Reloading Bench Size
Quote from Reloader on August 2, 2009, 8:19 pmI am going to be getting a XL650. In preperation for that I need to build a reloading bench. The problem is I have no baseline as where to start with the size of my relaoding bench.
Are there any reasources out there (on the net or in print) a guy can use to help design/layout a bench?
Thanks in advance for all your helpful answers!
I am going to be getting a XL650. In preperation for that I need to build a reloading bench. The problem is I have no baseline as where to start with the size of my relaoding bench.
Are there any reasources out there (on the net or in print) a guy can use to help design/layout a bench?
Thanks in advance for all your helpful answers!
Quote from Reloader on August 3, 2009, 2:56 pmI am not aware of any websites offering guidelines for a reloading bench.
However, in our experience we can offer some guidelines. First, use at least 1" thick particle board for a bench top. Avoid plywood, as it is too flexible, and can cause primer seating problems. A 2' x 4' bench top offers sufficient room for one reloading machine, plus additional room to set up a powder scale, keep brass and bullets handy, etc. Bench height depends on if you plan to load sitting or standing. A good compromise height is 36" tall. If you are loading in a basement, be sure to check the height to the ceiling before deciding on a bench height, as some machines with a case feeder can get pretty close to the ceiling of a basement.
I am not aware of any websites offering guidelines for a reloading bench.
However, in our experience we can offer some guidelines. First, use at least 1" thick particle board for a bench top. Avoid plywood, as it is too flexible, and can cause primer seating problems. A 2' x 4' bench top offers sufficient room for one reloading machine, plus additional room to set up a powder scale, keep brass and bullets handy, etc. Bench height depends on if you plan to load sitting or standing. A good compromise height is 36" tall. If you are loading in a basement, be sure to check the height to the ceiling before deciding on a bench height, as some machines with a case feeder can get pretty close to the ceiling of a basement.
Quote from Reloader on August 4, 2009, 4:31 pmI have made and used several reloading workbenches over the years but a few years ago I bought a workbench from sears and have installed several presses on it. I added a small piece of plywood under the bottom of the metal covered top which is particle board just to strengthen it where the press bolts on, and fastened the back of the bench to the wall to prevent it from moving. I like the locked storage area and the drawers for storing all the accessories. If you go this route I suggest the version with the ball-bearing drawers. I found it on sale and saved quite a bit too.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00961866000P?vName=Tools&keyword=workbench
I have made and used several reloading workbenches over the years but a few years ago I bought a workbench from sears and have installed several presses on it. I added a small piece of plywood under the bottom of the metal covered top which is particle board just to strengthen it where the press bolts on, and fastened the back of the bench to the wall to prevent it from moving. I like the locked storage area and the drawers for storing all the accessories. If you go this route I suggest the version with the ball-bearing drawers. I found it on sale and saved quite a bit too.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00961866000P?vName=Tools&keyword=workbench
Quote from Reloader on August 6, 2009, 6:06 amIf you haven,t already built your bench, Try this method to get the best hight measurement for you. From a standing position, Measure from the floor to the bend in your wrist, This will be the optimum hight for you on a standard work bench. Adjust from there for comfort and ease of operation with the 650 press.
If you haven,t already built your bench, Try this method to get the best hight measurement for you. From a standing position, Measure from the floor to the bend in your wrist, This will be the optimum hight for you on a standard work bench. Adjust from there for comfort and ease of operation with the 650 press.
Quote from Reloader on August 7, 2009, 4:08 pmThere are several companys that sell just the work bench with adjustable frames/legs. This way you can add any topper you wish and also replace it if neccessary. Mine is 2 1/2 x 6 works out great. Can adjust the height approx 18" from standard 2'4" to 4'
spent around $90 for the frame and another $75-80 for the top. Bolt it together adjust and ready for action.
There are several companys that sell just the work bench with adjustable frames/legs. This way you can add any topper you wish and also replace it if neccessary. Mine is 2 1/2 x 6 works out great. Can adjust the height approx 18" from standard 2'4" to 4'
spent around $90 for the frame and another $75-80 for the top. Bolt it together adjust and ready for action.
Quote from Reloader on August 10, 2009, 2:14 amI just finished building a bench for my press using an old/existing Black & Decker Workmate as a base:
- 2 pieces of 3/4 inch thick birch (Home Depot) - 2' x 4'
- Polyurathane on the top surface to seal
- Used 1/2" x 3 1/2" carriage bolts to bolt it to the B&D Workmate
- Bolted the Dillon 650 to the birch wood (which was mounted to hang over the B&D wood by 2 1/2 inches)I just finished this about 5 hours ago. It is very solid.I have an old stool with a back that I sit on, and my feet rest on the B+D footrest.
So far, I am very happy with this bench solution..... I'll be locating it in a space where I'll have some shelves on the wall behind the bench, along with other storage for various re-loading stuff....
I have a photo, but don't see the icon to attach it..... This is my first intro to the Forum.... If someone can give me some directions, I'll upload the pic...
Good luck...
I just finished building a bench for my press using an old/existing Black & Decker Workmate as a base:
- Polyurathane on the top surface to seal
- Used 1/2" x 3 1/2" carriage bolts to bolt it to the B&D Workmate
- Bolted the Dillon 650 to the birch wood (which was mounted to hang over the B&D wood by 2 1/2 inches)
I have an old stool with a back that I sit on, and my feet rest on the B+D footrest.
So far, I am very happy with this bench solution..... I'll be locating it in a space where I'll have some shelves on the wall behind the bench, along with other storage for various re-loading stuff....
I have a photo, but don't see the icon to attach it..... This is my first intro to the Forum.... If someone can give me some directions, I'll upload the pic...
Good luck...
Quote from Reloader on August 21, 2009, 2:36 amI just started using a 650 a few months ago and I am using a metel workbench that is sold by Lowes with an added 1inch thick top.
I also use the adjustible stool that they sell. Everything works great.
I just started using a 650 a few months ago and I am using a metel workbench that is sold by Lowes with an added 1inch thick top.
I also use the adjustible stool that they sell. Everything works great.
Quote from Reloader on April 9, 2010, 1:54 pmSir, I just completed my bench a couple of weeks and I ordered my 650 press this week. I will send you a pic of mine if you provide your email address. I live in GA so with all of the humiditity I had to have mine inside the house, so it had to look like furniture for my bride to agree to it.
Sir, I just completed my bench a couple of weeks and I ordered my 650 press this week. I will send you a pic of mine if you provide your email address. I live in GA so with all of the humiditity I had to have mine inside the house, so it had to look like furniture for my bride to agree to it.