Reloading bench ?????

[pb803]

It is time I gravitate to reloading.

I have 3, 9mm in the family, I shoot 3 disciplines and the wife shoots too, that, along with practice, and eventually would like to have a 45 cal or 2......and also to be able to reload for my 7mm 08, although I may go with a single stage for that.

so.....it's time.

Current plans are to get a Dillon 650 w/case feeder....and all the applicable add on items to be able to crank out numbers of ammo.

My question(s) is /are this/ these....

do you prefer to stand up or sit down while reloading....???

it makes a difference.... I have an old desk and table that I can utilize as my reloading bench, but I will have to sit to use them. I would prefer to use things I already have...but I want to do it once.

or...

I can build a bench, higher at waist level, and stand while reloading.
I kind of like the idea of getting some base cabinets w/drawers and putting a top over them, either formica countertop or solid wood.....but I also want to get out as cheaply as possible.

this will all be going into my spare bed room that is currently my sporting goods, (fishing tackle, rod building, gun cabinet, file cabinets, and LOTS of assorted stuff, or junk as my wife calls it) and office room.

Plans are for shelves and pegboard to be attached to the wall.
I already have enough vinyl covered medal shelving and the hanging brackets...again wanting to use things I already have.

I have been going through 150+ pages of reloading benches over on the High Road forum....getting lots of ideas.

If I am going to put $1200+++ in equipment, I want it set up to be functional and comfortable.
I will also attempt to include my computer, and printer into the plan.

So......I would like to know what you think....,
Standing or Sitting....????

any other ideas, pics, or recommendations would be appreciated.
Anything I have missed or not considered...???

thanks, pb

 

[sar4937]

I like to stand up to make sure I get a full pull on the Dillon handle. And even though I have the powder check station, I like to glance into each case as it comes out of the powder check. There are two risers that can be used with the 650, I have a wooden topped bench I bought at Sams Club with leveling rubber feet. Get the bench dead level, and fasten it to the wall studs with angle brackets. Put your heavy reloading supplies below to weigh the bench down.

 

[scooterj67]

Bracing the case feeder to the wall helps tremendously too.

 

[MP22]

I made my bench to match my height...I personally like to stand while reloading.

 

[mstuhr]

I vote stand

Howdy,
I vote stand, but I do have a tall stool I use from time to time.
Also, I would not skimp on the bench. The more solid and anchored it is, the better a progressive machine will run.
I hope you enjoy it as much as myself and other around here have.
I can always go and occupy myself in the reloading room.
Good luck.
Mike

 

[Smith357]

Ive done it both ways, I started with my presses bolted to an old steel desk and sat while loading, When bought a house I moved all my gear from inside out to the garage and now load standing. I prefer to stand while loading and being able to look down into the cases as they are filled with powder on my progressives and it's easier to fetch supplies because I don't have to stand up to reach into the cabinets or walk over to the brass bins.

 

[pb803]

OK.....standing it is.
I kind of thought so too, I just wanted to hear from folks who had been there done that.....but ya'll mentioned something that I hadn't considered, and that was being able to look down into the cases. I had also had concerns about being able to put enough "umph" on the handle in both directions.

now, still trying to utilize things that I have. I have this large oval particle board/formica dining table. It is old, heavy, and in relatively good shape. It is 28" from floor to table top.
I plan to have the "strong mount" with the Dillon 650, which adds 8.5" to the height of the press. This brings us up to about 36.5 " + or - to the tool-head level.

Will this height be comfortable to work the handle all the way down and back up without stooping or bending over...????

I have bad back (previous herniated and bulging discs) so I hate to stoop or have to bend over and work on anything. I would rather something be at a higher level to make things more comfortable.
Again, I could build a new bench, and I may still do that, but, I would rather save the $$$$ and time building it and use things I have....it's not being used anyway.

I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row and plan everything out. You guys are great to take the time responding....thanks...!
pb

 

[arizona98tj]

I am 5' 4" tall. I stand when I use my 650 press. My bench top is 35" from the floor. Using a strong mount, that puts the shell plate at roughly 47" from the floor. I find this configuration very comfortable for me. I typically use a fairly tall stool when I use my single stage press mounted on the same bench. That setup works well too.

 

[jepp2]

Sometimes I stand, sometimes I sit. I have an adjustable height drafting table chair that works very well for me. Since you don't know which you will prefer after you get experienced, I would suggest you build it so it can do either.

A really nice bench is the NRMA Bench. I built mine using these plans over 25 years ago and have always been extremely pleased with it. You may not wish to build one this elaborate, but it can give you an idea for concepts. You can build one for less, but I have never regretted building mine. You want it to be solid, not flex or move when you operate the press, and storage is always a plus.

 

[lebomm]

My loading bench is an old elementary-school work table mounted on "stilt blocks" to set the formica-covered plywood top @ 29" off the deck. My single-stage press (all I have) is bolted thru a piece of 1/4" cold-rolled plate to two lengths of 2x2x1/4" steel angle underneath. It's a very rigid setup; I can form '06 to 6.5x55 (even tho' I no longer have to) while seated. I've done all my loading on this rig for the last 25 yrs or more.

Larry

 

[pb803]

thanks fella's......I have been studying the plans for the NRMA Bench....and if I decide to build....that is the one I most probably will go with.

thanks for all the help

 

[125JHP]

I also stand when loading and use a stool for numerous other tasks at the table. You want to have leverage when you need it. I also use spongy rubber mats on the floor to cushion my feet.

 

[Moonman]

Give Americanworkbench.com a look.

They have many benches for different types of work.

Reloading, Guitar Making, Computer Desk, Fly Tying, Ben Franklin, they make all kinds and styles of neat benches.

They are LOCATED IN SOUTH CAROLINA too.

 

[Big Fred]

Here's a picture of half of my reloading bench. I spend most of my work day on my feet standing and walking around, so there is no way I'm gonna stand to reload. When I built this room I designed the bench to work sitting down in an office chair, I have upgraded the chair since taking this picture. If you want to stand you can build a bench to accomodate that. I don't want to stand so I built my bench to accomodate sitting. Think about what you want and design it to suit YOUR needs and desires.

 

[pb803]

thanks to all of you who have responded. What I have on hand will certainly work, but I am still leaning towards building.

anyway, thanks again.
pb

 

[Rule3]

For $160 it's hard to beat or build one. Costco as mentioned has a nice one also.

60" Workbench w/ 4 Drawers

 

[mwtdvm]

A really nice bench is the NRMA Bench. .

I used these plans and decided to make just the "table" and also made it "deeper" and taller. The "deeper" part was not such a good idea. I have a peg board behind and can only reach to the lower 2 feet of the peg board. It is one stout table though. Have a RCBS 50 on one corner and a Forester Bonanza in the middle and a very large vice at the other end.

 

[gwalchmai]

If you add lower shelves to the bench, and can figure out some sort of very dense substance to store on those shelves it will help stabilize your bench and make the entire process much more enjoyable.

 

[gregintenn]

I built mine from 2x4 lumber, and built it for standing height, although a barstool works great if you wish to sit for a while.

 

[JoeHatley]

I sit. Had a local guy build this to fit the space I had available.