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Old 11-16-2010, 11:43 PM
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The UPS left a nice package for me today, my reloading equipment and other reloading goodies. I now have to find the right place to get started, and may have to build a special bench to do it. What is your mode of reloading, sanding or sitting? Sitting sims a bit awkward when moving that lever, I think standing would most likely work best. If your preference is standing, what should the bench height be, in relation to the body, waist-high? Thanks.

Pete
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Old 11-17-2010, 12:20 AM
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Most seem to prefer standing. The sitters I know seem to like a bar stool. It is generally easier to work on the press while standing and not "hunched over".

For height, it really depends on the press. As a general rule, the handle of the press should be at about shoulder height when it is in its uppermost position. If you are really going to crank the rounds out you should definitely pay attention to the ergonomics.

Bob
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Old 11-17-2010, 12:58 AM
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I use a high stool, no back.

Jason
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Old 11-17-2010, 01:36 AM
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Go set it on the counter top in the kitchen and see if it is about right Pete. Then adjust from there .
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Old 11-17-2010, 07:43 AM
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I usually do some case prep,priming, & powder charging while standing. I use the press while sitting. It all depends on how you want to set up.
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Old 11-17-2010, 08:42 AM
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I would agree with Bulleye Smith about the hieght of the bench. I built a dedicated bench (it does get used for a few other projects in the garage). I set my bench up with inserts/bolts so that I can remove the press and powder stand and have a open work surface. Seated vs. standing? I do both. But I do use a stool instead of a chair, so I'm almost standing anyway.
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Old 11-17-2010, 10:00 AM
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My bench is semi portable and low so I sit on a folding chair. Plus I am lazy.

I sent you a PM with a link to another forum that has benches. Only 586,000 views!
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Old 11-17-2010, 11:11 AM
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How long are you willing to stand up? I sit; I'm gonna be there for a while. Set your equipment up at whatever height is comfortable for you.
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Old 11-17-2010, 11:37 AM
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Quote:
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How long are you willing to stand up? I sit; I'm gonna be there for a while. Set your equipment up at whatever height is comfortable for you.
+1

I spend hours at my bench so I sit. I found an old office desk with a heavy laminate top for my bench and I use an office chair with an adjustable height to sit in.
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Old 11-17-2010, 01:02 PM
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Great responses, great ideas... after seeing the pictures Roy referenced, I'd say that some folks are really into it, big time. My reloading is going to be minimal, as I no longer do much shooting. I decided to start reloading mostly as a stress-releaser project, or something to do during the winter months. Thanks a bunch fellers.

Pete
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Old 11-17-2010, 02:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OCD1 View Post
My bench is semi portable and low so I sit on a folding chair. Plus I am lazy.

I sent you a PM with a link to another forum that has benches. Only 586,000 views!
Hey how 'bout posting that link!

/c
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Old 11-17-2010, 03:12 PM
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'tis a good idee - here it is:

Show us a picture of your reloading bench - THR

Pete
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Old 11-17-2010, 03:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldfella View Post
Great responses, great ideas... after seeing the pictures Roy referenced, I'd say that some folks are really into it, big time. My reloading is going to be minimal, as I no longer do much shooting. I decided to start reloading mostly as a stress-releaser project, or something to do during the winter months. Thanks a bunch fellers.

Pete
I am in about the same boat Pete. Have all my stuff, and even picked up a clearance 6' section of laminate countertop from HD. Just have to get my bench together, and have been trying to decide myself if I want to sit or stand, and what height will work best. I have Rhuematoid Arthritis, so I don't think standing will be an option, but then again I don't plan on reloading hours on end, as I don't shoot a whole heck of alot of ammo. Decided to start reloading due to the price of ammo, my fear of .45acp availability next year on the centennial of the 1911, and mainly for something to do during the winter months.
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Old 11-17-2010, 03:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck Jones View Post
Hey how 'bout posting that link!

/c

I did not want to get in trouble for linking to another gun forum

Maybe they will not make oldfella sit in the corner.
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  #15  
Old 11-17-2010, 03:54 PM
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Oops...Sorry Lee

Pete
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Old 11-17-2010, 08:11 PM
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Here is another interesting idea, a bit labor-intensive, but worth considering:

Reloading Bench Project

Pete
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  #17  
Old 11-17-2010, 08:57 PM
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Here is a simple, pimple "kit" just by some 2 x4's and plywood It is sold at other places but just happened to see this in a catalog.

By the lumber at Lowes or Homers and have them cut it and presto, you have a bench.

