Reloading bench dimensions

[jomw10]

I have decided to go down the rabbit hole of reloading. I have order a Hornady Classic kit that should be here anytime now.
I will like to build a reloading bench for it, and will like to hear your experiences.
I'm looking for some first hand experience into sizing the bench top.
I'm guessing 24" depth, that is the size of my woodworking bench top. And maybe 4 or 5' width?.
How about thickness, will 1 1/2" be sturdy enough or should I go with 2". It will be a solid slab. I was thinking red oak, but the grain may be a problem. Maybe I'll go with some Ash or maple.
How about the height? I like to use this bench also for cleaning my rifles.
Any suggestions are welcome.

[Chase4556]

At the old house I had a 12x16 shed that I ran pillowed/insulated/mini split AC and built my bench in. It was about 30” deep to accommodate some storage at the back but not encroach on my work space. That bench was 8 1/2 feet long just because I had the room. I wouldn’t go shorter than 6 foot. You will accumulate equipment and need the room. Height depends on you more than anything. Do you prefer to stand and load or sit down? I prefer to stand, most might agree. I also had a tall stool for when I wanted to sit.

Now at the new house I’m making due in our front room until I can get a shed built and set up. I grabbed a Husky 6ft adjustable height bench from Home Depot for like $199 on sale. Of course looking now it appears to be about $375 so you may be better off building one. It does great. Have my xl650 and my single stage mounted on it. Once I get the shed done I will probably just continue to use this bench and put storage on each end to take up the back wall of the 10x12 shed.

[caa4612]

My reloading bench doubles as my workbench. I use the quick mount bases and other accessories from inlinefabrication.com. They have all kinds of things to help organize your bench. Their quick mounts also make it to where you don't have to permanently mount things to your bench, which works well for me so I can quickly set a press up and then remove it when not needed. The more room you can make useful the better, and keeping it organized is really important.

[Drycreek3189]

Here’s mine. The plans came from the NRA website I believe. Been 25 years ago so…

[BillyJack1975]

My reloading bench is 38” at the table, 6’ tall overall, 24” deep and 5’ wide. I’m a tall guy and this size works great.


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[blaqkpanda]

Mine's 27-1/2" deep and 6' wide. A word of advice is to mount it to a wall or the floor if possible.

[jomw10]

Keep them coming. That inline fabrication website has some interesting things!.

[BillyJack1975]

I used one sheet of 5/8” or 3/4” plywood. Doubled it for the top. Last piece was just big enough for the bottom shelf for mine. Yes the top needs to be heavy duty.

[stxhunter]

I use a wood bench from harbor freight. Always go for more room than you think you’ll need!

https://www.harborfreight.com/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-63395.html

[muzzlebrake]

I have built and put together several loading benches/tables over the years.
Every time I try to go at least 2 feet longer than before.
For me 8ft is minimum length to accommodate 2 presses along with other tools and powder throwers, trimmers, reamers and a small drill press.
I now have a 6 footer with drawers and opposite that a 10 footer with under storage.
My advice is start with 2 ft longer than you think you need as long as you have room.

[muzzlebrake]

A good top can be made by using 2x4's sammiched together with tite bond and threaded rod to make a butcher's block type top. Run a belt sander over the top and smooth it up good then pour epoxy resin all over it to make slick glassy finish. Deck-a-pour or any marine epoxy works fine. Make your legs from 4x4 treated posts and gusset them with 2x4's. Down by the bottom frame with 2x4's and cover with 5/8 plywood for a full length storage shelf. It gonna be heavy but the more weight the better when you start pulling the press handle resizing brass.

[Texas Grown]

I was finally able to get around to setting up another bench last year. I got a Gladiator through Home Depot. They come in 48", 72", and 96". They are built very well and have adjustable legs. Perfect for bar stool or swivel top type chairs. And I have the rolling cabinets that roll under them for storage. They are heavy!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiator-6-ft-Adjustable-Height-Birch-Top-Workbench-GAWB06HWEG/206390573

[Mike D]

I’m just trying to keep up with M16. [emoji3]





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[Hotrodd]

Here is my set up!

[cattlelackranch]

Do you like to stand or sit when you reload?

I like to stand. So I made mine accordingly in height.
Bigger and sturdier the better imo.