Opinion on bench location, is this safe?

[AreWeFree]

I'll be building a reloading bench soon but have limited options in my garage. My water heater is in the corner exposed, and the end of my bench (side with press) would be 4 ft away. I don't plan on storing components in my garage, but if I do they will be in a 1" thick wood box about 10 ft away.

What are you opinions on reloading near a gas water heater?

[HK Dave]

Modern water heaters are completely sealed things. Not sure how it could affect your reloading.

My reloading bench is 3-4 feet from the water heater and i've never had any problems nor can i imagine what type of problem it could cause?

[alfred1222]

Ya i do it all the time, you should be fine

[AreWeFree]

Thanks. I wasn't worried about it until I mentioned to my step dad that I was setting up a bench there. He gave me the 'are you dumb?' look and made me question myself.

He's an ex volunteer firefighter so I assume he is just concerned about flammables and ignition sources.

[CK_32]

If your water heater blows... You don't need to worry about your bench. Half of your house will probably be gone.


That said no your fine.

[bubbala]

pressure relief valve ,,,make sure you've got one.worst case is lots of rust if it's not plumbed to a drain

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

Thanks. I wasn't worried about it until I mentioned to my step dad that I was setting up a bench there. He gave me the 'are you dumb?' look and made me question myself.

He's an ex volunteer firefighter so I assume he is just concerned about flammables and ignition sources.

Father-in-law must think you're dealing with explosives or something. Time for a little education.

You are fine as long as all the normal safety precautions are observed with what you are doing and the water heater.

[Divernhunter]

Unless it is a gas heater and you are tossing powder at it you will be fine.

For your powder storage be sure the box has a weak side or top in case the powder was to catch fire. If it does not then you made a bomb.

[kielbasavw]

My setup is right up against tankless water heater. Youre fine

[AreWeFree]

Thanks again all for the assurance.

It's been a long time coming and I'm almost set up to reload. I'll be sure to include my dangerous full auto water heater in pics when I do a review of my setup.