RyanD1 Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Hi there, I hope this post may assist a fellow re-loader.I thought long and hard as to how to mount my 550B press on my workbench. I knew I wanted it as strong and solid as possible. I had read that a solid mount went along way to reducing the priming issues some people experienced. My second requirement was that the top of the press handle had to be level with my outstretched arm, when the press handle was in the up position.Sitting at my admittedly small reloading bench I thought of mounting the press on a shelf bolted to the wall. I knew I could make it strong enough and began to work out a design. I used some angle iron and a flat plate to construct the bracket. Welding was done with my CO2 welder. (I am lucky to have an extensive workshop). The shelf was made of 19mm shutter ply and screwed onto the steel wall bracket. Dillon recommends 12" of space either side of the press, I used this as a guideline when deciding where to mount the press and I must say I agree with the recommendation. I made the shelf to be 17cm wide and I am also happy with this choice.There are three mounting points to the wall, I used thread bar and drilled completely through the wall, place a washer/nut on the other side of the wall so to speak and used a nut on the bracket side of the wall. You will not pull that shelf off that wall, and it is very stable.The press was mounted with 6mm stainless steel bolts with lock nuts. The bolts obviously go through the plywood and through the steel plate as well.Word on the net is that Dillon blue is the same as ford tractor blue, so I went to the ford dealership and got some Ford blue, it is close but not an exact match.The Dillon strong mount is designed to accommodate the bullet tray, I was not using the strong mount and thus decided to make my own bullet tray. I used some thinner shutter ply I had in the shop and made a box. With a band saw I cut the box to give me the sloping design as seen in Dillon's bullet tray. I then made a length of 45° cornice, which I mitred to fit into the bottom of the box so as to stop the bullet hiding in the corner. It works well, I glued a lip underneath the box so as to hold it in position and I think it worked out well.I set the press up over a day or two and I used only the manual that came with the press. I read that manual almost a syllable at a time! Reading carefully, and applying a bit of reloading experience I am happy to report the press functions 100% with absolutely no issue. The whole thing is as solid as I can make it and I have no issues with powder spillage or failing to prime, time will tell but I think a solid mount for this press just makes sense.I will post images to follow but feel free if you want any more info.RegardsRyan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james5m Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Very nice work. I'm impressed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEH Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Drilled thru the wall,,,is this an outside wall or you have bolts in your living room ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanD1 Posted September 17, 2013 Author Share Posted September 17, 2013 Thanks James! @ EEH ha ha , no my office / reloading room is in an outbuilding and that wall is onto my garage where I park my truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45 Raven Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 Ryan: That is an excellent piece of work, right down to the paint! Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEH Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 I have to admitt I do like it,,for me it needs to be at sitting level,,,nice job I think that may be a first.You should sell it as a mounting KIT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tires2burn Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 You did great. It looks like it won't move period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanD1 Posted September 18, 2013 Author Share Posted September 18, 2013 (edited) Good Morning Everyone, Thanks for taking a look and for the positive feedback. EEH its an idea but I am happy for folks to copy it. Perhaps someone can now justify another press which is always a good thing! T2B you are correct, that thing is solid. Edited September 18, 2013 by RyanD1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babaganoosh Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Awesome idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youngeyes Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Very nice. Looks very strong. From the height I assume you're a tall fella. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubbadoc Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Nice innovative solution to the space issue. Good work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodell Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Really nice. Wrong "blue", though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Too_Slow Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 As I recall the correct blue is the old Ford engine block blue not the tractor blue. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gussers Posted September 18, 2013 Share Posted September 18, 2013 Think you could post some rudimentary info on that bullet box you made? I have a similar situation and really dig that wall mount! Excellent job. Very professional looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanD1 Posted September 19, 2013 Author Share Posted September 19, 2013 Hi there, Glad you all like my plan, Rodell- I tell myself that every time I look at it! @ Too Slow thanks for the info but I don't think I can bring myself to dismantle everything and do it again! Gussers, with pleasure, let me do some measuring and get some detailed photos, I will post here in a day or so. Glad you may be able to apply my plan, that was my intention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tailhunter Posted September 22, 2013 Share Posted September 22, 2013 I'll buy that one and you can redo yourself one in the "correct" blue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acu111 Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 Really awesome set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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