Building my reloading bench

[RevolverDen]

Well I got underway today in the first steps of setting up my reloading bench. I first got the area in my garage cleared out where I want to be able to safely run my reloading station. As mentioned in earlier thread, I went with a workbench from Harbor Freight that was on sale for $159.99 and I had $25 gift card and a -10% off coupon. It was $139.06 w/tax out the door.

The maple cabinet I have as a leftover from our last Kitchen makeover. The seat is a Deluxe Craftsman bar-style stool which was a new in the box freebie from a relative. Seat was assembled in 5 minutes.

 

[novalty]

Looks like your going to run into the same problem as me, and the bench not be tall enough. So you might want to look into a mount to raise the press higher. I have the less fancy Craftsman stool, and will be changing the legs out on my bench to taller ones.

 

[m657]

Personally I like the lower rise bench style, as I prefer to load sitting down.

Handsome bench there, by the way.

Yer gonna need more storage space before too long......

 

[27 Man]

Much more storage.

 

[max]

Looks nice, make sure you have plenty of light.

 

[Bkreutz]

I like that stool, I got one that was a NAPA parts counter stool, with the strong mount for my press, it's just about the perfect height. Looks like that bench is about the same height as mine. (I made my bench, but used standard woodworking bench height).

 

[RevolverDen]

Personally I like the lower rise bench style, as I prefer to load sitting down.

Handsome bench there, by the way.

Yer gonna need more storage space before too long......

More storage on the way, including more wall mount storage and two (2) heavy steel double door locking 5 shelf storage cabinets 72" x 36" x 18". That should give me more than enough storage for my current reloading expectations.

The bench height is right where I want it for seated operation using the height-adjustable tall chair.

My next step is to make a final decision on which reloading press to go with. I'm leaning towards the Dillion 550B after seeing one in person and with the help of its owner seeing it in operation and doing some actual hands on loading with it. Seems more precise than the lee progressive press I looked at prior. My initial loading will be for .41 Mag and .45 LC, followed by 7.5x55 Swiss.

 

[MichiganScott]

I also like to reload by sitting down. Remember that when setting up a reloading area, you need to decide exactly how much bench space and storage you need and then double it. You'll fill the additional space and storage up in no time at all.

 

[chief38]

Well I got underway today in the first steps of setting up my reloading bench. I first got the area in my garage cleared out where I want to be able to safely run my reloading station. As mentioned in earlier thread, I went with a workbench from Harbor Freight that was on sale for $159.99 and I had $25 gift card and a -10% off coupon. It was $139.06 w/tax out the door.

The maple cabinet I have as a leftover from our last Kitchen makeover. The seat is a Deluxe Craftsman bar-style stool which was a new in the box freebie from a relative. Seat was assembled in 5 minutes.

View attachment 162423

The one thing that I would recommend is that you bolt your new bench to the back wall studs or the concrete floor. If you don't the relatively small bench will rock and move when reloading.

The easiest way is to run a kleet across the rear wall and bolt the table to that kleet. It's a simple and inexpensive job and will keep your reloading bench stabile while cranking away.

If and when you find the bench is too low to position the press at the proper height, you can raise it with a platform built out of 2 x 4's or similar.

 

[Moonman]

Got the same bench from Harbor Freight the other day with a coupon for $136 Plus Tax.

Assembled it yesterday and placed it into a closet for storage of miscellaneous reloading room accumulations. Amazing HUH!

I think it's a DISEASE caused merely by wandering through gun shops, sporting goods stores and gun shows.

Females have a similarly related disease but it normally manifests itself within shoe and handbag outlets.

I already have one also, you can't beat them for the price.

 

[Maddog 521]

Mine is adjustable in height.

 

[old&slow]

I really like the looks of the work bench from HF. Nice set-up .

I like your chair ,, may have to make a trip to Sears.

My first reloading bench was an old second hand wooden desk that I used for many years.

A few years ago I upgraded to cabinets & bench top ( unassembled ) from one of the home improvement stores.

 

[Twoboxer]

. . . I like your chair ,, may have to make a trip to Sears. . . .

I do too, but wanted one with wheels. Went to Sears web site . . . no wheels, and no chair with arms like the OP pictured

 

[RevolverDen]

I do too, but wanted one with wheels. Went to Sears web site . . . no wheels, and no chair with arms like the OP pictured

Yes, the Chair while new in the box to me when I received it, was purchased by a relative several years ago who never got around to putting it into use. It was passed along to me still in the sealed box. So suppose these may no longer be a stocked item... I googled around and found nothing similar with armrests either with or without wheels.

 

[S&WIowegan]

You are off to an excellent start and have received some very good suggestions in this thread. I must be the only guy in the world(slight exaggeration) who prefers to run my loaders standing up! I started about 25 yrs. ago seated and quickly changed to standing with rubber foot mats. I get better leverage on the press lever and can see the works better too. Of course, this requires a taller bench.

One item to consider: if your garage is not heated and air conditioned, consider storing your powder supply in a cool, dry, secure dark place. I believe from experience some powders can deteriorate in severe(to humans) heat. If you buy powder in 4 or 8# kegs this is a factor.

Best,

 

[Moonman]

I like loading STANDING UP.

Seated too much causes back problems.

I knew engineers that had STANDING workstations or desk platforms

that were counterweighted to rise up for a working/standing positions also.

 

[Reddog]

I built a special room in the lower level of a new bi-level house I built years ago. The benches are built out of 4X4 skids topped with 3/4" plywood. On the west side I built a sitting bench and on the east side I built a standing bench. The standing bench is seldom used for reloading, mostly storage and a vise. Many happy hours in this little 12X12 room over the last 35 years! Sorry, no pictures.
Dick

 

[eyegots2no]

Why are you reloading in the garage????

I think I may already know --- but I would like to here it.

 

[BE Mike]

Not to be a Debbie downer, but it looks like the lower drawers on that bench might get in the way of your knees. I would also remove the arm rests from the chair. I load sitting down when loading on my Dillon 550, single-stage press or MEC 600 Jr. I load standing up on my Dillon 650. You have a good start; you'll sort things out.

 

[AZ_M&P]

As a relative newbie I set my "bench" up in our spare room using an unused desk. I like being closer to the living folks in the house, the only drawback is the carpet on the floor... I've got to be very careful about spilling any powder, and dropped primers are a pain to see sometimes!

Here are a couple partial pictures, I'll have to post one of the whole room when I get home later.