Reloading benches....

[Alberta Bigbore]

One of the step sons moved out a while back. I took the room as my Gun / reloading / golf/ fishing gear hideout.

Im slowly getting the room all set up, and was going to start looking for a bench or desk to use for reloading. I plan on using one of those stands for the Press, as ive already aquired that. ...

..based on the experience of seasoned reloaders, what height do you prefer for tour bench to be if given a choice? Just a ball park idea what seems to work best for you so i can get an idea what to look for so i only have to buy once.

Appreciated


Feel free to post pics of your set up.

[W921]

I recommend a bench that you can sit down at to work rather than stand.
A vice is really handy. You're probably going to have to make your own bench. Everything they sell now a days pretty flimsy

[Dick284]

Depends on whether you want a chair or a taller type bar stool.


Basic office ergonomics works, what ever your perch height, your bench top shouldn’t be more than a couple inches higher than your elbow. Mine puts me pretty much bang on at my elbow.

[elkhunter11]

A bench can never be too sturdy, and either fastened to wall or floor, or very heavy, the scale can't be moving around or shaking.

[Ebrand]

Check them out for used desks or solid core doors.

Cheap and easily adaptable/customized to a reloading bench that suits you.
Adding weight can help create sturdiness with punching holes in your house.

[Pathfinder76]

My bench is made out of 2x8’s, 3/4” plywood, 2x4”s and is lagged to the entire wall. It does not flex or move at all.

[Ackleyman]

2x4's front / side legs and 3/4" plywood and lagged to wall. From floor to top 39" and 24" deep, lower shelf 3/4" plywood 22" from floor and 24" deep. Bench 8' long. End with presses has 24 L x 12" D 3/4" plywood on top of the 3/4" top. Solid +.
If you have the room don't build small.

[big zeke]

My first attempt was an office desk...worked fine until one day a tight case had me ripping out a one square foot section of desktop still attached to my press...apparently particle board isn't as tough as you'd think.

Attempt 2 is 3/4" fir plywood doubled as a top (PL200 between the layers) at desk height sitting atop 2 lockable cabinets. Each cabinet contains 3 drawers on slides; slides are handy as a shelf full of bullets is rather heavy. Each cabinet sits on a 2X2 base that is glued to the concrete floor with PL200.

I have a 3 shelf cabinet mounted on the wall for easy access to stuff like dies, trimmer etc. The entire set is quite heavy and tough as frozen ****, no squeaks, rattles or flexing.

Don't forget good lighting, even undercabinet if possible. Build it right once and it will last forever

[wallz]

I use an old office desk. Drawer cabinets on either side. And enjoy sitting in a nice office chair while I reload.

All sorts of shelving above the desk. Oddly enough my beam scale is sitting atop some old stereo speakers on a chunk of 3/4" glass. The scale sits eye level above the desk.

[huntinstuff]

I use an old desk from 1919 to do all the powder measuring and priming.

My bench with the press etc is to my right. Roll my chair from one to the other. Simple.

My powder shelf is off to the side.

[AB2506]

We made my new bench with these plans. I actually made two, one for firearms cleaning/repair and the other for reloading. Cut the legs as short as you want. It is very sturdy. I did not build the cupboard.

https://accurateshooter.net/Blog/benchnrma.pdf

[32-40win]

My main bench is the same as AB2506's, got it for 150.00, 40+ yrs ago. It's constructed with bolts to be able to disassemble it easily to move it if needed ( I've moved 5 times since getting it ). Put a new piece of white formica on the top last yr, wish I'd done that a long time ago, really improved the lighting scenario. Nice part of that plan is you can stretch it or shrink it as you see fit lengthwise.

[rugerfan]

I like a bench that’s high enough to stand and work at if you want, it can be nice after a long session. Sit on a taller bar stool. I am actually using a mastercraft work bench at the moment.

[catnthehat]

The last bench I built was with my son for his gun room.
It's L shaped, 6 feet one way and about 8' the other.
4X4 posts, 2x4 stringers (24" deep IIRC), two layers of 3/4" plywood for the top.
a lower bench as well.
The bench is screwed into the out wall and will not move at all.
It is also way too high for me, but perfect for him, as he is much taller than I am.
Cat

[Alberta Bigbore]

Thats amazing 👏

[badbrass]

This is the one I sent you to e-mail! A little messy now!
!

[Big Lou]

I’m ashamed to say, I don’t have one picture of the completed bench in my gun room. I still had a bunch of construction type items out and was organizing.

I just purchased some used base and upper shelving boxes. They were super cheap from an outfit that was doing business renovations. I purchased two pieces of butcher block counter top, jointed them and just did some trim. The bases are glued on the bottom and made some cleats so the bases are secured to studs. Did the same with the butcher block. Glued and screwed. It’s uber solid. Bench top is 1.5” thick. Flush mount power outlets on the bench top. Under shelf and cabinet lighting. I’d have to measure but, I went on the higher side and use a bar type chair. It’s a nice blend for me as the chair is comfy for loading but still an appropriate type of height for me to stand while cleaning or installing a scope etc. I really like it.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alberta Bigbore]

Originally Posted by badbrass

This is the one I sent you to e-mail! A little messy now!
!

Ya thanks for that. Winter project. Thats about the size in the room i want fornthe reloading area.

[6MT]

This is how to spend your children’s inheritance….



Seriously though, the height of my bench coincides with my adjustable chair. Right around the middle of its adjustments. I’m comfortable using most things either left or right handed.

Believe me, it took a while and three or four iterations to get the ergonomics right. But this works very well for the amount that I load.

BTW, that is in my Son’s old bedroom. Now he can’t come back

[Alberta Bigbore]

Thats amazing too. Quite the set up

[markg]

Originally Posted by 6MT

This is how to spend your children’s inheritance….



Seriously though, the height of my bench coincides with my adjustable chair. Right around the middle of its adjustments. I’m comfortable using most things either left or right handed.

Believe me, it took a while and three or four iterations to get the ergonomics right. But this works very well for the amount that I load.

BTW, that is in my Son’s old bedroom. Now he can’t come back

Thats a dang nice set up but you need to get with the times and pick up a Short Action Customs Press. There is a retailer in Calgary who has a couple in stock. Dm me for his contact info.

[Smokinyotes]

Originally Posted by markg

Thats a dang nice set up but you need to get with the times and pick up a Short Action Customs Press. There is a retailer in Calgary who has a couple in stock. Dm me for his contact info.

Mark what would be the advantage of a Short Action Customs press over 6MT’s Forester co-ax? More consistent ammo? Smaller groups? Or what is the benefit.

[Ronji]

Originally Posted by Pathfinder76

My bench is made out of 2x8’s, 3/4” plywood, 2x4”s and is lagged to the entire wall. It does not flex or move at all.

My bench was very similar.
You cannot make it solid enough.
I had my height at 31"

[duceman]

Originally Posted by Smokinyotes

Mark what would be the advantage of a Short Action Customs press over 6MT’s Forester co-ax? More consistent ammo? Smaller groups? Or what is the benefit.

pulls $2k out of your fun budget so you can whine about the price of components.....................:rolleye2 :

[Dmay]

Originally Posted by duceman

pulls $2k out of your fun budget so you can whine about the price of components.....................:rolleye2 :

Yup, agree completely. Pretty hard to improve upon the good ol' Co-Ax.