Finally - new reloading bench build

[Streetstar]

Christmas present to myself

After months of procrastination I Finally sourced some lumber for new single stage reloading set up to go in the corner of my home office

Had my heart set on cedar but reality set in when I got to the lumber store and got sticker shock. Since I was planning to sand the cedar smooth anyway. - I called an audible at the lumberyard and went with Douglas fir - for aesthetic purposes I will need to stain it. Although it looks pretty smooth -- it will still take roughly the same amount of sanding and prep work as rough cedar -- but rubbing some stain on will not add much time to the equation when i factor the cost savings

Probably went through 200 boards before I could get six that I was happy with — but the top grain pieces will look nice with a bit of finish on them

Hope to make some real headway on it this weekend, but the weather is also very nice so I may go shooting instead — my little enclave is 5 1/2 feet wide by about 5 feet deep so I think we’ll make a nice cubby for a dedicated single stage operation

— all my equipment is currently in the big tote box that’s shown in the pic of the room

— now to check back in on the workbench height or table top height thread to see if there’s been any updates because I need to make that decision soon

Will update as this build goes along - simple, basic and small, but I’m not a very good woodworker - so i will be taking my time - but the plan is to simply cleat the tabletop to the wall since its enclosed on 3 sides - and have a basic shelf up above. I dont reload for commonly used pistol calibers or small rifle stuff, so this will primarily be an operation to keep my magnum rifles and heavy pistol stuff fed

I know 72 LF of 2x12's is a bit much for a simple setup like i described, but am planning on some bookshelves on an opposite wall

[Scott Tschirhart]

Sounds like a great project.

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[Bill in Oregon]

Watching this one too. My current "bench" is a narrow cabinet I removed from a laundry area. Much too small.
As to DF vs. cedar, the DF will be much more durable. While it is considered a softwood, cedar can be more like "spongewood" if I may. Same goes for redwood, which I love to use outdoors.

[Streetstar]

Watching this one too. My current "bench" is a narrow cabinet I removed from a laundry area. Much too small.
As to DF vs. cedar, the DF will be much more durable. While it is considered a softwood, cedar can be more like "spongewood" if I may. Same goes for redwood, which I love to use outdoors.

Yes -- theres a reason nobody frames anything with cedar unless its decorative -- maybe they tried it generations ago , who knows

But - being in my office - i wanted it to be nice to be tolerable to look at --- and not being a hardcore reloader , but a hardcore guy who likes to just piddle around and waste too much time -- im going for a comfortable space

Thats why the debate on table height or workbench height has still got me befuddled --- but i am thinking table top -- because if its cleated on the wall on 3 sides -- if i find out i dont like it , - wouldnt be a huge chore to move it up 10 inches

[GunnyMack]

Doug fir is way stronger than cedar.
Since the dreaded COVID cedar has become the most expensive wood product on the market.
Do you plan to sit or stand to reload?
My set up is old kitchen cabinets, standing is the way I go about 90% of reloading, I normally sit on a bar stool when seating bullets.

Your cleat idea is perfect for your area, no legs saves a little room for underneath storage. Hit every stud for strength. I suggest on top of the bench you put some quarter round moulding, will help keep any spilled powder from getting between the bench and walls.

[LeverGunner]

I'm interested to see how it turns out. My room is about 6'x6'. I have a 4' bench in there currently. I'm thinking about a rework with a full wall length bench, but I haven't done it yet. I got most of the materials, I just ain't committed yet.

[Ysabel Kid]

This will be fun to watch!

[Walt]

I agree that standing is the way to go. I had my sizing/lubing press set up at a height for using a barstool but I raised it up 10" higher and it works out much better. My other presses are set up for standing.

[Griff]

When I rebuild my reloading bench in 2013, I went for what's basically kitchen counter height... Since I went with kitchen cabinets for bases and added a marine grade 3/4" top and a formica counter top on that. I have three reloading stations, and use barstools for a bit of comfort. I'll often reload 500 rounds at a time. Sitting is less tiring on the dogs!

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