Bench question

[bnewt3]

Still havent actually gotten any reloading equip. Looking at a bench. I have tight space to work in. 48" bench max. So trying to think of ways to maximize space.

One thing I think could help is a t-slot rail in the bench for easy mounting/unmounting tools. I plan to have an Inline QC mount, maybe the back bolts would go in the rail. IDK

One bench im looking at comes with a 1 3/16" top.

A rail im looking at is 3/8" deep.

leaving 13/16" under the rail

How much depth below the rail is enough to maintain strength.

I could get a 1 1/2"" top separately which would leave 1 1/8" under the rail

The t-slot will be going in the bench top between the frame rails, probably 6-8" from the front edge.

My gut says 13/16 vs 1 1/8 doesnt matter much but IDK.....you tell me.

I do plan to level the bench and then attach it to the wall to add even more stability.

 

[Sinistram]

Odd you asked this question right now, as I just had a screw break on my T track the other day. For reference, the bench is 1.5" thick MDF with a laminate top. I had 1" screws holding the track down for about a year, but it finally gave out.

I did what I should have done initially and through bolted the track with a nut and washer. Ain't going nowhere now! That method basically eliminates bench thickness as a factor.

 

[bnewt3]

I was thinking of bench thickness around the possibility of cracking then breaking the front of the benchtop off because the groove I cut for the track weakened the top.

 

[griff383]

The best advice I got early on was to use two pieces of 3/4" plywood for your bench tops. I've made 4 this way and never had an issue. I bet you could do the same thing except do the top in 3/8" to match your t-rail and then go with a thicker bottom for support and strength.

For your t-rail, you could simply rip the top 3/8" piece of plywood and place the rail in between the cut. This way the rail is tight and then use Sinistram's suggestion of using nuts and bolts. I prefer fender washers but you could also do a metal bar (in lieu of washers) wider than the t-rail to help distribute forces

 

[bnewt3]

Makes sense

 

[35WhelenAI]

I used a Black & Decker workmate back in the day, for projects around the home and my reloading bench to mount the press. Folds up nice and works for two things. Used some boards to the stiffen up where I mounted the press so there wasn't flex, held in place with C clamps of appropriate size.

Not sure why the link says robot or human, but I am definitely human.

Robot or human?

 

[bnewt3]

Not sure why the link says robot or human, but I am definitely human

Just what a robot would say.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Sweet, it worked, lol.

 

[TaperPin]

Through bolting is the only thing I’ve ever seen that works well.

 

[35WhelenAI]

I can agree through bolting on a workbench would be better than c-clamps, however it's what I had. However, good idea.

 

[Weldor]

I've seen some cool benches were guys used 2" trailer receiver mounts for quick change. Some mounted below and some on top. If your tight for space you can always use Frankfort arsenal portable stand or make one. I made one out of Aluminum with 24" round base and a piece of 1-1/2" aluminum sch 40 pipe and a 1/2" aluminum plate 10" x 10"

 

[nm.otter]

Not sure why the link says robot or human

Walmart's site does that with automated pulls (preview requests).