Press Mounting: Lee Bench Plate, Pat Marlin's ROCKDock?

[Jumping Frog]

I am planning on building a new reloading bench, and want more flexibility on mounting presses or other accessories to the workbench.

The Lee Bench Plate system started me thinking along these lines, but I am not sold on their product because I am concerned about a wooden base blank cracking (I have cracked a workbench top before). Actually, I should say that I am not even considering the Lee, but I am looking for alternatives.



Then I stumbled across the Pat Marlin ROCKDock system.




It seems far more solid, will also work with non-Lee products, and is only about $20 more than the Lee.

Anyone have real-world experience with a docking-style press mount system have recommendations regarding these two -- or any similar -- products?

[Gyrogearhead]

Hi JF,

Why not use the machine screw thread inserts for wood that you can get at the hardware store for 50c each? That's what I use in my bench and they are rock solid. Just mark the holes with the press, drill, screw in the inserts and mount the press with the right size machine bolts. Yeah, it's not as fast as the systems you have noted but it is a LOT less expensive. And yeah, my bench top looks like a scatter shot of these imbeded inserts where I mount my presses but it really does work well, at least for me.

One added benefit is that when the presses are put away the top of the bench is flat which makes doing other stuff there much easier.

Gerry

[Jumping Frog]

Why not use the machine screw thread inserts for wood that you can get at the hardware store for 50c each?

Interesting idea that I had not thought of.

Most thread inserts I have seen are about 1/2" deep, if visual memory serves. Do you think that is deep enough and strong enough that they won't pull out? I am somewhat skeptical . . .

I had one bench in an earlier life with a 1/2" thick top that cracked while making the first hundred rounds. I ended up mounting a the press to a 2x12 attached to the top of the workbench.

[CDH]

I mount my presses to a 2x6. I have a 3/8" stud sticking up about 9-10" back from the edge of my bench that fits a hole in the press 2x6. I had to countersink the 2x6 to account for the nut on the stud on top of the bench, but it is still plenty stout. I use a wingnut and fender washer on top to make press changes quick and simple. I also have several other 'tools' that fit the same system...

[Gyrogearhead]

Why not use the machine screw thread inserts for wood that you can get at the hardware store for 50c each?

Interesting idea that I had not thought of.

Most thread inserts I have seen are about 1/2" deep, if visual memory serves. Do you think that is deep enough and strong enough that they won't pull out? I am somewhat skeptical . . . .

I used 3/8" stainless bolts to secure the 550 to the bench which has a 3/4" plywood top. The 4 inserts I used were a shade over 3/4" long and about 1/2" outside diameter made of brass. I've never had any problems with any movement of the press frame while I'm using it but then I don't reload .300 Weatherby Mag either. I've never had to really bear down on the press handle loading 45 ACP, Soooo...... Your experience may vary.

On the other hand for the price of the inserts you can find out if they will do the job. If they fail in use then just cover up the holes with the ROCKDock and cary on as before.

Or if you want to make double sure you could buy the inserts that are made of steel and have a quite large head on one end with spikes that sink into the wood to keep it from turning or being pulled out. These are really heavy duty but must be installed from the bottom. Your hardware store likely has both kinds so pick the one you think will work the best for your situation.

Gerry