How much space for reloading?

[hollowhandle]

Hello,
How much space is a good start for reloading?
Would a 8 by 4 bench be enough or not even close.
Before I dive into the info here, I need to check if I can even get it started.
Thanks
Chip

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I'm hoping 8 feet by 4 feet right?

Should be plenty, mine is smaller than that, but I don't keep everything I use right there. The Frankford Arsenal portable reloading bench is only a 9 inch square and works for some people in tight spaces. Just keep it organized, and you will be fine.

Just make sure it is sturdy enough and heavy or well balanced enough to not tip and not have the press tear out of the mounting spot.

 

[Dave R]

Its more than I use. I use a corner of the kitchen table when I set up. Then I keep everything in a big rubbermaid tub when not in use. I look forward to the day I can get 4' X 8' of designated reloading space.

 

[Valkman]

8'x4' would probably be bigger than most of us have! 4'x2' would work, so if you can get twice that you'll be doing well.

 

[only1asterisk]

4x2 is plenty, 4x8 will support a fairly large outfit. Study and level is a must.

David

 

[moredes]

What Only1asterisk said. I think most of us can say we started out on the kitchen (or coffee) table.

Sturdy is more important than size; level is, too.

 

[Jeeper]

4x8 would be good if it is in the middle of the room where you could get around all sides of the bench. If it is in a corner you wouldnt get the use out of most of it. Do a search for the thread with pics of all the benches and you will get more ideas than you can handle.

 

[JoeHatley]

My bench top is 6' wide by 28" deep, with one 5' x 10" shelf at the back. It's just a piece of 1" plywood layed on top of two metal storage cabinets. I store my supplies that aren't in immediate use elsewhere. That amount of space has been working for me for about 25 years, but then... I only use a single stage press.

Joe

 

[dshimm]

could you give a pointer to the thread with the pix of the reloading benches?

 

[Calanctus]

8'x4' would probably be bigger than most of us have! 4'x2' would work, so if you can get twice that you'll be doing well.

I should point out, you can get FOUR 4' x 2' sections out of ONE 4' x 8' sheet of plywood. That being said, as long as you have shelves/bins for storage, you could set up 3 or more presses on a 4' x 2' bench without being cramped.

 

[beardking]

I'm using the corner of a 4'x4' table that I also use to build my model airplanes on. I don't even see any need for more space, except a shelf or 2 maybe. So, if you have 4'x8' for your workspace, good on ya.

 

[Kamicosmos]

Mine is currently 6' x 2' The table top is just two 6 foot 2x12s. Then I have another 6' 2x12 on the wall as a shelf. Plenty of room with all my stuff on it. Here's a pic shortly after I build it. It's now mostly covered with 'stuff'.

I believe this is the biggest ongoing thread of reloading bench pics:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27365&highlight=bench

and there's a newer one here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52758&highlight=bench


EDIT: Mine is only 6 feet long. So, I edited the post to reflect that.

 

[hollowhandle]

The area

I would only be able to get to the front and one side of my area so I guess that makes it not as effective. However, this thread makes it seem that I can get by with the space I have. I need to make a few shelves.
CHip

 

[Smoke]

Mine's is 24' x 24' and filling rapidly. It does share space with a few other hobbies.

Space for reloading is kinda like buying a gun safe. Take the size you think you need; multiply that by 10...now you have a reasonable number.

Also factor in doubling that in a couple of years.

Smoke - just speaking the truth

 

[Black Snowman]

It's going to be highly variable. If you're a neat and organized person with shelves or drawers to store everything you really just need a strong and stable mounting point for the press and a stable place for the scale.

I use up an entire bench made from a 8'x4' piece of 3/4" MDF, 2 shelves, and some cabinet space. But, my whole house is a horrible mess. I'm in the process of relocating the "reloading room" and expanding it to the "gun room" which will also inculde some workspace for cleaning and gunsmithing in addition to reloading.

My recomendation is start with the best/biggest you can afford.

 

[cracked butt]

If its going to be against a wall, you certainly want it shallower than 4 ft- you won't be able to reach the stuff next to the wall.

My bench is roughly 3'x6' and is way bigger than I actually need.

 

[frenchwrench]

4' by 4' metal frame work desk has worked for years.I had to add two shelves behind and above it for components. Main thing is plenty of good light.