Descreet reloading bench for apartment

[Koda]

Im going to live in an apartment for maybe a year and will need to downsize my reloading workspace and need some ideas.

I need a compact work bench, thats not too ugly since it will not be in a garage setting and visible by visitors and most notable landlord inspections... i would like something that can be concealed somehow if possible to camoflauge any indication of firearms. I can easily unbolt the press and stow in a box temporarily, or perhaps a workbench with a lid closure (that can be locked). I have a very small sonic cleaner but I dont think most would connect that to guns, but also a basic Hornady tumbler that could be stowed in a box I guess.

Im just lacking ideas of a small but sturdy workbench that would also look nice in a living space...

As a side topic, I also would like ideas on a small and quiet air compressor, that could also be stowed in a box. Just enough to fill a bike innertube efficiently, or blow dry rifle cases cleaned in the sonic cleaner. Small, quiet yet useful, Does such a compressor exist? I can live without an air compressor but I also have bikes and just used to easy tire inflations.

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[brokenbot32]

I just used some clamps and one bolt to secure my reloading press to my bench/ work station. I also just some L brackets screwed to the desk and into the stud to hold it securely so it wasn't bouncing around. When I had people come over it was taken down and stashed away

 

[Koda]

I just used some clamps and one bolt to secure my reloading press to my bench/ work station. I also just some L brackets screwed to the desk and into the stud to hold it securely so it wasn't bouncing around. When I had people come over it was taken down and stashed away

Yeah, i can come up with a way to make the press detachable, but im more curious for what a good but small workbench would be...?

 

[brokenbot32]

Yeah, i can come up with a way to make the press detachable, but im more curious for what a good but small workbench would be...?

Some guys use an old wheel with weights and it can stand alone

I can see you can buy free standing ones but it's not very good

Just find yourself one of those old heavy industrial desks or something with a solid wood top

 

[GWS]

LOL My 1st loading bench was 8 cinder blocks and an 8 square foot sheet of 3/4' plywood 2 stacks of 3 blocks were the legs and the other 2 were counterweights against the cranking on my trusty Lee turret press. Loaded thousands of rounds of .44 Magnum and .45 ACP. Efficient and inexpensive but a definite 2 on the beauty scale. I made it discrete by throwing a blanket over it for parties.
This is neat!: https://www.frankfordarsenal.com/pr...s/platinum-series-reloading-stand/489621.html

And this might work for your compressor needs Just a sample, there's all sorts of models to choose from https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-cordless-0-to-160-psi-inflator-tool-only-56546.html

 

[dangerranger60]

When I lived in an apt. I had a rollaway toolbox with a Plywood top. I hung the presses off the sides so it would not interfere with the drawers. after I loaded the bottom with lead bullets it was pretty stable. Best part was it would roll into a closet when not in use.

 

[RVTECH]

I once temporarily was reloading in an AF dorm room that had a small table and I cut a short section of 2 x 6 a little longer than the length of the table, 'C' clamped it it to the BACK of the table and mounted the RC press on the front.

It was incredibly sturdy due to it being clamped on the rear of the table and essentially no flex. Plus it was quickly removable.

I saw an ad recently for a battery powered drill driver style compressor they said would fill vehicle tires.

I have NO idea as to how well they might work but look into them.

As far as a desk/bench I'm thinking you could find something fairly easily that would work.

One of the desks in my house is a small roll top, only 3' wide but is very sturdy and would work well as a small reloading 'bench'.

 

[Bobbygun]

I don't know if you could find one sturdy enough and/or the right size, but maybe a rolltop desk? My folks had one and it was pretty sturdy, but not very compact.

 

[RVTECH]

but maybe a rolltop desk?

LOL! You and I posted about the same time I UPDATED my post about a rolltop!

 

[Koda]

Some good ideas, i was actually wondering about a roll top desk but it might be hard to find one sturdy enough thats affordable.

 

[RVTECH]

i was actually wondering about a roll top desk

Here is the one I have I was referring to. It's incredibly stout and I believe you could find one similar fairly cheap.

You close to Wickiup Junction? It MIGHT become available very cheaply - like trade for a half - rack!

AND it comes with a matching chair!

 

[Koda]

Here is the one I have I was referring to. It's incredibly stout and I believe you could find one similar fairly cheap.

View attachment 2159686

That would blend right in. The press could be removed and stowed but whatever cartridge stuff could be left qnd just close the lid. Id have to search the used market for something like that to be affordable, new would be expensive...

 

[Joe13]

I don't know if you could find one sturdy enough and/or the right size, but maybe a rolltop desk? My folks had one and it was pretty sturdy, but not very compact.

This was my first thought as well.

Ryobi has good battery powered tire inflators.

If you want blowing pressure I would go with the high air flow inflator they make.

 

[msgriff]

Maybe something like this mobile kitchen island. Put cabinet locks on the doors and keep everything stowed away when you're not using them. Keep it in the dining room by the kitchen, and everyone will just think that you like to cook.

 

[RVTECH]

Id have to search the used market for something like that to be affordable, new would be expensive...

You close to Wickiup Junction? It MIGHT become available very cheaply - like trade for a half - rack!

AND it comes with a matching chair!

 

[Camelfilter]

Inline Fab ultramount, mounted to whatever you will use as a bench.

Harbor freight wood work bench comes to mind. They look reasonably nice for inside an apartment / home. Used them for well over a decade now. Rental homes tho, not apartments, so not on carpet. Now in garage/shop.

However have read of many folks using c clamps & press on a board - just using whatever sturdy table/counter etc etc for small spaces.

You want to be careful regarding height too, so you don't get repetitive stress injuries/back issues from hunching over or working/standing "wrong" for extended periods....

Edit: adding for some limited secure storage, we used a job box. Covered over with a blanket, hides in plain sight. 2 wheeler "easy" moving empty. Put a ply slab under it to even out the load on carpet/questionable flooring.

Not "safes" by any measure, however far far better than any gun locker. Just a simple delay to prevent grab & go theft, quick hand pry theft.

Layer security - "Simply Safe" system is easy setup & portable when you move...

 

[Koda]

You close to Wickiup Junction? It MIGHT become available very cheaply - like trade for a half - rack!

AND it comes with a matching chair!

Well Im about 3.5 hours drive so thats probably not too practical but im grateful for the offer...

 

[RVTECH]

Well Im about 3.5 hours drive so thats probably not too practical but im grateful for the offer...

Well, bummer! It would have probably worked out well for you.

You would have had to have taken a deep breath and closed your eyes when drilling the holes to mount the press but it ain't like it is a 'museum piece' that was in Abe Lincolns house!

 

[Koda]

And this might work for your compressor needs Just a sample, there's all sorts of models to choose from https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-cordless-0-to-160-psi-inflator-tool-only-56546.html

Something like this looks perfect, thanks for sharing.

 

[Koda]

It looks like there are a few options on Amazon, I can probably wait to order one after I move in. This isn't huge and looks fairly innocent like a hobby desk, plus its adjustable in height for standing. I wouldn't have any qualms about drilling some mounting holes off to the side for my press.

Amazon.com