1st reloading bench...dos and don'ts

DarrenC

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I mentioned in another thread that I was building my first reloading bench over the next week as I have time. I have a rough design in my mind but am interested in some lessons learned from you. I'm also hoping this can serve as a go-to place for other newbies getting into reloading.

What would you do different if you could with your setup? What's the best thing about it?
What just hasn't worked? What has?!?!?
What kind of lighting are you using?
Reinforcement on the press mount?
Bins, bins, bins! What kind and where'd you get them?

Appreciate any feedback you guys can throw in here...
 
Don't go cheap... save for a bit longer and do it right the first time. If you make concessions now you'll end up spending more later to correct that. LED lighting is a good choice because it's bright and won't impact digital scales that you may have or will have in the future. Build more storage than you think you need... have drawers for hand tools. You can not be too organized.

The biggest thing for me personally is that if I start off with a place for everything I'm good about keeping it organized. If stuff just kinda gets sprawled across the desk I'm a lost cause. Bins are OK but that all depends on quantity. I typically have more brass than will practically fit in a plastic bin. A label maker is also your friend if you like to be organized and use plastic storage containers for items.
 
^baby formula cans. Coffee cans. Baby wipe containers. The good ones are plastic, easy to clean and stack, and the best part is they are free. I could spend $40 on plastic storage boxes/drawers and look pretty or use what I'm going to throw in the recycle bin and buy a brick of primers.
 
Make it the right height for you.
Make it sturdy and strong.
Overkill on a reloading bench is OK.
Make it bigger then you think you'll need because you will need it.
Organize your presses and equipment to cut down on you having to move around a lot.
Shelves are a must.

Make it level, plumb, square and true.
 
Lucky13bullets said:
don't make it flimsy

do screw it to the wall...



90% of problems reloading in progressive presses are corrected by using a sturdy bench
Even with a single stage and "larger" ammo a flimsy top makes for more work
 
Making it sturdy and building shelves for organization was a key for me
 
DO; make the presses removable so the bench can be used for other tasks. i.e. working on a gun or something of that nature. It also prevents damage to the press and components. Over brace the top but pay attention to placement so the removable feature isn't compromised.

DON'T; think you'll stand and do all of your loading, adjust the top height to allow the use of a 30" barstool. That height will also allow you to stand or sit, as the deed requires. Make it out of cheap crap (particle board) use multiple layers of OSB and plywood and SCREW it together as well as the wall behind.
 
mckenziedrums;n19810 said:
Don't go cheap... save for a bit longer and do it right the first time. If you make concessions now you'll end up spending more later to correct that. LED lighting is a good choice because it's bright and won't impact digital scales that you may have or will have in the future. Build more storage than you think you need... have drawers for hand tools. You can not be too organized.

The biggest thing for me personally is that if I start off with a place for everything I'm good about keeping it organized. If stuff just kinda gets sprawled across the desk I'm a lost cause. Bins are OK but that all depends on quantity. I typically have more brass than will practically fit in a plastic bin. A label maker is also your friend if you like to be organized and use plastic storage containers for items.

Could you elaborate on the impact lighting choice can have on digital scales? I'm planning on adding a light source to my bench probably next week and am kicking around ideas, any info would be greatly appreciated.
 
Bailey Boat;n20008 said:
DO; make the presses removable so the bench can be used for other tasks. i.e. working on a gun or something of that nature. It also prevents damage to the press and components. Over brace the top but pay attention to placement so the removable feature isn't compromised.

DON'T; think you'll stand and do all of your loading, adjust the top height to allow the use of a 30" barstool. That height will also allow you to stand or sit, as the deed requires. Make it out of cheap crap (particle board) use multiple layers of OSB and plywood and SCREW it together as well as the wall behind.

How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.
 
Tjohnson;n20134 said:
Could you elaborate on the impact lighting choice can have on digital scales? I'm planning on adding a light source to my bench probably next week and am kicking around ideas, any info would be greatly appreciated.

Fluorescent lights can cause drifting in some electronic scales. In fact, another consideration can be where vents are located if you're inside, or drafts of air in the garage. It doesn't take much to throw off a sensitive scale. Keep in mind we load to the tenths of a grain... and there are 7000 grains in a single pound.
 
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dave421;n20149 said:
How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.

I use Inline Fabrication press mounts... quick change plates are great. I know some folks have made their own system but if you can swing it, it's tough to beat the Inline Fab stuff.
 
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Looks like I'm getting my bench built tomorrow and/or Saturday. Yay!!
I've got everything I need to start reloading, just no bench....yet. :)
 
dave421 said:
Bailey Boat;n20008 said:
DO; make the presses removable so the bench can be used for other tasks. i.e. working on a gun or something of that nature. It also prevents damage to the press and components. Over brace the top but pay attention to placement so the removable feature isn't compromised.

DON'T; think you'll stand and do all of your loading, adjust the top height to allow the use of a 30" barstool. That height will also allow you to stand or sit, as the deed requires. Make it out of cheap crap (particle board) use multiple layers of OSB and plywood and SCREW it together as well as the wall behind.