2x4 Basics® Bench Kit, Tools & Accessories, Reloading, Shooting : Cabelas.com
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Old 11-17-2010, 09:08 PM
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With some modifications this workbench will do just fine:

Building A Basic Work Bench

Pete
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Old 11-17-2010, 09:11 PM
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That's pretty much my garage bench I built long ago only I used 3/4 plywood. You need to be careful to leave enough edge to put bolts through to hold the press or you will need very long ones to go through the 2x4 frame or end up lag bolting them in.
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Old 11-17-2010, 11:50 PM
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Pete: It is really a back-stress reliever if you build your reloading bench for the correct height to for the standing position and then find an old bar stool and cut it to the correct height to allow you to on occasion sit at your press when the mood hits you. I have built several benches over the years and hit on using 1 1/8" thick plywood for the top. This plywood is known to the trade as "2-4-1" ply. It is sturdy enough to allow really heavy duty presses and the resulting 'leverage' that they require. For your light duty requirements the use of lag bolts down thru the top into the 2X4 purlins will work fine. If you can't find any '2-4-1' ply my recommendation is to double up 3/4" with wood glue between the layers. It sound like 'overkill', but in the long run you will thank me.

For my heavy duty requirements, I flush inlet into the leading edge of the top a one piece length of 1/4"X4"X5" angle iron. I can drill and tap it to accommodate any reloading tool known to man. I also electrically ground this angle iron for total elimination of static spark danger. Not that I ever had a problem prior to taking this step. ....... Big Cholla
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Old 11-18-2010, 10:24 AM
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Another great idea; I have a workbench in my shop, approx. 36" high, 40" long, 24" wide made out of 2 pieces of 3/4" glued plywood covered with kitchen counter laminate, on heavy duty casters. I think I'll start with this bench and gauge it from there. Thanks for all these fine responses.

Pete
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Old 11-18-2010, 10:54 AM
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Quote:
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Another great idea; I have a workbench in my shop, approx. 36" high, 40" long, 24" wide made out of 2 pieces of 3/4" glued plywood covered with kitchen counter laminate, on heavy duty casters. I think I'll start with this bench and gauge it from there. Thanks for all these fine responses.

Pete
You mean you had a bench this whole time!!??

That sounds like a awesome bench
What's the question???????
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Old 11-18-2010, 11:14 AM
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I am looking for a specialty, dedicated reloading bench, the workbench in question is my woodworking assembly bench.

Pete
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Old 11-18-2010, 11:37 AM
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Quote:
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I am looking for a specialty, dedicated reloading bench, the workbench in question is my woodworking assembly bench.

Pete
Hello Pete,

I am planning on building my dedicated bench based on this one I found in a web search for Countertop Reloading Bench.
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Old 11-18-2010, 04:05 PM
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We built a house a few years ago and used (I believe) 1 1/2" tongue and groove floor decking. It had about a 2" tongue a groove that was kind of wedge shaped. I accumulated all the scrap I could and I made very nice bench tops. I believe it was about a b/c grade so there was a nice top to finish.
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Old 11-18-2010, 07:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldfella View Post
I am looking for a specialty, dedicated reloading bench, the workbench in question is my woodworking assembly bench.

Pete

Well use your woodworking skills, tools and bench to make another one just like it.

I'll have to make a trip over to my friends house who sells reloading stuff, mostly brass and ask him if I can take a picture of his reloading "room" it's about the size of my house and he must have 10 or more presses, sorters, scales counters full of dies etc.Dillons, RCBS, Hornady Old ones, new ones, shot gun loaders you name it. This is just the part in his house overlooking the lake. He has another 2,000 square foot concrete building where he sorts brass by the 55 gal drums. He has been reloading since before time began I think. The place is like a museum and just awesome!
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Old 11-18-2010, 08:32 PM
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I would take the wheels off of it, or you will be chasing it around the rosie's .
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Old 11-18-2010, 09:09 PM
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Quote:
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Well use your woodworking skills, tools and bench to make another one just like it.
Yes, that is my plan - I will use my shop workbench to figure out the correct position of the press, relative to my height, and other dimensions for reloading. I will soon find out the most ergonomically comfortable height for both sitting and standing positions.

Bullseye - Yes, you are right, or anchor it to the wall.

Pete
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Old 11-19-2010, 10:51 AM
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Quote:
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Yes, that is my plan - I will use my shop workbench to figure out the correct position of the press, relative to my height, and other dimensions for reloading. I will soon find out the most ergonomically comfortable height for both sitting and standing positions.

Bullseye - Yes, you are right, or anchor it to the wall.

Pete
Well since you are getting ergonomic on us.

"I am here to help you with your problem. At no time will your problem become my problem as I can not help someone who does not have a problem."

Better have lots of pictures for us from blueprints to finish.
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Old 11-19-2010, 12:31 PM
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OoooK. "Ergonomics" replaces "Confortable positon" ... or:

"er·go·nom·ics (ūrˌgə-nŏmˈĭks)
noun
(used with a sing. verb) The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Also called biotechnology, human engineering, human factors engineering.
(used with a pl. verb) Design factors, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by minimizing operator fatigue and discomfort: The ergonomics of the new office were felt to be optimal."





Pete
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Old 11-19-2010, 02:44 PM
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I have stayed at the Peabody Hotel and sat in a genuwine Herman Miller Chair, so there!

Hope you don't get splinter in you butt.
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