Bench setup and workflow help

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Jnull

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Jul 22, 2020
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#1
Im new to reloading and finally working on getting my bench setup. I want to make the best use of my space as this is where I’ll setup new rifles and do all my cleaning. The left wall with outlets is all wood and sturdy so I can mount whatever to it, along the back of the long bench there’s an 8-9” gap due to the pillar so I can build shelving of some sort to take up that empty space as well.

I have a rock chucker I’m planning on only setting up with my ugly priming tool, a Forster coax for everything else and a Henderson trimmer. I want to keep all that stuff on the short bench but I’m not sure if I should hard mount all, none, or somewhere inbetween using something like inline fab stuff. One thing is I’d like to get the rock chucker on a riser and leave the other 2 flat. I can put the scale on the long bench where press movement won’t affect it since I didn’t mount the 2 benches together. Recommendations would be appreciated

IMG_9121.jpeg

IMG_9120.jpeg
 
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#2
Jnull said:
Im new to reloading and finally working on getting my bench setup. I want to make the best use of my space as this is where I’ll setup new rifles and do all my cleaning. The left wall with outlets is all wood and sturdy so I can mount whatever to it, along the back of the long bench there’s an 8-9” gap due to the pillar so I can build shelving of some sort to take up that empty space as well.

I have a rock chucker I’m planning on only setting up with my ugly priming tool, a Forster coax for everything else and a Henderson trimmer. I want to keep all that stuff on the short bench but I’m not sure if I should hard mount all, none, or somewhere inbetween using something like inline fab stuff. One thing is I’d like to get the rock chucker on a riser and leave the other 2 flat. I can put the scale on the long bench where press movement won’t affect it since I didn’t mount the 2 benches together. Recommendations would be appreciated

View attachment 8657719
View attachment 8657720
Click to expand...
After retiring and downsizing to a smaller home, I don't have much space and have a workbench in my garage about the size of the short section of your bench. My bench sits on base kitchen cabinets with wall cabinets above for storage. And next to the bench is full length storage cabinets (floor to ceiling). Because I have such limited workspace, nothing is permanent on the workbench as I also need to use the bench for other uses other related to shooting. So, cabinets contain brass prep tools as I only do brass prep on the garage bench. Loading tools and supplied are stored in a room where I store all my loading equipment and supplies (e.g. powders, primers, scales, arbor press and seating dies) as this is where I can control the interior climate). I have an old used heavy executive desk that I do my loading at sitting in a very comfortable chair, which I can sit in as I do for other personal functions (like what I'm doing right now on my desktop computer ;)). Since I'm in Arizona and my garage is not a good place to keep these things there where temps in there can get over 100°F in the summer.

I hope this simply gives you some things to think about. :giggle:

PS: I can't tell in your picture if you're using fluorescent or LED lighting. If you're using that scale there, I hope you're using LED lighting and not fluorescent. . .???
 
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#3
I work left to right
With the chuck on the right as I am limited in space / half of your bench as well.

Storage for primers and powders are key
And as you go
You’ll get in a flow and also have a bunch of problem solving tools near by
I also have a book for notes and pens and pencils for writing dedicated to the bench
You’ll get stuck cases
You’ll have trash ( old primers brass trimmings etc )
I’d say start reloading with your space and find your way/ method/flow and see how it goes

Be not afraid to change things up
 
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#5
Also a couple things I’d add ( pass along )
Have really good lighting that doesn’t bother you and another point?…..
keep all rifle building and cleaning stuff well away from my reloading area. Many chemicals and etc for cleaning rifles/ suppressors are not good near powders primers and etc

Def don’t want an issue there

And I’d also say have a place for everything you think You’ll need

And keep everything in those places, labeled to see what goes where and if it is missing

Whether it is comparators, calipers, old vs new brass? Brushes,….?

Get organized but let it grow from organically reloading and see what works for you

My system would likely not work for you

But nor yours for me…. That’s to say it isn’t wrong or right

Just preferences
 
Last edited:
#6
You're off to a good start and giving it some forethought....

If it were me, I'd bolt on some bench extensions to the back of your bench that would fill in the gaps around the column and increase the bench surface area... I'd keep any shelving higher up off the bench. Definitely agree with the GOOD lighting!

It will eventually change over time as you find what works for you, so don't get too deep before you figure out what works best for you and your processes....
 
