Reloading bench ideas.

SwL_Wildcat

SwL_Wildcat

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Any further west and I'd have to learn Japanese..
I know there is a thread on pictures of everyone benches. Having a clean slate I am going to build (or buy?) an L shaped bench. 7' on the left, 6' on the right. There was an old set of cupboards in the house when we bought it those got repurposed into holding dies & components. They are going to get under cabinet lighting shortly.

My blank canvas...

I7rkn54.jpg


What do you guys love about your reloading bench, and what do you hate about it? Do you stand to reload? Sit in a chair or a bar stool? What is your ideal bench height? I figured before I take saw to wood and then wish I had done something different I thought I'd get some opinions.

Thanks!
 
My bench is high enough so i can stand comfortably. I also have a higher chair so i can comfortably sit if i want. Having both options is good.
 
I built mine from scratch when I built another building.

If you have no problem taking panels down you can then anchor and secure your bench to the studs which frees up all the space underneath your bench as well as having superior strength.

I will see if I still have the photos available and post.

Mine also has a place to stand and work and a place to sit and load.

Hopefully this gives you some ideas










 
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Kelly Timoffee said:
I built mine from scratch when I built another building.

If you have no problem taking panels down you can then anchor and secure your bench to the studs which frees up all the space underneath your bench as well as having superior strength.

I will see if I still have the photos available and post.

Mine also has a place to stand and work and a place to sit and load.

Hopefully this gives you some ideas
Click to expand...

The paneling is 3/4 G1S screwed to the studs. All the studs are marked so I could easily fasten to them through the 3/4 plywood.

I was also looking at these.

H-8404-SMAP.jpg


From uline.

https://www.uline.ca/Product/Detail...ing-Table-72-x-78-Maple-Top?model=H-8404-SMAP
 
The height of mine was chosen so that I am comfortable either standing or sitting on a bar stool.

All of the shelves are on drawer slides. It really helps when I need to dig in to look for something.
 
My benches are low enough to sit at, but for reloading I use a Lyman universal press mount which raises up the press about 7 inches. Perfect for standing.
 
Solid is critical after that it's personal preference I'd say. I have mounted my two presses on auxiliary bases so I can swap their positions on my bench depending on my task at hand. I use a clamp at the back to secure them and the apron on the base squares up with the front of my bench for a solid non-moving set up. My bench surface sits at 36" above the floor so I can stand to work or sit on a taller stool.
 
Single purpose bench - e.g. reloading makes sense when you have plenty of room to put another one for cleaning and yet another one for tinkering / smithing, etc. I don't have the luxury of unlimited space. Hence the key word: multi-purpose. I built t-tracks into mine and mounted all presses on 1" plywood plates that can slide left or right or be removed and replaced with vises, etc.
Mk5hA5O.jpg


F7s2KeV.jpg


jEf3jMq.jpg


WJv9tNT.jpg


qzecbtK.jpg
 
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Ideally you want a high bench so you can comfortably stand and get a good swing on the reloading-press handle. And it needs to be solid so it doesn't flex or vibrate as you work.

For safety, having all your ammo at the reloading bench while you have a different workbench for gun cleaning and such lets you keep ammo and guns strictly apart at home.
 
edojan said:
Single purpose bench - e.g. reloading makes sense when you have plenty of room to put another one for cleaning and yet another one for tinkering / smithing, etc. I don't have the luxury of unlimited space. Hence the key word: multi-purpose. I built t-tracks into mine and mounted all presses on 1" plywood plates that can slide left or right or be removed and replaced with vises, etc.
Mk5hA5O.jpg


F7s2KeV.jpg


jEf3jMq.jpg


WJv9tNT.jpg


qzecbtK.jpg
Click to expand...

I'm really liking the tracks, very cool idea.

I picked up a couple of the 6' Husky benches from Home Depot for now. Going to run with them for now and think about it for a while.

flEm0BR.jpg
 
M4rs said:
How do you deal with humidity if located in a basement or an out building?
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I can’t comment on an out building but in my basement (dry concrete) I ducted heat (air movement) to all areas, occasionally I plug in a dehumidifier (depending on how long the weather sucks) and I use VCI drawer liners plus light oil.
So far no issues since I started doing this.
 
I really like some of ideas posted. I like the multi-level benches especially for more detailed work. Also, an air compressor might be good for cleaning. I need some better lighting as my eyesight ain't what it used to be. I like those LED garage lights that were posted somewhere on here.

Here is what I have:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Tp7wTziSaSS4taCA

I used 1/4"-20 threaded inserts from Lee Valley as well as fixture knobs. They really solidify the presses and stands on my bench.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gFanZKpAfx2h5cz77

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YCqyaH4aF8fP8izE7
 
M4rs said:
How do you deal with humidity if located in a basement or an out building?
Click to expand...

I installed in-floor heating, keeping the vault couple degrees above the general basement temperature. The room is well sealed (blocked the air duck feeding this room so no moisturized fresh air gets in) but air will leak out between the door and frame. Humidity lingers around 30-35%.
 
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