Any extra ideas for this workbench?

[BamaMarine]

I'm finally getting around to building a workbench for my man/gun room(spare bedroom). I plan on bolting on a small vice for gun work eventually and some reloading equip. I'm going to put a shelf or two on the wall above it with a good light underneath it.

So far I've got it planned at 6' long 30" deep and roughly 38" high. The legs are sistered 2x4 and all other supports are 2x4 as well. The shelves are both 3/4 hardwood ply with supports and I think I'm going to use a couple 2x12s and a 2x6 with a sheet of 3/4 hardwood ply glued and screwed(countersunk) for the top.

 

[5lima30]

One thing I did when I used to reload was paint the work surface with a gloss white paint so that it is easier to see and clean-up any powder spills. One other thing I always kept a fire extinguisher mounted nearby. A cork bulletin board over the reloading bench is a good place to pin up data for new loads and articles related to reloading. YMMV.

 

[mastiff0]

You could use a white laminate (kitchen countertop material) or melamine (whiteboard) to give a durable white surface, and that could keep you from having to use expensive hardwood plywood.

 

[BamaMarine]

One thing I did when I used to reload was paint the work surface with a gloss white paint so that it is easier to see and clean-up any powder spills. One other thing I always kept a fire extinguisher mounted nearby. A cork bulletin board over the reloading bench is a good place to pin up data for new loads and articles related to reloading. YMMV.

I thought about painting or staining but I think I'm just going to seal it since I like the natural wood look. I still need to decide on which 3/4 ply I want but I'm leaning towards the birch.

 

[SIDECAR BOB]

i mounted a smaller vise on the end opposite of the press , mounted powder measures and case trimmer etc on boards and clamped them in the vise instead of permanent mounting

 

[qdvuu]

I suggest recessing the front bottom 2x4s to provide toe room underneath the bench.

 

[BamaMarine]

I think the hardwood ply will be fine for the top as it won't see much abuse being in the mancave and I like the look.

What should I use as a sealer? I was thinking of using a clear outdoor seal to protect against oil, paint, solvents, etc. but I may go with a stained seal.