Reloading Bench Height?

[Phil3]

I am building a reloading bench, that will also be used as a general workbench as well, but am not sure on the desired height of the work surface. I am 6" 1/2" or so, and will be standing. What bench top height have others found works best?

- Phil

[kris&bela]

I am building a reloading bench, that will also be used as a general workbench as well, but am not sure on the desired height of the work surface. I am 6" 1/2" or so, and will be standing. What bench top height have others found works best?

- Phil

Best is probably 2" or level with your belly button that would be the most comfortable set up for a general workbench but for reloading may be a bit different.My buddy is the same height as you and I could not work right on his workbench one time.

[speedracer]

It all depends on personal preference. I'm 5'10" and use the same height bench for reloading and gunsmithing. Bench top is 42" off the ground and it works perfect for my Dillon 1050. I prefer my bench to be taller so I'm not always leaning over. I can stand od sit on a tall barstool. It also depends on which make/model reloader you are using. IE: if you use a Dillon 550/650 you might want a lower bench if you use the strong mount,it raises the press several inches. Overhead clearance will also come into play if you have an auto casefeed. YMMV

[anyracoon]

My bench that has my Dillons with strong mounts is 39" while the bench that I use for brass work & custom hand loads is 36" tall. I do stand plus use anti-fatigue mats. I'm 5'10" tall.

[halifax]

As mentioned, belly button height (42"). Decent leverage on the presses.

[Revoman]

I am 6'-2" and the top of my workbench is 40", I did not build the bench it was here when I moved in. It is sufficient enough, but should be slightly higher for me.

However, for shotshell reloading, the handle on my MEC sits at 56", it's mounted to the top of the bench. The handle on my Dillon SDB sits at 58", but it's mounted at 48". (While I don't have a strong mount, I assume that's what it's for is to elevate enough for both leverage and view point.)

It makes a huge difference which loader you will mount and where the handle starts for decent leverage, but you must also be able to have a good view of what's happening on the loader table.

I mounted my beam scale at eye-level on a small shelf to get the best view and adjustment access. Good lighting is a must on the bench too.

Shotshell set up.........

[EWILKE]

I am 6" 1/2" or so, and will be standing. What bench top height have others found works best?

- Phil[/QUOTE]

You are really short can you even hold a full size gun. JK
I set mine at 38 inches so my stool would fit under it and I don't hit me knees on the bench top.
I use a dillon 550B

[RaymondMillbrae]

If you have a reloader, when the handle is in the upward position, make sure that your arm is parrallel to the ground. This will help with arm and shoulder fatigue.

Another thing to consider is the height of the brass shells in the press. When reloading, you want them near your face, so you only have to SLIGHTLY look downward to see into the brass casing.

Here's my bench.

In Christ: Raymond

PS: I reload standing up.

[Someoneelseok]

It built my work benches to 40" high. I'm exactly 6'. It's high enough for you to both stand or sit on a stool and work comfortably. And it's also just the right height to accommodate an iKEA "oddvar" stool.

I still have the drawings and plans for mine, which includes a list of woods from home depot, PM if interested.