So last week I posted a WTB add for a solid wood board to build another reloading bench to host a newly added press to my reloading room.
I got lots of innovative tips and advices from butcher blocks to used solid doors, etc..
I liked the solid door idea but after I visited home depot and other hardware stores, the advertised solid doors are really hollow and the true solid panels are in excess of $300. Butcher blocks in the 30x60" dimensions are also in excess of $260.
To make a long story short, I ended up buying a 3/4" plywood panel 4x8 ft for $52 (I got the maple panel), and I had it cut into 3 pieces of 2.5x4 ft and one 1.5x4 ft.
I glued two pieces of 2.5x4 ft on top of each other and had it pressed overnight and I applied 20 screws (1.25in length) in a random pattern to join the two panels together and help stiffening it in addition to the glue. Yesterday I put the Bench together and I used the extra pieces to add a bracing shelf and a bracing back.. I used 1/4 " screws and nuts and drilled holes in the wood panels to attach to the steel legs that I got from home depot for $50.
The result was one heck of a solid build work bench and I mounted the new press on it but was so tired that I didn't have time to work my way around the press yet.
I thought to share this idea so if other forum members are looking to build a reloading bench or a general working bench on the affordable side, here is one idea that costs $102 for wood and steel legs and $15 for bolts and nuts ..