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

[nahpungnome]

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...

Now that is nice

[knucklehead0202]

All I can tell you is; Don't sit on an empty detergent bucket in front of a midget desk from ikea, amidst a sea of crap spilling off of and out from under said desk. Someday i'll have a reloading room...

[roc_my_tims]

Mike 402 that is an awesome set up. Ive been thinking of getting a desk for my spare room as the garage is always hot.

Where'd you get that bench

[jh4db536]

Looks like Kobalt 36-in 3-Drawer Wood Work Bench

http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-1&storeId=10702&catalogId=10051&productId=50109236&store=1591&view=detail

[Mike402]

Yep jh got it. Here's some observations I made about it in another thread:

- It will take you a solid three hours to assemble. Also I don't know if this applies to the stainless version, but the screws they provide are a little on the cheap side, and I had a hard time getting them started with the powdercoat paint. I had to resort to using a tap & die to make things easier.

- The light is fairly bright, but it shines right in your eyes as you are working and is distracting. It would have been better if they made some kind of hood that shields it a bit

- The bottom shelf won't support a lot of weight without buckling. I had to place 2x4s to support the weight of bullets/primers

- The included wood working top is a cheap particle board. Works ok, but at some point I plan to upgrade to butcher's block. I also had to mount L brackets to better support the entire unit.

- Its a pretty small working space if you have both single & AP presses. My dilemma was that I am limited to a small space for reloading & had to figure out a way to mount 2 presses, a power case prep center, Wilson Trimmer, and a Dillon swage on one bench. My solution was the Inline Fabrication products. I have a quick change setup that allows me to use one ultramount for all six products.

If you have the inclination & woodworking skills, I would still recommend a custom bench built to your exact specifications & area.

Looks like Kobalt 36-in 3-Drawer Wood Work Bench

http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-1...91&view=detail

[JMP]

Just do what makes sense to you. You'll develop a system, and you'll inevitably change things up as you acquire more stuff. All the photos I see are of pretty and clean benches. I, personally cannot do that. I have crap all over that I periodically organize.

[roc_my_tims]

Thanks for the reply mike i got a little more time than $ right now so im going to look for a used or free desk put it in the house with minimum needed items and keep most of the supplies in the garage where they are.

Thanks again and sorry if i thread jacked

[Kappy]

Just do what makes sense to you. You'll develop a system, and you'll inevitably change things up as you acquire more stuff. All the photos I see are of pretty and clean benches. I, personally cannot do that. I have crap all over that I periodically organize.

On my 8' bench, I have a 12"x6" clear space to reload on. The rest is deep in crap. The first cool day when I'm not working, I'll do some work to clean it up... but it ain't purdy.

[bigbossman]

The Inline Fabrication stands with the quick change plates for each press is a fabulous system. Made my life a lot easier.

[Mike402]

The Inline Fabrication stands with the quick change plates for each press is a fabulous system. Made my life a lot easier.

+1 on this. On top of that, you can have custom plates made for most other equipment. For instance, I have one for my Hornady case prep center, Wilson trimmer, and Dillon swager. Awesome space saver!

[roc_my_tims]

What chairs/stools are people using?

[AandO]

Nobody mentioned a "MAT" to stand on.

I bought a couple mats at COSTCO a few years back. Eliminated the back problems encountered in Hand Loading.

Works as a shield when you get caught using the Wifeys Deep Freeze as a bench for lubing large qty's of brass as well....

[9mmepiphany]

What chairs/stools are people using?

I've been looking into this as I have had some L-3/L-4 issues from work. I started with the metal shop stools from Costco and have worked my way through a bunch of different stools

I highly recommend a saddle chair...like the Jobri Saddle Chair for a bit less than $160. It offers most of the functionality of the $800 Salli saddle chair (I was able to barrow one from my dentist's office and it was great)

I'd also highly recommend the mounts from Inline Fabrication. The mount with the interchangeable tops will allow you to easily switch between presses and reloading at eye level is much less stressful than down at hip level.

You should be looking at placing your powder measure on a raised platform/stand to be able to get a filled tray under it. Also having it placed at least 3-4" back from the edge of the bench will make a case or tray slipping out of your grasp less dramatic (less distance to drop).

I like to have at least 2-2.5' of space to the left of my press to have trays of cases/bullets available for insertion into the caseholder

[cwilliams]

+1 on this. On top of that, you can have custom plates made for most other equipment. For instance, I have one for my Hornady case prep center, Wilson trimmer, and Dillon swager. Awesome space saver!

+2

I use the same presses as the OP and switch them out between rifle and pistol. Can't say enough good things about Inline Fabrication. Dan will make anything he's capable of fabricating. You mentioned wanting to get the powder measure on your left side. Easy - get their powder measure arm that attaches to the Ultramount. You can put it on either side and move it out of the way when not needed.

Chair wise, I use a drafting chair that has a hydraulic lift that puts me up extra high. Most of the time I stand and I have an anti-fatigue mat that is already paying for itself.

One thing that wasn't mentioned is get some lighting ON your presses. Inline sells kits as well as several other places. I've wired both of mine so they each have a light and a switch attached that stays with the press as I change it out. They both use the same power cord that never moves from my bench.

For overhead lighting I use this http://www.harborfreight.com/fluores...amp-60643.html Cheapest magnifying lamp on the market. Learn to love ring lights because they help eliminate shadows.

Oh and buy Inline's ergo roller levers. You want ergonomics? Look no further.

[Revoman]

Don't do the powder separate, so I can't help you there, sorry. But I would recommend putting your scale, if it's a beam, at eye level. This makes it way better to see what the needle is reading without bending down or misjudging what it says.

Other than that, it's very nice to have the empties and bullets within a few inches of the press by using bins or trays supported by the press, or close to it.

I'm also a stander and a mat is essential for any kind of comfort in doing so.

Good lighting is also something that cannot/should not be without as there are many dark holes to look into when loading. Opt for good lighting over anything else.

I also hang my safety glasses on the press so they are always ready and present when needed to start the process.

I am 6'-2" and my rotating press table sits at 49", which is a good height for me, as it puts the handle knob about shoulder level and gives good leverage.