#7
straightshooter1 said:
After retiring and downsizing to a smaller home, I don't have much space and have a workbench in my garage about the size of the short section of your bench. My bench sits on base kitchen cabinets with wall cabinets above for storage. And next to the bench is full length storage cabinets (floor to ceiling). Because I have such limited workspace, nothing is permanent on the workbench as I also need to use the bench for other uses other related to shooting. So, cabinets contain brass prep tools as I only do brass prep on the garage bench. Loading tools and supplied are stored in a room where I store all my loading equipment and supplies (e.g. powders, primers, scales, arbor press and seating dies) as this is where I can control the interior climate). I have an old used heavy executive desk that I do my loading at sitting in a very comfortable chair, which I can sit in as I do for other personal functions (like what I'm doing right now on my desktop computer ;)). Since I'm in Arizona and my garage is not a good place to keep these things there where temps in there can get over 100°F in the summer.

I hope this simply gives you some things to think about. :giggle:

PS: I can't tell in your picture if you're using fluorescent or LED lighting. If you're using that scale there, I hope you're using LED lighting and not fluorescent. . .???
Click to expand...
Perhaps the OP isn't aware of the fluorescent lighting issue...

Fluorescent lights can introduce "noise" into the electrical system that MAY cause issues with sensitive electronic devices like a scale. It may cause a problem and it may not.

My scale has an inline filter on the power cord that is supposed to clean up dirty power... But for all I know there's just a couple Tootsie Rolls in that little black bulge in the cord.

Not saying you'll have problems. But if your scale acts wonky and you've eliminated all other variables... Dirty power might be a variable to look at.

I haven't really investigated to see if LED's are any better. There's a lot of magic happening in the drivers on those LED lamps. Wouldn't surprise me if they introduce noise back into the system as well.

I thought for sure we had at least one EE on the site who could shed some light (😄) on this.

Mike
 
#8
20250406_082323.jpg

Here's my setup. I have a little spot in the basement behind the furnace that I cleared out and built a custom bench. All three benches are attached to the walls and are very stout. I could jump up and down on them with no problems if I had the overhead clearance. I also ran a couple of new circuits adding lighting and several outlets. The bare bulb on the left was all that was there originally along with a flimsy workbench along the back wall that would flex every time I pulled the press handle.

I find it more comfortable to be able to sit and work for the most part than to stand on concrete even with the carpet remnants I have laid out so I designed the left and right benches to be the right height for me to sit down. The left hand bench is for powder and priming. The right is where I do most of my case prep, work on and clean guns, mount scopes, etc. The center section is a good height for me to stand and work on something or to sit and operate the press.
 
Last edited:
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#9
Take a hard look at this website. One of the best things I did to organize my bench was utilizing quick change plates. Using the storage docks to store items that were not being used was a game changer.
inlinefabrication.com

Welcome to InLine Fabrication Performance Reloading Equipment – Inline Fabrication

InLine Fabrication Performance Reloading Equipment builds press mounts, stands ERGO roller levers for Dillon RCBS Hornady Redding LEE Lyman Pacific CH Forster other products include gear stand LED Ultramount lighting light mount strong quick change bench solutions AKRO bin barrier supplies bench...
inlinefabrication.com
 
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#10
straightshooter1 said:
After retiring and downsizing to a smaller home, I don't have much space and have a workbench in my garage about the size of the short section of your bench. My bench sits on base kitchen cabinets with wall cabinets above for storage. And next to the bench is full length storage cabinets (floor to ceiling). Because I have such limited workspace, nothing is permanent on the workbench as I also need to use the bench for other uses other related to shooting. So, cabinets contain brass prep tools as I only do brass prep on the garage bench. Loading tools and supplied are stored in a room where I store all my loading equipment and supplies (e.g. powders, primers, scales, arbor press and seating dies) as this is where I can control the interior climate). I have an old used heavy executive desk that I do my loading at sitting in a very comfortable chair, which I can sit in as I do for other personal functions (like what I'm doing right now on my desktop computer ;)). Since I'm in Arizona and my garage is not a good place to keep these things there where temps in there can get over 100°F in the summer.

I hope this simply gives you some things to think about. :giggle:

PS: I can't tell in your picture if you're using fluorescent or LED lighting. If you're using that scale there, I hope you're using LED lighting and not fluorescent. . .???
Click to expand...
Lighting is all LED and the top single outlet on the wall is on a breaker with nothing else, the only thing that outlet will be used for is the scale.
 
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#11
Zebulon said:
Also a couple things I’d add ( pass along )
Have really good lighting that doesn’t bother you and another point?…..
keep all rifle building and cleaning stuff well away from my reloading area. Many chemicals and etc for cleaning rifles/ suppressors are not good near powders primers and etc

Def don’t want an issue there

And I’d also say have a place for everything you think You’ll need

And keep everything in those places, labeled to see what goes where and if it is missing

Whether it is comparators, calipers, old vs new brass? Brushes,….?

