Securing reloading machine to bench

I have a heavy steel roll-away tool box with a wooden work surface that I'd like to use as a reloading bench. I use a Dillon machine for pistol and MEC machines for shotgun and what I'd like to do is establish a permanent set of threaded holes for the different "footprints." That way I can secure and remove machines as needed, and still have a work surface that can be used for other things when I'm not reloading. Does anyone know of some sort of inside and outside threaded plug that would go in flush with the surface? The thickness of the wood top is 3/4".

Most big box hardware stores have a specialty fastener cabinet.
Look at threaded inserts.
Drill the appropriate size hole & screw them in with a dab of glue to lube them.

Yep, you need insert nuts, which you can get at Lowe's or Home Depot.  You screw them into the wood and then screw your hold-down hardware into them.  If you use the brass ones, make sure to make an installation tool made from a hexhead bolt and two nuts that match your insert.  Put the two nuts on the bolt and leave a good bit of thread exposed, then screw that into the insert and use it as a nut driver to get it into your worktop.  Loosen the top nut and you will be able to release the insert and back out the bolt.  Voila!  If you try to drive the insert in with a screwdriver, you will probably break it.

You can save yourself the trouble and get the ones with a hex socket in the top, but they might not be available locally.

You can also use tee nuts, which have a barbed flange and you install from the underside of the work surface.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=insert+nut

Bolt them from the bottom up. I'm not sure I would trust the insert nuts with the pressures from a progressive press and particularly not with a rifle press. 

The other option is quick change plates like the ones made by Lee and Inline Fabrication. Once the plates are mounted you can swap the presses in and out easily.

I HAVE 4 DILLON 1050'S. I HAVE ONLY USED DECK SCREWS. THEY WORK JUST FINE. JP

You could to something like this guy.

http://ultimatereloader.com/2011/03/27/the-new-reloading-bench-system-at-ultimate-reloader/ 

Or also consider these.  They make a flush mounting system too.

https://inlinefabrication.com/collections/quick-change-press-mounting-system  

In any event I would fasten the movable wood top to the tool box.  Shifting tools get tiring to use because your body has to adapt to complex forces in odd ways.

I would get a 3/4 plate of aluminum that would measure the size of your tool box top area. Have someone or you cut it nicely. Figure out where you want to put your reloading tool footprints and with a drill or drill press, drill holes and then tap threads to the aluminum plate. Just like a RCBS accessories plate, but much bigger.

My setup is not as sexy/permanent... I bolted my press to a piece of 2x8 and then C-clamp that to my work surface. Easy, solid and fast to install/remove.

Thank you for the replies. Now I know what to ask for at Home Depot or Lowes.

This works for me in the small space I have now. I have used this setup in three different homes an two different shops.
Decent grade 3/4 plywood, glue and screw the "tool plates". I used forstner bit to make recess for bolt heads. Rack for tool/machine storage under bench except for 1050, its too tall with feeder post. I also use two different height benches.
Make a blank for when you need a clear bench top. I think the plates and socket are 9in on top and 11in on bottom (I'm not home now). Hold down bolts may be needed if your wood working skills suck as do mine.

Step 1, Steal the guest bedroom. What's more important? Reloading room 365 or guest room 3 days a year?

Step 2, Buy 2 sheets of 3/4" AC plywood, bunch of 2x4's, various size screws and some stain.

Step 3, Go crazy and have fun

Step 4, Enjoy. Picture doesn't show it all. Mec mounted far right. 3 RCBS Presses and a Lee.

Show off...
Carpeted???

Big screen TV for YouTube how to videos?

LenV wrote:Step 1, Steal the guest bedroom. What's more important? Reloading room 365 or guest room 3 days a year?

Step 2, Buy 2 sheets of 3/4" AC plywood, bunch of 2x4's, various size screws and some stain.

Step 3, Go crazy and have fun

Step 4, Enjoy. Picture doesn't show it all. Mec mounted far right. 3 RCBS Presses and a Lee.

Good gracious, Ignatius! Suddenly feeling so inadequate.

Nice set up LenV.

I took a 3/4 inch sheet of pyl wood made a base then drilled through the table and the plywood using 4 x 3/4 inch bolts and lock rings I attached the Hornady Press. seems to work. About once a year I have to tighten it all up but it works over 1000's of rounds.