I also use a med. sized fishing tackle box (slightly tweeked) to tote dies/digies/powder/etc. out to hunting prop. Not pretty but effective, and setup makes consistent ammo.

M4C · #16 07-03-12, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by tb-av

If you don't want to use clamps and can get to the bottom side of your bench, then these and some properly sized bolts make for a quick and secure mount.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/T-N...4&ci_sku=1XGH6

I use the T-Nuts too, but took it a step further: I took several identical pieces of board and gave them each the identical four bolt holes to bolt to matching holes with T-Nuts in the bench. Then those boards were drilled and T-Nutted to attach various presses and other equipment, even a small vise. Now I can switch back and forth between any and all of them with the same four holes in my small work bench.

nineteenkilo · #17 07-03-12, 11:22

My SS press is mounted to the top of a small metal two-drawer filing cabinet. It is off to one side so that I can use the drawers for storage of dies, funnels, etc. The cabinet doesn't weigh much so it can be moved pretty easily. I also use one of those low-to-the-ground rolling mechanics stools and it puts me at the right height to work off the cabinet.

Of course, I also have a metal wire rack that holds 200 lbs of powder, thousands of primers, brass, and the hardballs.

Minus the rack-o-plenty, I can reload anything I want using the little filing cabinet and stool.