Get organized but let it grow from organically reloading and see what works for you

My system would likely not work for you

But nor yours for me…. That’s to say it isn’t wrong or right

Just preferences
Click to expand...
I have plenty of storage space and room to build more shelving and such so I think I’ll be alright there, out of the picture is a 4 tier shelf and under the benches are shelved I just have to get all my building tools cleaned up from putting all this together. I’ll keep the annealer and other big things that don’t need to be out all the time under the bench.
 
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#12
Oryx said:
You're off to a good start and giving it some forethought....

If it were me, I'd bolt on some bench extensions to the back of your bench that would fill in the gaps around the column and increase the bench surface area... I'd keep any shelving higher up off the bench. Definitely agree with the GOOD lighting!

It will eventually change over time as you find what works for you, so don't get too deep before you figure out what works best for you and your processes....
Click to expand...
I mentioned in the original post about building something useful to take up that space, since that side is gonna be cleaning/working on things I’ll likely store tools and cleaning supplies there. I have 3 bright LED lights above the bench, one of them isn’t turned on in the picture. Plus another to my back in the picture, it’s very well lit.
 
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#13
OkieMike said:
Perhaps the OP isn't aware of the fluorescent lighting issue...

Fluorescent lights can introduce "noise" into the electrical system that MAY cause issues with sensitive electronic devices like a scale. It may cause a problem and it may not.

My scale has an inline filter on the power cord that is supposed to clean up dirty power... But for all I know there's just a couple Tootsie Rolls in that little black bulge in the cord.

Not saying you'll have problems. But if your scale acts wonky and you've eliminated all other variables... Dirty power might be a variable to look at.

I haven't really investigated to see if LED's are any better. There's a lot of magic happening in the drivers on those LED lamps. Wouldn't surprise me if they introduce noise back into the system as well.

I thought for sure we had at least one EE on the site who could shed some light (😄) on this.

Mike
Click to expand...
I did a lot of research before doing anything down there, the lighting is all LED. I also installed the top single outlet on the wall on its own breaker and the only thing that plug will be used for is the scale.
 
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#14
BigGameJames87 said:
View attachment 8657850

Here's my setup. I have a little spot in the basement behind the furnace that I cleared out and built a custom bench. All three benches are attached to the walls and are very stout. I could jump up and down on them with no problems if I had the overhead clearance. I also ran a couple of new circuits adding lighting and several outlets. The bare bulb on the left was all that was there originally along with a flimsy workbench along the back wall that would flex every time I pulled the press handle.

I find it more comfortable to be able to sit and work for the most part than to stand on concrete even with the carpet remnants I have laid out so I designed the left and right benches to be the right height for me to sit down. The left hand bench is for powder and priming. The right is where I do most of my case prep, work on and clean guns, mount scopes, etc. The center section is a good height for me to stand and work on something or to sit and operate the press.
Click to expand...
That’s a nice setup. I built my benches to be comfortable standing or sitting in a bar stool height chair, I also put down indoor/outdoor carpet for comfort and cushion for dropped brass or tools.
 
#15
AllenOne1 said:
Take a hard look at this website. One of the best things I did to organize my bench was utilizing quick change plates. Using the storage docks to store items that were not being used was a game changer.
inlinefabrication.com

Welcome to InLine Fabrication Performance Reloading Equipment – Inline Fabrication

InLine Fabrication Performance Reloading Equipment builds press mounts, stands ERGO roller levers for Dillon RCBS Hornady Redding LEE Lyman Pacific CH Forster other products include gear stand LED Ultramount lighting light mount strong quick change bench solutions AKRO bin barrier supplies bench...
inlinefabrication.com
Click to expand...
I mentioned in the original post about utilizing inline fab products for risers, QD plates, etc. I’m just not sure what I want to be removable and permanently mounted if anything. It would be nice to he able to move both presses and the trimmer out of the way to maximize space if needed
 
#19
I agree with press on the rightmost of the work space if you're right-handed. I'd mount it right over the side post/support for stability.

I work on 2 different 4'x4' benches. I use 3 of 4 sides of each of them. One thing you might consider is moving the bench out away from teh wall so you could work on 3 sides of it; but I realize it's much narrower than my 4'x4' benches, so that may not work.
 
#20
secondofangle2 said:
I agree with press on the rightmost of the work space if you're right-handed. I'd mount it right over the side post/support for stability.

I work on 2 different 4'x4' benches. I use 3 of 4 sides of each of them. One thing you might consider is moving the bench out away from teh wall so you could work on 3 sides of it; but I realize it's much narrower than my 4'x4' benches, so that may not work.
Click to expand...
I never considered moving my benches around, I could move the shorter bench away from the wall enough to get behind it and work but I think it’d make a portion of my longer bench unusable.

