Optimal press height?

[Ironwill1406]

Hi All,

I have Lee Classic Turret press. It used to be bolted to an old bench that was just above waist height (the base of the press) and I had to do the little bend down to get the crank arm all the way to the bottom of its path.

I built a new bench and mounted the press to an Ultramount and now the base is much higher. The rotating die disc is just under my eye level...no more bending down, which is nice.

I guess i'm wondering what is the best height that you all have found? Before it was too low, now it might be a bit too high though my posture thanks me.

 

[dh1633pm]

I mount mine high like you. Same with my work benches. My back needs to last a while, so why not give it every break I can. Bending over to do work sucks. I use a tall stool when I want to sit.

 

[Blue68f100]

I like the bottom stroke of the ram so my arm is extended but I don't have to lean or stoop. On the start position (ram down) I like mine align with my shoulder, arm extended.

 

[forty_caliber]

I have one of each using inline fabrication quick change mounts...seated or standing depending on the job. Seated is much more comfortable for a long throw, weigh, and trickle session. Standing seems best for FL sizing.

.40

 

[AJC1]

It is definitely an ergonomic question that will be based on a persons height. I like mine where the handle down my arm is just slightly bent. I believe it's just like a good bike setup where you dont reach full extension but very close.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I like mine where the handle down my arm is just slightly bent. I believe it's just like a good bike setup where you dont reach full extension but very close.

Me too!
I had to adjust my LNL-AP handle to fit me. The bench was already there.
And then I bought this ABLP and the handle was way to long so I cut it off.

Still didn't like the height, just to low, so I built this oak riser for it.

Then put the ball handle off my pro 1000 on it and now I'm happy. Perfect height and I could run this press all day.

 

[jmorris]

Depends on the press, I have an adjustable chair I move up or down, depending on what press I am in front of.

 

[George P]

You do NOT want your hand/arm to constantly raise up above your shoulder or rotator issues will happen, so either be able to sit with a low press or stand if ti is higher

 

[rabid wombat]

I do not remember where I saw it (I think the Enos site), but for my 650’s - top of the stroke nominally shoulder height, bottom near full extension. I believe I started with the handle height, subtracted the press, then the hi rise mount...and got to bench height. You need to answer whether you will standing or sitting...

Friendly advice, go Inline if you are going with risers and plates....I will next time!

ADDED - it may have been calling Dillon....

 

[Ironwill1406]

I do not remember where I saw it (I think the Enos site), but for my 650’s - top of the stroke nominally shoulder height, bottom near full extension. I believe I started with the handle height, subtracted the press, then the hi rise mount...and got to bench height. You need to answer whether you will standing or sitting...

Friendly advice, go Inline if you are going with risers and plates....I will next time!

ADDED - it may have been calling Dillon....

I am standing as I don't have a stool yet.

I did buy the inline fabrication ultramount...considering getting the micro (at like 7 inches compared to the ultra at 10) based on the comments here.

 

[scotty]

This is definitely a matter of personal preference. I am 6'3" tall.

I started reloading in my garage about 20 years ago with an RCBS RC2 single stage press mounted to a 36" high bench. It worked very well with me sitting on a 30" barstool. I later bought a Dillon 550 press and mounted it to the other end of the bench on a Dillon strong mount (8 1/2" high). I preferred to stand when using this press.

I recently moved it all inside. The kids are now grown and no longer living at home. A couple years ago, I inherited a very nice, large L-shaped desk that is 30" high. I needed a mount that raised the RC2 so that it wouldn't interfere with the drawers of the desk, so I bought an Inline Fabrications quick change ultramount which is 10" high. It made the press a little high for comfort. Experimentation continues. My mother would probably have a hemorrhage if she knew what I was now using her bookkeeping desk for, while my father would cheer.

I mounted the Dillon using the original strong mount. It worked just fine, but was a little low for comfort, so I bought another quick change ultramount and later their roller handle which is a little longer than the Dillon handle. This made it perfect.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I did buy the inline fabrication ultramount...considering getting the micro (at like 7 inches compared to the ultra at 10) based on the comments here.

The Ultra mount is 9.75" tall, the next size down is the Junior which is 7.5" tall, and finally the Micro which is 4" tall. To optimize efficiency, I'd highly recommend ordering their Ergo handle along with the mount...for most people the shorter handle will work better.

How tall your press is mounted is not only about whether you sit or stand, or even your height. It also depends on your waist and the length of your arm. If you call Inline Fabrication, Dan will pick up the phone and be happy to help you decide on which mount will work best for you.

I'm just under 6' tall and am loading on a Hornady LNL AP. The Ultramount was designed around this press and the bottom of the linkage clears the top of my bench by about 1/8". The Short Ergo Handle at the bottom of it's stroke is about level with my waist (while standing) and at the top of it's stroke is just below shoulder level. The frame of my bench is about 36" with a .75" piece of plywood on top of it...so about 36.5"...so the top deck of my mount is 46.25" off the floor