Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 Review

What Makes the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 Click?

For anyone engaged in precision reloading, a stable and adaptable bench setup is paramount. The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 promises a solution to the perennial problem of limited bench space and the hassle of re-securing presses for different operations. This system from Lee is designed to allow for the swift removal and swapping of reloading presses without the need for constant unbolting. My own workspace, a somewhat cramped corner of a workshop that also doubles as a storage area, often felt like a compromise, especially when I needed to switch between case resizing, bullet seating, and powder dispensing. This bench plate system immediately caught my eye as a potential game-changer for maximizing efficiency in a confined area. Upon receiving it, the initial impression was one of solid, unadorned functionality; it’s clearly built with purpose rather than aesthetics in mind. While I briefly considered some more elaborate, multi-station mounting systems, their cost and footprint were prohibitive for my current setup. The sheer simplicity of this Lee offering, coupled with its attractive price point, made it the clear frontrunner. My immediate feeling was one of pragmatic optimism – this might just be the no-nonsense solution I’d been searching for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 to the Test

My testing environment was my personal workshop bench, a sturdy but not overly thick piece of plywood reinforced with a simple wooden frame. This is where most of my reloading and general tinkering happens, so it’s a familiar and realistic setting. I installed the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 onto this bench, which involved drilling a few holes and securing it with the provided hardware. The process was straightforward, taking less than fifteen minutes from unboxing to being ready for a press.

First Use Experience

The initial swap of my Lee Precision Classic Turret Press was remarkably swift. I had previously attached the base block to the press itself, and after loosening the bench plate’s securing bolts, the entire press unit slid off with minimal effort. Re-installing another press, a Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger, was equally seamless. The wide steel plate distributes the load effectively, and I noticed a definite improvement in rigidity, even on my somewhat basic benchtop. There were no immediate surprises, and the system performed exactly as advertised for quick press changes.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent use, the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 has proven its worth. I’ve swapped presses at least a dozen times, sometimes multiple times in a single reloading session, and the system has held up beautifully. The powder-coated steel shows no signs of significant wear, even after accidental minor scuffs from dropped tools. Cleaning is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth. Compared to my previous method of bolting and unbolting presses directly to the bench, this system is vastly superior in terms of speed and convenience. The only minor concern I’ve encountered, and one echoed by other users, is the tendency for the mounting screws to work loose over time with vigorous use. I’ve addressed this by applying a small amount of blue Loctite to the threads of the bolts that secure the press to the base plate, which seems to have resolved the issue entirely.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is designed with a singular focus: to provide a fast and secure method for interchangeable press mounting. Its components are robust and functional, prioritizing ease of use and stability.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Lee Precision, a well-regarded name in the reloading equipment industry.
• Material: Constructed entirely from steel, providing a durable and rigid foundation.
• Includes: One steel base block that is compatible with all current Lee metallic presses. It also comes with specialized elevator bolt hardware for secure mounting to a workbench.
• Finish: Features a powder-coated finish, offering protection against corrosion and wear.
• Design: A wide steel plate designed to distribute the load across the workbench surface. This enhances stability, particularly on lighter bench tops.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits. The steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to the forces exerted during reloading. The universal base block is a significant advantage, meaning you won’t need separate mounting plates for different Lee presses. The included elevator bolts are a thoughtful touch, designed to sit flush or slightly recessed, preventing snagging.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this bench plate system is to facilitate quick press changes, and it excels at this. Swapping presses takes mere moments once the initial setup is complete, allowing for seamless transitions between different reloading tasks. This is particularly beneficial for those who might have specialized presses for different calibers or operations. The added rigidity it provides to the workbench is also a notable performance enhancement.

