Posted by: air_sniper
Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/14/16 05:30 PM
I'm just getting into reloading, got a press, piecing together all the tools and equipment I need slowly. I'm building a dedicated work bench for the job. It's good and solid, has levelers, the top surface is smooth but not 100% flat. I want to protect the wood so two options I'm considering are:
-Polyurethane over most surfaces, including the top, but pretty light.
-Liquid Glass epoxy rather thick on just the top in order to get it 100% flat.
Any thoughts on those clearcoats? Has anyone used these for their bench? Will either hold up to strictly reloading use?
Thanks!
Posted by: twidpa
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/14/16 06:25 PM
I use coffee and spilled smokeless powder and touch up with break free and brake cleen splatter.
I guess a replaceable layer of plywood might work also.
T
Posted by: MP3Mogul
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/14/16 06:38 PM
I use coffee and spilled smokeless powder and touch up with break free and brake cleen splatter.
I guess a replaceable layer of plywood might work also.
T
I used this method as well
Posted by: troutnut
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/14/16 09:47 PM
I have a similar table to yours . Sheet of 3/4 " plywood and a coat of polyurethane on top . Works well to clean up spilled powder and such.
Posted by: smartcar
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/19/16 09:53 PM
I put seven layers of poly on mine. Works great.
Posted by: Cash is King
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/20/16 10:52 AM
I like mine smooth (cracks can let screws etc. pass through).
A sheet of MDO or MDF as an overlay will make smooth and add thickness. Thickness is a good thing when adding a vise or reloading press... even two layers of MDO or MDF is not a bad thing. In a decade or two if wear is extra severe... add another layer and tada... new surface.
Best of luck in the project.
Posted by: NovaShooter45
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/20/16 07:55 PM
If it helps, 10 layers of marine grade urethane are pretty good. 0000 steel wool between layers. I wouldn't use dimensional lumber but a piece of plywood. Put shims on the back legs of the table so small things don't roll off the back or put a outlet strip like this
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Benc...&ajaxhist=0
Posted by: lars1367
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/26/16 04:21 PM
For use in a moisture rich environment, I'd suggest the following:
1) shellac ALL parts (just a nice base coat to put any finish over)
2) one or two light coat System 3 epoxy (available at woodcraft in JANAF) just to stabilize the wood.
3) two coats of General Finishes Enduro Var exterior grade poly, very light sanding between coats. I like the exterior grade just because I'm anal retentive and think its more durable on benches.
If your bench will be in a climate controlled area, skip the epoxy. I'm in Norfolk and always willing to give a reloader or woodworker a hand.
Posted by: Bugzy
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 03/28/16 07:03 PM
I like this product for the top. Have used it many times with great results.
ULTRA Clear Epoxy
Posted by: OldBay
Re: Best finish for reloading bench? - 04/16/16 09:58 PM
Shoot the bench down with Linex.