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Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 17 May 2018 11:25
by EdgeOfEden
I know there was a previous mod suggested by Buckeye43210 for utilizing wing nuts for the Lee Bench Plate, but this mod is different.

In short this modification involves replacing the 4 short Phillip screws that hold the bench plate (or permit it to be released) with 4 shoulder bolts and knobs. Talk about fast and easy to change out your presses. It’s really quite an improvement. Loosen just enough to install or release your press.
Bench Plate Quick Change.jpg
Some time ago I had seen this modification to the Lee Bench Plate System from Vaughn Precision. I finally got around to getting the parts myself.

In addition, for anyone interested I have included the essential parts list to accomplish this as they were not listed by Vaughn Precision:
Caveat: The parts from Tacoma are bulk. You may not need this many, but at least you will have a reference for what you do need.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 17 May 2018 17:50
by larryw
Very sweet, nice job.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 17 May 2018 23:25
by Fyodor
Looks like that mod makes the quick change system actually quick to change!

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 18 May 2018 06:41
by buckeye43210
A picture is worth a thousand words...

Image

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 18 May 2018 06:51
by buckeye43210
Something similar could be done with a 3D printer and four common hex-head bolts.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 18 May 2018 07:27
by Ranch Dog
I guess I'm a simple guy. Just use them as they come and keep a short phillips on the bench from a set that was free from Harbor Freight I have six bench plate bases, never had an issue with them working loose.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 18 May 2018 20:22
by EdgeOfEden
I understand, Ranch Dog. In my application I currently have two bench plates mounted on a short shelf under another bench where I place presses not in use. Crouched over under the bench with a screw driver to loosen my presses for RNR was a real pain. This mod makes it much easier for me to change them out. I also have two bench plates mounted on top of another bench; so moving my presses around is now very quick and tool-less. If it had not been for my current arrangement, I likely would have continued to do the same as you.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 19 May 2018 04:36
by GasGuzzler
I need help understanding the point of the plate system in the first place.

Doesn't seem much simpler than unbolting the press from the table and even though it may allow quicker removal of the press, that big cumbersome thing bolted to the bench and in the way is still there.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 19 May 2018 05:17
by EdgeOfEden
The Lee Bench System is faster than removing bolts from a bench and it offers additional rigidity for the press. That said, your perspective has merits as well.

In the end it depends on each reloader's needs or wants . I offered up this mod for those either already using the Lee Bench Plate System or thinking about it. For my arrangement it works well.

Re: Lee Bench Plate System Mod

Posted: 19 May 2018 05:54
by Ranch Dog
EdgeOfEden wrote:The Lee Bench System is faster than removing bolts from a bench and it offers additional rigidity for the press.
I agree they have made my Load-Masters very stable.