Height of your reloading bench versus your height?

[cajuntec]

When I built my reloading bench, I initially made it match the height of the other work tables in my room - 36 1/2" tall. I'm 5'7" (and apparently shrinking with age).

Over time, I started to discover how uncomfortable my workbench was. Some of the main reasons were:

1) When weighing powder on my balance beam scale, I was bending my knees to get eye-level with the marks on the scale so I could make sure it wasn't slightly over or under. At first, it didn't bother me. It got more aggravating with time.

2) When pulling the handle on my press, I'd have to dip my shoulder to pull the handle all the way down. Again - not a problem at first, but it bothered me more and more.

Today, I removed all four of the corner posts and rebuilt the bench after taking some measurements. Most importantly - how high did the press have to be for me to pull the handle all the way down without dipping my shoulder. Secondly - I don't want to bend my knees to see the scale markings.

8 more inches up did the trick. Now the top is at at 44 1/2". When I stand in front of it, I can rest my forearms comfortably on the top - perfect for when I'm trickling powder into the pan. I realize I may still have to bend a bit to be eye level with the balance beam mark, but I'm comfortable this way. I can also pull the press arm all the way down without dipping my shoulder.

Did the trick.

Got me wondering - what height do you find comfortable, and how tall are you (comparison of table top height versus your height)?

All the best,
Glenn

[cattlelackranch]

Height of your reloading bench versus your height?

I can't recall my bench heights but I do prefer reloading standing up as opposed to sitting. I have a lot of my presses raised with strong mounts that puts them at ideal heights. I've also incorporated some roller handles on some high volume presses that I use.
I also built my wall system to house my beam scale at eye level although I don't use the beam very much.

You may want to check out inline fabrication if you haven't already heard of them. They have some good designs that are geared towards ergonomics and reloading.

https://inlinefabrication.com/

[JW]

Height of your reloading bench versus your height?

I can't recall my bench heights but I do prefer reloading standing up as opposed to sitting. I have a lot of my presses raised with strong mounts that puts them at ideal heights. I've also incorporated some roller handles on some high volume presses that I use.
I also built my wall system to house my beam scale at eye level although I don't use the beam very much.

You may want to check out inline fabrication if you haven't already heard of them. They have some good designs that are geared towards ergonomics and reloading.

https://inlinefabrication.com/

They have some neat stuff. I like that articulating tray.


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[35remington]

I built mine at 42". At first it felt high and that's what everyone says when they look at it, but dang if it isn't nice to work on. I am 6' 1".

[Greyman]

Well I went and remeasured my bench after I read this and it is at 39in. I'm 5'7" and I cycled my press lever and YEP I'm dipping my shoulder too. That is standing, I have a shop stool and when sitting its just about right. think I'll leverite there.

[dustoffer]

Well--I'm 5'9" and here's my mess. The top of the bench is 30.5" and that is based on the height of the drafting table I salvaged from a flood and topped with 3/4" MDF. The cabinet on top I built from plans I got somewhere--can't find them now. The shelf that tilts forward with the scale on it is 39" or so. I load sitting in a swivel chair so it is roughly eye-level for me.

[2Lazy2P]

I built mine at 42". Bought some adjustable swivel chairs from Northern tool. It's comfortable for me, I'm 6'.

[Drycreek3189]

I use a bar stool with my set up. My bench puts my beam scale at eye level. I weigh all my rifle loads after dumping from my Chargemaster so the beam being at eye level is a necessity for me.

[Tejasbacon]

36

[tigerscowboy]

I adjusted my presses and my sitting bench very quickly to a finished counter ht of 43". I'm 6'1" and it's comfortable while standing or sitting on my barstool.

Never bothers my back.

[cajuntec]

I'm hoping this information helps someone one day as they are getting ready to build their first reloading table. I appreciate everyone adding their inputs to this, and especially annotating if they are sitting or standing. Keep 'em coming. Thank you to everyone that has replied so far.

All the best,
Glenn

[tigerscowboy]

Good inquiry and information.