need some handyman advice. building portable reloading bench

**AR-15 Outlaw** · January 23rd, 2010, 02:24 AM

i curently use a totally portable setup on my computer desk so im limited to a lee hand press so i dont have to mount it to my computer desk. well i've finally decided i've had enough and bought a better press and decided to build a portable reloading bench to mount it to like THIS ONE using a black and decker workmate base and a wooden top. well i got a buddy to build the top for me. (i suck at building anything) and i ordered the workmate and when it came today it was a bit different than i expected. i was expecting it ot have 10 or so pre drilled holes along each top rail that i could just drill holes in the wood top to match and run bolts and wing nuts to hold it on. well it wasnt that simple. im now stuck with a work mate and a wooden top with no idea how to combine the two ill include pics of the rails i was planing on mounting too and the top i'd really appreciate any ideas you could give me.

also i have all the pieces that come with the workmate if they are needed i just didnt picture them because i figured they weren't necessary for this.

**ALS** · January 23rd, 2010, 11:17 AM

That is the same set up I have in my office at work. I have a 2X4 bolted to the plywood underneath so I can tighten it up to keep it from moving side to side. Then on either side I have a C-Clamp to keep it locked down to the workmate. I have my press a Dillon 550 held down with large screws and wing nuts for quick tear down if need be. I can break it down and move the whole set up in less than four minutes.

**AR-15 Outlaw** · January 23rd, 2010, 02:13 PM

so your top isnt even bolted directly to the frame of the workmate?

**ALS** · January 23rd, 2010, 02:22 PM

Nope. I wanted somehing I could easily move if need be.

**stevew58** · January 23rd, 2010, 06:00 PM

Try a couple of 2x2's or what ever will fit at least 2" thick under the rails. Drill the top and rails for 4 carriage bolts with washers and wing nuts underneath. That should work. Im nut sure that the workmate will be a stable enough platform for a press bit you will find that out quickly.
Good luck.