However, as mentioned in the user feedback and my own extended testing, the screws securing the press to the base block can loosen. This is not a flaw in the plate itself, but rather in the fastening hardware’s ability to withstand vibration. The simple fix of using blue Loctite mitigates this significantly, ensuring the press remains firmly attached during operation. Without this minor intervention, a press could potentially work loose, which would be a serious functional drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is purely utilitarian. It’s a thick, heavy gauge steel plate with pre-drilled holes for bench mounting and a central channel system for the press’s base. The powder-coated finish provides a decent grip and protects the underlying steel. Ergonomically, it’s not designed for tactile pleasure; it’s a functional piece of equipment. The wide plate design is its key ergonomic feature, ensuring that the load from the press is spread out, preventing flex or bowing of even a less substantial workbench.

There’s no real learning curve involved; mounting it and attaching presses is intuitive. The only aspect that requires a bit of attention is the selection of appropriate hardware for your workbench thickness, although the included elevator bolts cover most common scenarios. The clean lines and lack of unnecessary embellishments mean it’s easy to keep clean and free of debris, which is always a plus in a workshop environment.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its all-steel construction and powder-coated finish, the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is built to last. I anticipate this unit will see me through many years of reloading, likely outlasting several presses themselves. The only potential point of failure would be significant rust if the coating were severely compromised, but this seems unlikely under normal workshop conditions.

Maintenance is incredibly minimal. A quick wipe-down with a rag is usually all that’s needed to keep it free of dust and brass shavings. The key is ensuring that the securing bolts for the press are kept tight, which, as noted, can be reliably achieved with Loctite. There are no complex parts to break or maintain, making it a very low-hassle addition to any reloading bench.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 comes with the essential hardware needed for mounting to a workbench, specifically elevator bolts. The real “accessory” is the steel base block itself, which is designed to be permanently attached to the base of your Lee reloading press. This allows for the quick-release mechanism.

Customization is limited to how you choose to mount the base plate to your workbench (e.g., using different fasteners if the provided ones aren’t ideal for your specific bench material). The system is, by design, intended to work seamlessly with Lee presses that feature compatible base designs. While you could potentially drill new holes to mount other brands of presses, this would require significant modification and is not its intended use. The beauty of this system lies in its direct compatibility with Lee metallic presses.

Pros and Cons of Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

Here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of this bench plate system:

Who Should Buy Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251?

This Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is an absolute must-have for any reloader who uses multiple Lee metallic presses or frequently swaps between different press operations on the same bench. If you have a limited amount of workspace or simply want to streamline your reloading process, this system is an excellent investment. It’s perfect for home reloaders who might have one press for rifle cartridges and another for pistol cartridges, or who switch between tasks like case resizing, bullet seating, and primer seating.

Conversely, individuals who only use one press permanently mounted or who prefer a more integrated, permanent bench setup might not see the same benefit. If you’re exclusively using presses from other manufacturers, this system’s primary advantage of universal fit for Lee presses is negated, and you might be better off looking at brand-specific or universal mounting plates. For optimal use, I’d recommend having a good set of Allen wrenches or a socket set on hand for initial installation and any eventual tightening of the securing hardware, along with a small tube of blue Loctite.

Conclusion on Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251

The Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 is a straightforward, no-frills solution that delivers exceptional value and functionality. It directly addresses the common reloading bench challenges of space and efficiency, allowing for rapid press swaps that significantly speed up workflow. While the minor issue of mounting screws working loose is a consideration, it’s easily remedied with blue Loctite, a small price to pay for the convenience it offers. The robust steel construction and powder-coated finish promise longevity, and its compatibility with all current Lee metallic presses makes it a smart choice for dedicated users of the brand.

Considering its modest price point, the performance and utility of this system are outstanding. It transforms a potentially cluttered or inefficient reloading bench into a dynamic and adaptable workspace. I would absolutely recommend the Lee Bench Plate Press Mounting System 90251 to any reloader using Lee presses who values speed, efficiency, and clever space management. It’s a testament to Lee Precision’s ability to produce effective, practical tools that enhance the reloading experience without breaking the bank.