I've got a Hornady Lock N Load on order. Just wondering what size table top work area you fellows are finding is good? Trying to plan out what size bench to make. I can foresee a RCBS RockChucker in the future as well. Any advice is good. Thanks.
Recommended table top size?
- Thread starter Steiner
- Start date
I am in the process of building my bench. I am going 8' long but haven't decided on the depth yet. I want to use a birch countertop from IKEA but maximum width is 25 3/4". I would like to go a bit wider but I think that will be enough. I am going to use 42" as a height. I am getting the Dillon 550B without the strong mount.
My "bench" is 2 feet long and 6 feet long. It is 42 inches tall which is perfect for working standing up or sitting on a drafting stool. It is an old reception counter salvaged from a construction reno.
The top I drilled with a few 5/16" holes and mounted pieces of steel flat bar with some tapped 1/4" holes to mount various tools quickly yet leaving the bench free for other uses when needed.
The 4 drawers and 4 lower compartments provide a ton of storage space.
The top I drilled with a few 5/16" holes and mounted pieces of steel flat bar with some tapped 1/4" holes to mount various tools quickly yet leaving the bench free for other uses when needed.
The 4 drawers and 4 lower compartments provide a ton of storage space.
I'm 5'-11" in height and prefer to load standing. My bench height is 40" and both of my 550s are on strong mounts. My press bench is only 2' wide by 4' long, but there is plenty of room for the two 550s. If you can make the height gain work, the strong mount is probably the best accessory for the Dillon presses.
I find that having just the bare bones for room around the presses forces it to be a tidy and efficient space and conversely, easy to clean up when I want to get at some loading if it has become cluttered.
I plan to sit on a barstool to reload and the bench will be used for other work as well. I think the strong mount on top of 42" will be too high. I haven't done any reloading yet so if I prefer to stand I may add the strong mount later.
If your table height is higher you should avoid going much more than 30" deep because it becomes harder to reach the rear of the table, especially if there are shelves sitting on or above the table.
I have a built up top, a bit over 2" thick, with a maple veneer top and solid maple on exposed ends. The maple makes it look real purdy...
Because the top is thick, the front overhangs about 5 inches, gives clearance for mounting presses with bolts and also clearance for knees if sitting at the table.
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