Thread: What's a good bench height?

I'm going to build a new reloading bench as I don't like sitting while doing it and I want some shelving. I originally thought 1200mm height would be ok but it seems maybe a bit short. What do you guys think? 1500mm too high? I suppose while I'm asking what about depth? I thought maybe 600mm deep work top?

Thanks

My current bench top is a touch above my waist. Id guess this dimension with be the critical measurement as it relates to you? I have a tall swivel mechanics stool for when I do sit but I guess I'm like you and prefer to stand. I reckon belly button height is about right, especially with the press.
Quentins pictures has got a few gears turning for sure

Get yourself a comfy stool and see what height is best when sitting on it

If you're going to stand too, I have laid down some cheap rubber matting from Mitre10 or something like that. It is easier on your legs, as well as, if you drop a case you know it will always fall on the neck and ding it. Soft fall means you don't have to do a one off neck size.

HI,
Stand up tall, measure from your elbow to the floor, take off 150mm from that measurment = your standing working height.

My standing-up desk at my office job comes to almost exactly elbow height. Wouldn't want it any higher than that.

I'll do some measuring tonight and see what'll be comfortable. So somewhere between belly button and elbow seems to be the consensus. I like the rubber mat idea thanks James. Yep Quentin's picture certainly got me thinking. I have been trolling reloading bench picture threads for ideas since I saw it.

Waist height.. and put a big shelf underneath so u can dtill sit an do do
Stuff.... draw a rough design up an go to local timberyard an get them to cut to suit.. then just screw it together at home!!!

I have an offcut from a kitchen benchtop I will use for my next bench. The counter tops are standard length so often there is a decent chunk left. May pay to try a laminator if they have anything left over for a cheep and solid top?

Originally Posted by kiwijames

I have an offcut from a kitchen benchtop I will use for my next bench. The counter tops are standard length so often there is a decent chunk left. May pay to try a laminator if they have anything left over for a cheep and solid top?

Mines 4" pine but still to flimsy when someone decides to push a shortened case up into a full length body die WITHOUT LUBE!! And shit goes flying "everywhere" when he starts hammering it out!!!! I wonder which forum orangatan did that????

I got some of this for on the floor (well the cook did).

Mitre 10 MEGA Floor Mats



Maybe without the holes would be better?

No holes

Originally Posted by baldbob

Mines 4" pine but still to flimsy when someone decides to push a shortened case up into a full length body die WITHOUT LUBE!! And shit goes flying "everywhere" when he starts hammering it out!!!! I wonder which forum orangatan did that????

Ummm..........So many to choose from in Gaymouth..........I give up.

Bummings have an 18mm ply kitset bench $149.00 from memory, need to sort thru the packs to get a good top, but good price and looks sturdy

My brother in law is a builder so will get materials at trade $$ and he'll probably help me screw it all together. His father is a cabinet maker so maybe I should hit him up for an old bench top instead of ply. Will definitely put a shelf underneath.

Measure the height of your local pub leaner and stool...I can stand or sit at them for hours. Whoever designed them got the heights just right.