Turning a crappy spare bedroom into an awesome 2A Sanctuary (mancave)

[moya034]

There was a spare bedroom in the house I'm at right now (and for the foreseeable next 2-3 years) and my gun stuff was starting to have "overflow" problems between my bedroom, another room, and the 2nd living room. The solution was obvious, one dedicated room for everything. The room however was previously occupied by the homeowner's son and as you can see is need of a facelift. That said the goal of the project was basically to have 5 reloading machines set up (2 dillons, rock chucker, MEC Jr, MEC 9000) along with a space to clean guns, and not have to move anything. I also wanted to maximize storage space.

I started with wrapping the walls where the bench will be in 2x4's with lots of deckmate screws in the studs. One row for the bench top, another for an intermediate shelf. I'm using 4x4's for the front of the bench top and the legs for maximum rigidity.
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Middle legs and shelf frame done.
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More supports for the bench top and shelf.
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[moya034]

Plywood Time!

The bench top got two layers of 3/4", and the shelf 1 layer. The bottom layer has 4 pieces and the top layer 3 pieces, so the seams don't overlap. You'll note in the previous pics there are two 4x4's where the seams for the bottom layer meet.
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1/2" plywood for the walls. Screwed into studs of course. I also added plywood under the bench top to cover up the holes in the drywall.
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And a strong upper shelf.
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[moya034]

Time for some better lighting. I used 3 cheap LED 4' shop lights from Home Depot. I also took this opportunity to start moving stuff in.

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A tool box and more shelving in the corner behind the door. You'll also note I have a 1/2 piece of plywood cut to fit this one part of the bench where gun cleaning will occur so I dont get fluids spilled on my nice bench top. The window provides ventilation. There is a locked porch behind this window.
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Continuing the wrap around ceiling shelf. The J hooks are screwed into ceiling joists. Some entertainment added as well. The tubs house my shot hull collection.
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And yet another shelf.
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[moya034]

And bringing us up to current status, Electrical time.

The outlet next to the switch is always on. The outlets above the bench are switched.
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[moya034]

I am very happy with the results. I've already loaded a few hundred shot shells, went shooting for the first time in a couple weeks, and cleaned the shotgun. Being in the room is very cozy and comfortable. It's wonderful to have space leftover for more stuff!

Speaking of more stuff, there' still more shelving to add, set up the centerfire reloading presses, and some other details so stay tuned. Suggestions are welcome as well!

Next step however is some organization. I have a bunch of plastic tubs of various sizes.

[scottz63]

Very nice! Comfortable space for you and everything within reach. Great!

Suggestion #1: Remove the carpet and epoxy paint the floor. Looks better, much easier to clean up spills and such, and easier for a rolling chair if so desired.

[moya034]

Very nice! Comfortable space for you and everything within reach. Great!

Suggestion #1: Remove the carpet and epoxy paint the floor. Looks better, much easier to clean up spills and such, and easier for a rolling chair if so desired.

I thought about that, however I've learned over the years you actually want carpet when you work with shot, as it actually helps contain shot spills where as bare floor it will roll all over the place. If I spill chemicals on this carpet no big deal. It's a Berber that while already stained, is in fairly good shape. I typically am bare foot so static isn't a huge concern.

[Buckshot]

Looks like your project went well and good use of space. Enjoy!

[jbruney]

A chapel for the exercise of Man Rites. Looks great. Keep your inhouse interior decorator away.

[Berlin]

Very cool.