Build Portable Loading Bench on B&D Workmate Platform
A while back, we featured a portable reloading bench built on a Black & Decker Workmate. That proved a VERY popular do-it-yourself project so we’re showing it again, in case you missed it the first time.
Texan Robert Lewis made himself a great portable reloading bench from plywood mounted to a Black & Decker Workmate. The bench, roughly 22″ x 19″ on top, folds up to fit easily in your car’s trunk or behind the seats in a pick-up truck cab. Four recessed bolts hold the wood top section to the collapsible B&D Workmate.The sides and back of the unit are attached to the base with small nails. There is a small shelf (also nailed in place) which can be used to clamp a powder measure or hold a scale. Shown in the photo is a Harrell’s Benchrest measure and Harrell’s single-stage “C” press.
The whole unit can be built for about $65.00 with pine, or $80.00 with oak (as shown). Robert explained: “The Workmate was $40. If someone bought a 2’x4′ sheet of 3/4″ oak plywood, I think it is around $30. Using pine plywood would be about half that. Fasteners were $3. Spar Urethane would be $5.”
Robert told us: “I used a couple ideas I found on the web. The Larry Willis website gave me the idea to use the Black and Decker Workmate as a base. I found the Workmate on sale for $40 and the top is made from oak plywood I had in my shop. I sealed the wood with three coats of Spar Urethane. The whole thing folds into a nice package for transportation to and from the range.”
Editor’s NOTE: In the time that’s transpired since we first ran this story, the price of a Black & Decker workmate has gone up. However you can still pick a WM225 Workmate for under $65.00. Target is currently selling WM225 Workmates for $64.99.
Click HERE for FREE WORKBENCH PLANS.
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Tags: B & D, Bench, Black and Decker, DIY, Reloading Bench, Workmate
That would be handy to take to the range.
I have been using a B & D Workmate for a loading bench since 1974. Building a box to clamp to the top is one way to utilize the Workmate. However, the Workmate table can be used as is, and reloading tools clamped directly to it, or attached in other ways. This box is another way to do it. I would use screws in lieu of nails.
I simply put a 2 inch step across the top of my workmate and added a Redding Big Boss 2 and a small vice. It does not flex and is so simple to install. The step cost 16 dollars. Simple and completely effective for reloading as it …
I took the wooden vices off my B&d workbench and fitted a standard 2 inch thick wooden step in it’s place. Bolted on a Redding big boss, a Redding 1400 length trimmer and a small vice.
It all works great and the step cost me 16 dollars.