Ergonomics at the reloading bench (single-stage press). Recommendations please.

[Spyguy]

So I've accumulated most of the tools to begin reloading, and I'm now turning my eye towards setting-up my reloading bench. The workbench that I'll be using will have to serve double-duty (or triple-duty, quadruple-duty, etc.), so the reloading tools will not be permanently mounted. But I'd like to get a good idea in advance on how to best position the press, powder measure, etc., so as to minimize the learning curve.

I've looked at a lot of online photos of reloading benches, but many of them are a mess, and seem to be driven mostly by the philosophy of, "Well, I've got a little room to squeeze this tool in here." What I'm really hoping for is some "best practices" by those who've been doing it a while and have, through trial-and-error, figured out what tends to work best in terms of ergonomics and workflow.

I'm right-handed. So as an example, I would want to mount the powder measure to the left of my press. But how far to the left and how far back from the front-edge of the workbench. That's the kind of information I'm seeking.

This is what I'll be working with:
A Lee Classic Turret (for pistol).
An RCBS Rockchucker (for rifle).
An RCBS QC Uniflow powder measure on an RCBS powder measure stand.
An RCBS 5-0-5 scale.

The Lee press and the Rockchucker will be mounted interchangeably and will both occupy the same spot on the bench; I will not have both presses mounted on the bench at the same time.

[David-K]

I have an 8' bench that I essentially dedicated one half of to 'smithing and the other to reloading. I have a Hornady LnL AP, A Lyman All American turret press and an RCBS Rockchucker, plus two Lyman 1200 tumblers. I have permanently mounted the Hornady and Rockchucker about 2.5' apart and both are mounted to Inline Fabrication "tower style" mounts. I find that the added height is easier on my back and the space between the two gives me plenty of room to use my scale, keep a bin of extra shells, etc... The All American can be temporarily mounted with 6" C-clamps between the two should I need to do some short, limited runs. Mount the presses as close to the front edge of the bench as you need to allow the press arm to make it to the top of the stroke without hitting the table. I would also suggest roller handles for all of your presses, regardless of how many rounds you do at a sitting. And don't spend $50+ on one either. I've purchased these for all of my presses http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roller-Handl...item3f3c7a5457 He'll even do the handles in different colors to match your rig (if that's important to you).

[klewan]

Get some 2x6 lumber, cut 10" chunks and mount the presses to that. C-clamp it to the bench. Then you can move them around and you're not tied into one setup. Other consideration is standing or sitting, you might need to make or buy a riser to get it up to whatever height is comfortable. A spade bit is good to cut the recess you'll need so the nuts aren't sticking out of the bottom of the 2x.

[Kappy]

As a righty, I like to work the press handle with my left hand while I manipulate my brass and bullets with my right hand. I've had mishaps when trying to do repetitive fine motorskills stuff with my non-dominant hand. I almost put a decapping pin through the web between my thumb and index finger... and almost squished my finger several times. This was on a Lee Pro1000; they require a lot of fiddling. Anyway, this means having my press on my left side.

I would suggest that you have your press a decent distance from your powder measure. You'll likely want to powder 20 cases (I'm thinking rifle) before you go to the press. My big thing is that I want to be able to get to my trickler, my powder thrower, and my block easily. I often have a shorter table below my bench with my block on it. Usually a stool.

[Kappy]

If you cannot have both presses on at the same time, consider some kind of steel base for them.

[kmr007]

Look into a 2x4 Basics Workbench Legs and make your own. I ordered mine online and purchased my own pre-cut wood from Home Depot. The kit includes 4 Workbench Legs, and additional shelf links. All that's needed is 2x4 lumber and table top. I used a 2x4 table top that was precut and had Home Depot cut some 2x4s to fit. It was simple and only took me about 30 minutes max to setup.

Here is a link to the company's website - http://www.2x4basics.com/

[1bulletBarney]

My set up would not work for most, but it works for me...

I have 2 extra leaf inserts for a older dining room table. Sacraficed a leaf insert, drilled 3 holes in leaf insert. Bolted SS press to pad, then bolted pad/press to insert. Mounted a 4x4 "support leg" underneath insert to floor. 3 bolts and press/pad is removed from insert. 5 wood screws and support leg is removed, then insert removed if I have a hot date over for candlelight dinner. This table set up is strong yet looks good. Easy upgrade to a turret press.

