Descreet reloading bench for apartment

[Retired Guy]

My first reloading set up was a single stage press and powder measure that was "C" clamped to a heavy coffee table. I bought the table from a garage sale. When using it, I would stack some weights on the table and that was enough. I later added a clamp on desk lamp. That set up worked really well for a few years.

The thing I would warn you about is that the downstairs neighbor could hear a "thump" when I worked the handle. He knew what I was doing and asked me not to reload after 9 pm. Yeah, no prob.

 

[Koda]

My first reloading set up was a single stage press and powder measure that was "C" clamped to a heavy coffee table. I bought the table from a garage sale. When using it, I would stack some weights on the table and that was enough. I later added a clamp on desk lamp. That set up worked really well for a few years.

The thing I would warn you about is that the downstairs neighbor could hear a "thump" when I worked the handle. He knew what I was doing and asked me not to reload after 9 pm. Yeah, no prob.

In todays world in an apartment environment I dont want any indication Im a gun owner let alone store powder. Im going full stealth mode.

 

[bcp]

Instead of table or desk, I have a heavy table top set on two 2-drawer file cabinets. Knee space like a desk, and good lockable storage. Much easier to move than a real desk.

Bruce

PS: Make sure the file cabinets match, at least in height. There are several inches difference in height and lengths of various cabinets. Get newer file cabinets with the full height side walls on the drawers. Habitat for Humanity store usually has a selection for $15-20.

 

[SHPD_Retired]

I went to Goodwill and bought a solid wood 2 ft by 4 ft bookcase.

 

[Alexx1401]

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

View attachment 2159793

Something like that would work fine. My first roll at home set up was plywood C clamped to the kitchen table. That table from Amazon would be fine. As for supplies put them in a dresser. As long as the landlord is not going through the place searching they would never see it. If you think they are going to be that nosy buy a cheap file cabinet or such that locks or even a cheap rolling tool box.

 

[Koda]

Something like that would work fine. My first roll at home set up was plywood C clamped to the kitchen table. That table from Amazon would be fine. As for supplies put them in a dresser. As long as the landlord is not going through the place searching they would never see it. If you think they are going to be that nosy buy a cheap file cabinet or such that locks or even a cheap rolling tool box.

I think so, its not too large, will fit in a corner of a bedroom. I can put a table cloth over it to blend in when company comes over or for inspections. Im not worried about landlords opening drawers etc they are really just checking your not putting holes in the walls and just inspecting smoke alarms etc. The only thing I cant super hide deep is the small rifle safe will be hidden in the closet is a little obvious should they even look there.

 

[Camelfilter]

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

View attachment 2159793

BiMart had (?has) similar in store. Forget the dimensions.

Was on sale a bit ago.

 

[quneur]

I put a 2 shelf record/music rack storage in my coat closet. I works for me. I trim with my press and hand prime so all I need is space for scale, trickler and tray with powder measure and press hanging on the side.

 

[dangerranger60]

I had a small 10 gun safe that fit in the closet. it fit in the recessed end, and I cut a piece of sheetrock to stand in front of it. it made the closet look like it ended right at the door jamb. unless you moved the hanging clothes it was hidden. But slide the clothes back , slide the sheetrock back and there was a safe. Hiding in plain sight.

 

[Alexx1401]

I had a small 10 gun safe that fit in the closet. it fit in the recessed end, and I cut a piece of sheetrock to stand in front of it. it made the closet look like it ended right at the door jamb. unless you moved the hanging clothes it was hidden. But slide the clothes back , slide the sheetrock back and there was a safe. Hiding in plain sight.

Now that is a great idea!

 

[ma96782]

Your experience will vary. So anyway, be careful when buying......

Roll away portable tables. Those wheels make it easier for the entire set up to tip over during resizing operations.

Light bookshelves. Shelves could crack with the pressures involved during resizing operations. And, possible tip-over problems (even when weighted down). Also....there usually isn't much room to get your legs under the bench top.

On carpet. The entire setup could be on somewhat shaky ground. Not to mention the powder spills that will/might occur.

The folding Workmate style of portable project center. It wasn't sturdy enough for me. Tip over danger and the wood was presswood. Not a very suitable surface.

The Frankford Arsenal portable loading table. Not much surface room on that round bench top. The base moves around and when resizing some calibers, you'll see the bench top flex. Scary.