I’m leaning toward getting inline fab QD plates for both presses and my Henderson trimmer. I really only need to use one of those at a time so swapping them out through the process wouldn’t be a big deal, then my bench could be obstruction free when I desire
 
#21
My only thought is remember that whatever is against the wall can only be reached to, but not worked from

If you move your long bench away from the wall, you double the length that you can work along it
 
#22
secondofangle2 said:
My only thought is remember that whatever is against the wall can only be reached to, but not worked from

If you move your long bench away from the wall, you double the length that you can work along it
Click to expand...
You’re not wrong, if I did that I wouldn’t be able to build shelving and such along the back wall as I don’t think I can move the bench out far enough to do both

Moving benches to double workspace is definitely a good idea but I don’t know that I need that much work space, rather just make the best use of my current space. I really don’t have anything planned for the long bench other then cleaning/gunsmithing so I have a lot of mostly unused space. Also I’m only going to be loading for 4 calibers to start with and probably won’t add too many to that as I don’t get a lot of time to shoot so I’m not mass producing tons of ammo either
 
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#23
The good thing is, you can always move the benches around to change your space as you see fit

Don’t sweat it too much, I used to work on a portable workbench that Midway USA used to sell in the 1990s. They basically had a round platform and a poster stuck up with a tiny little 8 x 8” thing that you could bolt your press to.

And those days I lived in a small apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico and stored all of my reloading equipment away in a closet. So you’re way ahead of me.
 
#24
secondofangle2 said:
The good thing is, you can always move the benches around to change your space as you see fit

Don’t sweat it too much, I used to work on a portable workbench that Midway USA used to sell in the 1990s. They basically had a round platform and a poster stuck up with a tiny little 8 x 8” thing that you could bolt your press to.

And those days I lived in a small apartment in Albuquerque, New Mexico and stored all of my reloading equipment away in a closet. So you’re way ahead of me.
Click to expand...
Haha no doubt, I’m just trying to plan things right the first time so I don’t put a lot of unnecessary holes in the bench top. That shit bothers me. I counter sunk all the bolt holes ln top, filled them, sanded everything and polyurethaned it
 
#25
Use 3/8 inch or 5/16 inch bolts or whatever to mount your press or other equipment

When you move something, go and get an oak dowel rod of that diameter cut it the thickness of your table top smear some wood glue on it and drive it in with a mallet.

Hole fixed
 
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#26
Workspace flow. I have three main presses. Two, a Dillon 500 that is set up for small primers and a single stage and on my main bench. To facilitate flow, especially for a single stage, make sure you have plenty of space. My setup has a large space between the two presses, giving me a good workspace that easily works for both presses. Since I typically run the single stage press with my right hand, that leaves my left hand to feed the press. Works

1744118602229.jpeg
 
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#27
OP, I would move the press to the ends of the bench. With it in the middle you are blocking a lot of workspace. That's how I have mine and all my presses on on Inline Fabrication mounts. If it's not in use, it gets put up.
 
#28
Bacarrat said:
OP, I would move the press to the ends of the bench. With it in the middle you are blocking a lot of workspace. That's how I have mine and all my presses on on Inline Fabrication mounts. If it's not in use, it gets put up.
Click to expand...
^^^What WE Said. ^^^.

@Bacarrat we must be brothers from a different family. I use the RCBS multiplate. Tools go on when I need them and get put away when done.
 
#29
Bacarrat said:
OP, I would move the press to the ends of the bench. With it in the middle you are blocking a lot of workspace. That's how I have mine and all my presses on on Inline Fabrication mounts. If it's not in use, it gets put up.
Click to expand...
If you’re using QC mounts why’s it matter where you put it? In that first picture I was just showing potential placement if I hard mounted all 3 but I think I’m just going to put one dock on the table and put everything on QC mounts
 
#30
The mount still in the way, since it sits a little above the bench. Unless you router it flush to the bench top. Even then it will require a little stick out.
 
#31
Bacarrat said:
The mount still in the way, since it sits a little above the bench. Unless you router it flush to the bench top. Even then it will require a little stick out.
Click to expand...
I was going to use a router so it’s flush, I did see it stick out a bit for the wing nuts. I’d probably put it off center toward the right that way I have room and bench space on both sides. If I put it too far right it seems the long bench would interfere with arm movement
 
#32
Here is how I set mine up. I also run a CoAx and Henderson trimmer. The trimmer doesn't need a mount plate since the factory plate the Henderson perfectly matches up with the Inline Fab plate. Not shown is the Redding Big Boss, Lee Prep Station and AMP Annealer. All tools, bullets, cases are in a toolbox under the bench. All surplus stuff stays in the garage. That's about the most cluttered I have my bench.
1744136857001.jpeg
 
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