How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.
By using an "all thread" bolt and a "T" nut fastener. Position the press, drill all the way through the bench top (I used 1/4" bolts, hence a 5/16 drill bit) drop the bolt into the hole with a couple of washers under the head. Position the "T" nut underneath and tighten the bolt so it pulls the barbs of the T nut into the wood. Don't go all Hulk but tight enough to sink the barbs into the wood. When the press isn't in use you can remove it and have full use of the bench top. If doing multiple presses try and use as many existing holes as possible to prevent duplication. Where are you located? If close you can come look at mine and it will be as clear as a bell...
 
dave421 said:
Bailey Boat;n20008 said:
DO; make the presses removable so the bench can be used for other tasks. i.e. working on a gun or something of that nature. It also prevents damage to the press and components. Over brace the top but pay attention to placement so the removable feature isn't compromised.

DON'T; think you'll stand and do all of your loading, adjust the top height to allow the use of a 30" barstool. That height will also allow you to stand or sit, as the deed requires. Make it out of cheap crap (particle board) use multiple layers of OSB and plywood and SCREW it together as well as the wall behind.

How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.
Gotcha. I know exactly what you're talking about and that should work great. I may end up doing that even though I don't NEED the extra space.
 
dave421;n20149 said:
How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.

I use to take 2 C-Clamps and clamp my single stage to the living room table. That worked for a long time until I got a Progressive from Lucky13bullets. Then I stole some shop space and promptly ran out of time to reload.
 
Some good advice already. I would suggest planning a spot on your bench for a small vise of some sort.
 
dave421;n20149 said:
How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.

A DIY idea that I use: Cut 12x12x3/4 "plates", drill mounting holes in the same place for multiple plates, Mount the presses to the plates and bolt to the desk. I can swap out a press on the bench in about 30 seconds.

-If you use 3/4" plywood for a bench top, double up 2 sheets.
-Bench height is critical, get it right.
-Bolt to two walls if possible (in the corner)
-Level, always make sure it is level
-I use coffee cans, lots of coffee cans. I drink lots of coffee so it works out.
 
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Bailey Boat;n20531 said:
Repeated insertion and extraction of a regular lag bolt will not last. It has to go into a metal/metal connection for longevity. Hence T nuts....

Or they are actually Carriage bolts with washers and wing nuts. I'll correct my post.
 
Guys, what bench height are you using?

I was thinking of countertop height, 36", but now that I took the press out and set it on the counter, that's too low for standing to reload.
I don't want to sit all the time because my day job is behind a desk and I'm sitting a lot.
Prefer to be able to stand and use a stool of undetermined height for sitting.

I added a "riser" for my test and to stand, I need a 42" high bench.

Thoughts, suggestions, advice?? Thx.
 
mckenziedrums;n20175 said:
I use Inline Fabrication press mounts... quick change plates are great. I know some folks have made their own system but if you can swing it, it's tough to beat the Inline Fab stuff.

These mounts are worth the price. I have limited space in my tactical closet, so being able to easily move my presses when not in use is critical.
 
wolfpack65;n23290 said:
Guys, what bench height are you using?

I was thinking of countertop height, 36", but now that I took the press out and set it on the counter, that's too low for standing to reload.
I don't want to sit all the time because my day job is behind a desk and I'm sitting a lot.
Prefer to be able to stand and use a stool of undetermined height for sitting.

I added a "riser" for my test and to stand, I need a 42" high bench.

Thoughts, suggestions, advice?? Thx.


I'm 6'4" and my Dillon 550 is on a 41" bench.
 
I built the bench today. Still need to complete the press mount but I'm pretty happy with it!
 
How sturdy did it turn out? Looks pretty good.
 
wolfpack65;n23467 said:
6'4"?? LOL.

You are almost a good foot taller than me, just 5'5' here.

I'm 5'9" and my perfect bench height for standing or sitting on a 30" bar stool is 41". Same as Tim, he must be slightly hunched over... OR..... I'm standing taller that I think I am!!
 
Sp00ks said:
How sturdy did it turn out? Looks pretty good.
It was probably sturdy enough as is but I put a couple of angle brackets to the studs behind it and now I can hang on it and it won't budge.
 
two77 said:
A clean, well organized reloading bench is the sign of a sick mind.
I'm sure mine won't stay that way for long!
 
Go heavy on the bench for loading gear and as mentioned above bolt bench to wall if you can. If you run a separate scale, try and put it on an adjacent bench that is not connected to your loading bench. I haven't found drifting of scales due to fluorescent lights but I have heard of it. You can install an LED track type light if it is a problem. Have separate cabinets to store your primers, pistol powder and rifle powder. Don't store rifle and pistol powder in the same cabinet unless you are an extremely observant type of person.
 
dave421;n20149 said:
How do you make them removable? I'm getting ready to mount my first press and that sounds interesting though I'm not space challenged.

I bolted my turret press to a piece of lumber and I use two large C clamps to hold it on the bench. It is more than strong enough, does not flex or slide at all and the clamps have never been in my way. I did directly mount my vice though and sometimes wish I hadn't.
 
mckenziedrums;n20173 said:
Fluorescent lights can cause drifting in some electronic scales. In fact, another consideration can be where vents are located if you're inside, or drafts of air in the garage. It doesn't take much to throw off a sensitive scale. Keep in mind we load to the tenths of a grain... and there are 7000 grains in a single pound.

Damn, maybe I don't need a new scale after all.
 
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