Let’s Talk About Lyman Universal Press Stand
The Lyman Universal Press Stand promises to be a game-changer for reloaders. This heavy-duty steel stand aims to accommodate nearly every single-stage, turret, and progressive press on the market. It boasts universal compatibility, improved ergonomics, and a rock-solid foundation for precision reloading.
My reloading bench was always a cluttered mess. Bending over to operate my press for hours led to serious back pain. I needed a solution that would raise my press to a comfortable height and free up valuable bench space. The Lyman Universal Press Stand seemed like the perfect answer.
Unboxing the Lyman Universal Press Stand, I was immediately impressed by the heft. The steel construction felt incredibly robust. The black powder coat finish appeared durable and resistant to scratches. Initial inspection revealed clean welds and precise pre-drilled mounting holes.
Compared to building my own DIY stand, the Lyman Universal Press Stand offered a professional and streamlined solution. Cheaper universal stands felt flimsy in online reviews. A dedicated stand for a specific press limited future flexibility. The Lyman offered the best balance of sturdiness and versatility.
My first impression was one of hopeful anticipation. It looked and felt like a well-engineered piece of equipment. I was excited to see if it would live up to its claims and alleviate my reloading woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Universal Press Stand to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Lyman Universal Press Stand took place in my garage reloading workshop. I mounted my Lee Classic Turret Press to the stand using the included hardware. The pre-drilled holes matched perfectly.
The raised height made a significant difference in comfort. It was much easier to operate the press without hunching over. The stand remained stable even during heavy resizing operations. I noticed a considerable reduction in fatigue after a few hours of reloading.
There was one minor annoyance: the stand vibrated slightly on my workbench. Adding rubber feet to the base resolved the issue. Otherwise, the initial use was smooth and problem-free.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lyman Universal Press Stand has proven its worth. It has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of bending, cracking, or loosening of the mounting hardware.
The powder coat finish remains intact, showing no signs of wear or corrosion. Cleaning is simple. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each reloading session.
Compared to my previous setup, reloading is now a much more enjoyable and efficient process. The Lyman Universal Press Stand has exceeded my expectations in terms of stability, ergonomics, and overall performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Universal Press Stand
Specifications
The Lyman Universal Press Stand features all-steel, heavy-duty construction. This ensures exceptional stability and durability, even under heavy loads. It accepts most single station, turret, and progressive presses. A blank area allows custom drilling for unique mounting patterns.
The stand raises your press 9 1/4 inches above your bench surface. This reduces fatigue and provides a clear view of reloading operations. It includes press mounting hardware.
The Lyman Universal Press Stand fits a wide variety of presses. This includes Lyman Crusher, T-Mag, Ideal C-Frame, Victory, and All-American 8 Turret presses. It also supports RCBS Rock Chucker, Rock Chucker Supreme, and Turret Pro 2000 presses. Hornady AP, Iron Lock-N-Load Classic, Redding T7, Lee Load Master, Pro 1000, and Classic Value Turret presses are compatible. Even Dillon Square Deal, 550, and 650 presses can be mounted.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Universal Press Stand performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a stable and elevated platform for reloading presses. This significantly improves ergonomics and reduces fatigue.
Its strength lies in its versatility and rock-solid construction. The universal mounting pattern accommodates a wide range of presses. The main weakness is the potential for vibration on certain bench surfaces, easily solved with rubber feet.
It meets and even exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of improved comfort and stability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Universal Press Stand features a simple but effective design. The black powder coat finish provides a clean and professional look. The weight is substantial, contributing to its stability.
The stand is user-friendly. Mounting a press is straightforward. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-steel construction ensures that the Lyman Universal Press Stand is built to last. With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down after use is sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Universal Press Stand comes with the necessary hardware for mounting most presses. The blank area allows for custom drilling to accommodate unique mounting patterns.
While Lyman doesn’t offer specific accessories for the stand, aftermarket rubber feet or leveling feet can be easily added. The stand is compatible with most standard workbench accessories.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Universal Press Stand
Pros
- Raises press height significantly, reducing fatigue and improving ergonomics.
- Universal design accommodates a wide range of single-stage, turret, and progressive presses.
- Heavy-duty steel construction provides exceptional stability and durability.
- Blank area allows for custom drilling to accommodate unique mounting patterns.
- Easy to assemble and mount a press.
Cons
- May vibrate on certain workbench surfaces.
- Mounting bolts could be higher quality.
Who Should Buy Lyman Universal Press Stand?
The Lyman Universal Press Stand is perfect for reloaders of all experience levels. Anyone seeking to improve their ergonomics and reduce fatigue will benefit greatly. It is ideal for those with limited bench space, as it allows the press to be easily clamped and removed.
Those who should skip this product include reloaders who already have a dedicated and ergonomically sound press mounting system. Those looking for the absolute cheapest option may find alternatives, but the Lyman’s superior quality justifies the price.
Must-have accessories include rubber feet or leveling feet to minimize vibration. A sturdy workbench is also essential to maximize the stand’s benefits.
Conclusion on Lyman Universal Press Stand
The Lyman Universal Press Stand is a worthwhile investment for any serious reloader. Its universal compatibility, robust construction, and ergonomic design make it a standout product.
The price is justified by the improved comfort, stability, and efficiency it provides.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Universal Press Stand to anyone looking to upgrade their reloading setup. Say goodbye to back pain and hello to more enjoyable and precise reloading sessions. Invest in your comfort and your reloading precision today!