Advice.....
IMHO.......take a trip to your local Goodwill or cheap furniture place.

Be ready because at some point, you'll probably have to make modifications. The top surface material and the entire weight of the bench (or anchoring points) is very important for the performance of your setup. You'll probably have to compromise with some of the "perfect ideas".

Well, at least until you're in a more permanent abode. LOL.

Aloha, Mark

 

[P7M13]

When I lived in apartments for two years, I had a Lee Loadmaster mounted on a 12"X12"X1" piece of plywood that I would c-clamp to my dining table. I had a little secretary table that I tried for a while, but the dining table was much sturdier.
When not reloading, I stored the press, still fully assembled, in the hot water heater closet. The interchangeable heads with dies mounted were in a box on a high shelf. All the bullets, brass and powders were neatly stacked in air-tight containers on the coat closet floor.
Press setup and pulling out all the components would take 10-15 minutes. Takedown & stowing took longer to maintain neatness and organization.
My safe was also very neatly tucked out of the way in another closet.
Though I was never inspected by landlords, I made sure my kids wouldn't see/recognize anything related to guns, lest they tell their mother and she would take me to court over it.
I could crank out 200-300 rounds per hour of 9, 40 and 45. Then, every other weekend, shoot it all at Browns Camp or on Freres Lumber leases up the Santiam. The press wasn't really suited for bottle-necked rifle, and I didn't have room for another press. I suspect your reloading needs would be the opposite - more precision rifle.
Downsizing sucks. Good luck.

 

[spookshack]

BiMart had (?has) similar in store. Forget the dimensions.

Was on sale a bit ago.

I've seen them as low as $150. I don't reload, but have almost bought it more than a few times to use for gun cleaning/projects. It has a full length drawer too.

I'm not willing to lug it up 3 flights of stairs though, so it's a pass for now. Lol

https://www.bimart.com/heavy-duty-workbench-with-drawer-5ft-adjustable-height/p/925491

 

[dangerranger60]

Your experience will vary. So anyway, be careful when buying......

Roll away portable tables. Those wheels make it easier for the entire set up to tip over during resizing operations.

Light bookshelves. Shelves could crack with the pressures involved during resizing operations. And, possible tip-over problems (even when weighted down). Also....there usually isn't much room to get your legs under the bench top.

On carpet. The entire setup could be on somewhat shaky ground. Not to mention the powder spills that will/might occur.

The folding Workmate style of portable project center. It wasn't sturdy enough for me. Tip over danger and the wood was presswood. Not a very suitable surface.

The Frankford Arsenal portable loading table. Not much surface room on that round bench top. The base moves around and when resizing some calibers, you'll see the bench top flex. Scary.

Advice.....
IMHO.......take a trip to your local Goodwill or cheap furniture place.

Be ready because at some point, you'll probably have to make modifications. The top surface material and the entire weight of the bench (or anchoring points) is very important for the performance of your setup. You'll probably have to compromise with some of the "perfect ideas".

Well, at least until you're in a more permanent abode. LOL.

Aloha, Mark

This is why I filled the bottom of my roll away tool box with lead bullets. the extra weight worked to stabilize it. If he puts a shelf across the bottom supports he can load that for stabilizing weight. He may also end up putting a piece of ply across the back for diagonal support. DR

 

[P7M13]

Here's a great camouflaged reloading bench, $40 at the Cedar Hills Goodwill. Put it in plain sight in your dining area.

 

[rhollister71]

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

View attachment 2159793

i have that exact table. had to beef up where press is mounted due to its laminated pieces. but a 8x8 piece of subfloor did the trick where i mounted on corner. I did have it just w the top it came with but cracked at a lam joint so had to beef up. lasted about 150 rounds then cracked

 

[thorborg]

Add a little beef up in the right places brush a little finish.
This; and other very low cost on Craig's list:

 

[Pepe-lepew]

When in college, I clamped my Dillon to a metal desk with wood laminate top. The press has the strong mount which spreads the load. The press is currently mounted to a similar desk in my reloading room with bolts.

 

[Suppressed]

The Lee handpress is where I'd start if space is and issue. It's 100% portable, no bench required, just need dies powder measure, and a priming and unpriming tool.

 

[pizzaman5000]

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.

I rigged up a portable-ish reloading bench when I was house sitting, small work bench with casters, and a little shelf underneath. I got the table free, I think it's a craftsman or something like that. Maybe search marketplace?