Building a reloading bench - ideal height?

[ARog]

So I'm finally moving to a place that has a garage so I can set up my man cave. I want to build a bench to do all my reloading on and my question for you guys is: is there a ballpark ideal height for a bench that reloading machines will be placed on? I'm sure I would want the height to work for both sitting in a chair and standing and wanted to know what works best for you guys! Thanks!

[Citadelgrad87]

Consider whether you'll be using a raised mount, as well as counter height. And do you load sitting or standing?

Mine is standard counter height, but my dillon sits on an eight inch rises that brings the action up to about chest level, it's much easier to see.

If you don't raise the press, it will block any drawers or cabinets if they are right under the work top.

[Full Clip]

The right height depends on your height and arm length. Mock something up and see how it feels before you decide.

[Revoman]

^^^^ This.

Most benches are about 36" high, my loaders however are about 42" high to the mounting platform. This puts the loader 'table' at the right height for me at 6'-2" and standing, not a sitting loader.

[sghart]

I load standing up on my Lee Classic Turret. The surface of my work bench is 42" tall. I went with that height because it fit my "specs". I am 6'1" and I like to stand up to work most of the time. I did add a rubber mat to cushion my feet on extended sessions and I also bought a tall work stool.

For my single stage press and my RCBS turret I built a table from a discarded solid core door. I like to sit and read and take my time with hi-powered rifle so a table fit better.

Experiment and stick with what works for you. Don't be afraid to change either. I may actually raise the height of my work bench. Or try the LCT on the table. It's all good.

[baih777]

If you want to sit or stand, you will need a bar stool. Using a regular chair and then try standing won't work to good.

[duckman1]

My bench is at 34" and I'll be installing my Dillon with the sure mount riser.

[ElDub1950]

Build it so it's right for reloading standing. THEN you can get a comfortable tall bar stool and trim the legs to get the right height for sitting.

You can't do the reverse.

[Jon Road King]

Built mine 42" high. Works perfect standing, and sitting on a stool.

[mzhunter]

mines 44 and i got a adjustable bar stool works great for every position

[bigbossman]

I just fished some nice base cabinets and counter-tops off of CL, from folks that were remodeling their kitchen. Free was a bonus.

I found that those standard height cabinets and counter top coupled with my press mounted on an Inline Fabrications riser was the ideal set up for reloading. Plus, it gave me a ton of out of sight storage space for all my reloading accoutrements while looking clean, tidy and "finished". Easy to install and level, and works well for me either standing or sitting on a bar stool.

[Revoman]

Maybe we should just call it a 'loading stool' instead of a bar stool....ain't that what it is where it is?

[RHT447]

Old rule of thumb--- ideal workbench height is somewhere between your belt buckle and your belly button.

[bigbossman]

Maybe we should just call it a 'loading stool' instead of a bar stool....ain't that what it is where it is?

Could you all post pictures of your stools, so we can have a nice stool sample to choose from?













Sorry - couldn't resist.

[Revoman]

Could you all post pictures of your stools, so we can have a nice stool sample to choose from?

Thanks doc, butt I gave at the office.