Bench height.

dearslayer

dearslayer

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So I'm considering revamping a small area in my basement where I currently restore vintage audio to include a bench for reloading. I haven't purchased any reloading equipment and have Zero experience with it. I've been thinking about changing things up for some time now and figured if I'm doing the current area for audio anyway then why not prepare for reloading with a bench while I'm at it. If the reloading thing turns out to not be my thing then I can always use the bench for audio. A win win. So the main question I have I guess is the ideal overall height for the top of the bench. I have no idea if its better to use a press while sitting or standing. Suggestions??

GT.
 
I work sitting down. I've had two setups, the current is 32" high, and is best to have a chair or stool on wheels.
My older bench was higher, I could stand or sit on a tall bar type stool, but feet still on the floor.
If you are used to doing repairs on a certain height bench, I'd go with what you're used to.
The one thing you need to remember, most press's operating handles come down below the bench. Why I suggested a seat on wheels.
 
You can also buy or make a press mount riser system, and keep your bench lower if you prefer sitting for some jobs. I prefer standing while reloading. Very seldom to I need to sit at my bench for anything.
 
I'm six foot tall and reload standing at a 43" bench. That seems to be a comfortable level, and I had to build the bench anyway so I put it that high.

There are at least a couple of brands of press base that raise it 9 or 10 inches from the bench; that would raise it from normal bench height to about decent standing height.

Sitting might be more comfortable if you're working slowly or older, but for decent leverage on a press handle and getting a good rhythm going, standing it is.

Make sure the front part of your bench the press goes on is good and solid. Keeping bullets on under-bench shelves is a good way of weighing it down too.
 
I did "bar" height and use a vlt chair. Then I can stand or sit. The swivel seat is helpful. I used the national reloading association bench plan or whatever their called from google to build mine.

Clint
 
My bench / desk / work place is 33" from floor. I work mostly from an office chair with roller wheels. Chair height set so my feet can be comfortably flat on the floor, then desk top height set from that. I do all my reloading while seated - I have a shelf at eye-level where the mechanical balance scale sits for trickling charges. Built like proverbial brick out-house - 2x6 framing, 3/4" plywood and so one - does not wiggle or shake - even a bit. My press is an RCBS Rockchucker; I set up a desktop RCBS priming tool for that step - I have a smaller RCBS Partner press at a nearby bench with a Universal deprimer die in it. This is my fourth (at least) build from scratch reloading station - so far I think it is the best.
 
I sit inside my bench. It's built like a sleigh, has everything in or on it, including my ancient Rockchucker. Has two shelves, under the press, and one under the seat, stores in a closet, and can be moved anywhere I want to use it. Several guys on here have seen it.

Built it in 1971, and still using it.

Ted
 
Would the type of press determine the height at all. I'm the type of person that buys once and cries once and was thinking that eventually when they are available ( the Dillon 750 ) seems to be sold out everywhere ( and back ordered ) but a machine I'd consider when funds are available. Is the 750 too much machine to start out on or is it better to start out smaller and simpler.
 
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Why not? said:
I sit inside my bench. It's built like a sleigh, has everything in or on it, including my ancient Rockchucker. Has two shelves, under the press, and one under the seat, stores in a closet, and can be moved anywhere I want to use it. Several guys on here have seen it.

Built it in 1971, and still using it.

Ted
Click to expand...

I'd love to see pics
 
calibrecarstairs said:
If you are a stand up guy while working one recommendation is to make the bench as high as your arm when bent 90 degrees at the elbow.
Click to expand...

This is also how a gauge my work areas/benches , decide whether you are sitting or standing for that particular work surface and set at the appropriate height.

This is much more comfortable to work at and alleviates much stress on the back and neck.
 
The crank model of IKEA garbage you linked was $239 peanuts, I could only imagine how many peanuts the electric version costs. People throw away benches/harvest tables all the time and they're free.

OP: I stand while loading, I'm 6' tall and my bench is 41" from floor to top.
 
Well I have some hardwood lumber stacked on my front porch for about 2 years now that I bought home from work. It isn't quite 2x4 but close enough. I had intentions of planing it down to build something so maybe I could ultize it for a bench to keep the cost down. I don't own the country property I'm on and just rent ( really sucks but so such is life and I'm too old to start over ) so I just need something I can leave behind if the day comes that I have to leave this house.
 
I'm about 5'9"
Recently bought a 25" high stool off kijiji for $20.00. Top of bench is 36" from floor.



Shell holder on this press is 48" from floor. Picture is with me sitting on stool. Good height for standing or resting my butt on stool.



Inline Fabrication Quick Change 9 3/4" high mount on 3/8" thick aluminum bars to make up difference on wood width.



Scale on shelf at eye level, standing.

 
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