I use a cheap but efficient Lee Perfect Powder Measure, stand mounted to a 5" x 9" 1/2" thick white melanene cabinet material, I clamp it to table about 1 & 1/2' left of press. This set up would work for a RCBS Uniflow. There is plenty of room on table.

I have my RCBS 505 scale in a cabinet, almost eye level and protected from draft from fan/AC. My tumbler/sifter is in garage. I went with kitchen set up because its comfortable. Cool in summer, warm in winter and logisticly everything is where it needs to be.

When I was married this never would have worked. I would have sweated in summer and froze in winter in my garage. I would post pics but I still use a dumb phone and no digi camara.

[roc_my_tims]

David k you got any pics of your press and the handle

[Whiterabbit]

I would suggest that you have your press a decent distance from your powder measure. You'll likely want to powder 20 cases (I'm thinking rifle) before you go to the press. My big thing is that I want to be able to get to my trickler, my powder thrower, and my block easily. .

yep, this is my preference too. They aren't far, but I still charge every case I am gonna seat before going at it. Sometimes 120+ cases charged and ready for bullet in front of me.

[bigedp51]

I built a massive reloading bench when I didn't have kids and plenty of room in the basement. The kids are gone now and a family room was built when they were home and I got pushed into a very small corner of the basement.

Build a bench designed around removable mounting for your reloading gear. Then you will also have a "work bench" for other things besides reloading like below.

The new Reloading Bench System at Ultimate Reloader

http://ultimatereloader.com/2011/03/27/the-new-reloading-bench-system-at-ultimate-reloader/

And Google "reloading benches" and make sure you look at the top of the page under "Images" and do even more looking for benches. And then Google "storage ideas" for basements, garages, etc. and work them together. Shelving and plastic storage containers will hold and protect your reload gear when not in use.

Be careful, "my wifes" chest freezer is directly across from "my" reloading bench and we have turf wars if I use the freezer top as extra work space. She can't get "her" food if I'm using the top of "her" freezer. So plan ahead and make sure you build in the right location in a neutral corner.

So remember its also "her" kitchen and she has the option of not feeding you in turf wars.



Never mind, I just checked your profile and you have plenty of money and your garage has got to be bigger than my entire house and have a very good chance of being in Robin Williams will.

About Spyguy
Location
Marin County, CA
Interests
Italian sports cars, scuba diving, snowboarding, machining, flying, travel. And firearms.

[Cheep]

Check out this thread, post #31 is my mounting system that can mount whatever presses you may want to use.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=977548

[shinzen]

I've been pretty curtailed on space, went with the lee reloading stand to keep my bench space free (ish) for other projects as well easy swap on and off between the turret and the pro-1000 to switch from rifle to 9mm. If nothing else, the lee base might work- metal=much better base as was pointed out upthread.

[Metal God]

Although I'm sure my bench will be different then yours seeing how mines a desk . I think how I multi task on it can work for most people . My reloading room is 7' x 12' and has two desks and two standing shelve units and shelves on the walls where ever I found room . I'm only showing what I think is to the point in this thread .

This is my main desk when nothing is going on


This would be what it looks like when I'm actually reloading .


As you can see I have an area to the left of the press that I can bolt/mount many tools down




The bolts go through the holes and secure to specialty nut that are permanently attached to the under side of the desk top


This makes it quick and easy to mount and or remove what ever needs to be place in that area .

[Metal God]

NOTE : If you are going to mount something that will need extra strength and requires 4 bolts like a vise . Be sure to make all the holes the exact same distance apart (symmetrical ) This will allow you to mount your device in any possision 90* or 180* from normal . I did not do this , I was in a rush and just started drilling .

[Mike402]

I have a very small space in my office to use as a reloading bench, so I had to think long & hard about space efficiency & ergonomics. I prefer to stand since I have a bad back, so the Inline Fab mounts did the trick of raising the presses to the appropriate level. Their die holders put everything I need within arms reach. I also have a powder dispenser bolted in the optimum place next to the single stage for weighing precision loads.
I'm happy with the way everything turned out given my space limitations. Of course I drool with envy when I see some of the custom setups w/ hand built benches & tons of space. One day...