Reloading bench size and surface

[Sasquatch]

I'm moving reloading from my temporary space to some dedicated garage space. I'm building a reloading bench- got some pre-fab legs, but have a lot of options as to length and depth.

I have 8' width of space, so I figure might as well use it.

How deep would you make a reloading bench? The press is at the near side so it doesn't really need to be deep?
How about height- how tall should the work surface be? Do you like your press high or low?

How about reloading bench surface? I see most people have a plywood top, but was doing some youtubing and they recommended get laminate countertop for easy cleanup and spill resistance. Thoughts?

 

[reloader762]

Length is fine,I always make my work benches as long as possible with plenty of support so it doesn't flex. As to depth just make it as deep as you can easily reach to the back if you plan on putting small items up next to the wall,shelves are nice as well as it give you more storage space for reloading supplies that is in easy reach.

As to how high you will make your bench that would depend on if you plan or standing or sitting while reloading,if setting just sit in the chair or on the stool you plan on using and take some measurements an see what feels comfortable when using the press of your choice. Do the same if you are planning on standing,you can also always use a high stool to sit on as well,I like using adjustable chairs or stools so you can adjust the position your working in to make it the most comfortable.

With home built benches I've always used plain old plywood tops with one side finished,but you can also buy prefabbed laminated counter tops at places like Home Depot or Lowe's but they can be pricey sometime. Currently I'm just using an old heavy office desk I picked up at the Restore for $15 which will do till I just my new building set up early next year. I use an old office chair and entertainment center for shelving both which I got for free.

 

[Tom7]

How deep would you make a reloading bench? The press is at the near side so it doesn't really need to be deep?

Personal preference. I made mine 2' deep. I don't like stretching to reach the pegboard behind.

How about height- how tall should the work surface be? Do you like your press high or low?

The "standard rule" is one hand width below your sternum. I've found that to be a pretty good standard.
I made mine for standing...which was a mistake and I had to find a tall bar stool.

I see most people have a plywood top, but was doing some youtubing and they recommended get laminate countertop for easy cleanup and spill resistance. Thoughts?

I made mine from plywood, then went back and used a laminate and wood glued it down.
It doesn't stain and wipes clean...and when your beers sweats on it (when you're not reloading obviously) it wipes up.
Check your local Lowes Depot. The local Lowes to me had a chipped piece from a counter build the dude sold me for $5...and even cut it to my size.

 

[Tim]

My "gun room" is a 4x6 converted walk in closet with no ventilation. It's perfect for my tinkering, safe, ammo storage, etc. but, if I try to clean anything I about pass out from the fumes.

So a couple days ago I built this rolling "cleaning station" for the garage. Once I got it built, I decided it would be a better platform for reloading as well since my presses take up a bunch of space in the "gun room".

I put it on casters so I can get it out of the way as needed. The height is about perfect with the top right at elbow height.

 

[Toprudder]

My turret press is mounted to the bench, and I like to sit while using it. My progressive press is mounted on a strong-mount so it is elevated above the bench, and I like to stand while running it.

If you build your bench low, you have the option of raising the press with a special mount later if you decide to.

 

[Beef15]

The one I built is 18/20" deep, the other is a repurposed desk closer to 30". The big one has become a place to pile stuff, the little one is "slightly" better. I may cut down the big one.
Kinda wish I'd just made a long shallow shelf for presses, lubri-sizer, powder measure, and scale and a desk/table for other stuff. But then I have two benches, a set of shelves, shelves lining a wall, and a 4x8 table all piled with junk, so I'm not positive I could engineer a solution.

Height decide sitting or standing and move your arm through the motion a few times, remember some handles travel a good bit past horizontal.

Surface, laminate is for sure low maintenance and easy to clean. Sanding plywood smooth and laying down a thick layer of poly is pretty good too, and better looking IMO, but far more time consuming to do.