Handle at shoulder height. So for you that is going to be 42 or a little higher.

 

Another way to look at it is this....

It's critical to not bend over even a little with the handle in the down position.

 

I would say about 46 to 48 inches to the bottom of the press would work. Take you press and strong mount and put in on anything that would put it at those heights and see if you like it.
Smart move in moving from setting to standing. You will find you have better control of and seeing what is going on.
You also want to be able to also see inside of the case for powder.

 

My bench is 38" high and, with the strongmount, that puts the bottom of the press at about 46". I'm about 6'1" and that is just a little low. Another couple of inches would be great.

There is the possibility of using an aftermarket handle to change the motion.

http://inlinefabrication.com/Dillon_Precision.html

Richard

 

Another way to look at it is this....

It's critical to not bend over even a little with the handle in the down position.

Exactly, stand with your arms to your sides, measure from the ground to the center line of your fist. Add that dimension to the distance of your press handle in the down position to the bottom of your strong mount. I then subtract 2 inches.

 

When I was getting ready to build mine, I actually sat in the chair that I was going to use (like a bar chair) and had a friend take some measurements of where I was comfortable and built it from there. Factoring in the height of the handle from the top of the bench etc. You will spend lots of time there, so take some time and make it right for you.

 

My bench is 38" high and, with the strongmount, that puts the bottom of the press at about 46". I'm about 6'1" and that is just a little low. Another couple of inches would be great.

There is the possibility of using an aftermarket handle to change the motion.

http://inlinefabrication.com/Dillon_Precision.html

Richard

That handle sucks compared to the Dillon. Build the bench the right height to begin with.

 

Exactly, stand with your arms to your sides, measure from the ground to the center line of your fist. Add that dimension to the distance of your press handle in the down position to the bottom of your strong mount. I then subtract 2 inches.

Wouldn't you add two inches to get the press just a little higher?

Mine is at 48" I would not want it any lower. There is almost no disadvantage to being a little high but a huge problem if your low.

 

Another way to look at it is this....

It's critical to not bend over even a little with the handle in the down position.

Exactly what I've got now. Definitely too low. Not uncomfortable though.

 

Here is what I did. I started with the table I had. I added a piece of 3/4 inch plywood. Made a few bullets. Then I repeated the process over again. Once I found a spot that felt to high I backed off again and found my sweet spot. I measured it and then knew what height to build my next table.

In this picture there was about 6 pieces of plywood. I just used drywall screws to hold everything together when I was testing.

 

Wouldn't you add two inches to get the press just a little higher?

Mine is at 48" I would not want it any lower. There is almost no disadvantage to being a little high but a huge problem if your low.

Yea, I meant to say higher.

 

My bench is 38" high and, with the strongmount, that puts the bottom of the press at about 46". I'm about 6'1" and that is just a little low. Another couple of inches would be great.

There is the possibility of using an aftermarket handle to change the motion.

http://inlinefabrication.com/Dillon_Precision.html

Richard

Or, you could shim the strong mount up by mounting it to the table with sections of 2x4 or similar lumber between its bottom and the table top, no?

 

Or, you could shim the strong mount up by mounting it to the table with sections of 2x4 or similar lumber between its bottom and the table top, no?

Sure, I could...

But not every problem has to be solved. The little bit of height I need just isn't worth worrying about. Heck, I haven't even added the roller handle and that might actually be worthwhile.

Richard

 

The thing is not everyone is built the same. Even if they are at the same height. You need to like I said and shotgunred has said. Make a temporary table that you can adjust the press height and see what works for you. We can get you in the ball park but the rest is up for you to decide.

 

Thanks everyone. What about the table top thickness and how best to secure it to the studs?

 

As a minimum I would use two layers ¾” of MDF. Mine is 2X12 glued and threaded rods with two layers of MDF glued and screwed to the 2X12’s and on top of that cutting board Formica. If you decide to go with a Formica top or paint etc. do not go with a white color.

 

Thanks everyone. What about the table top thickness and how best to secure it to the studs?

I used a Formica top with a sheet of 1/8" rubber mat on top. I cut angle iron for supports every 16". Each support is triangular in shape, with the angle iron also traveling under the Formica itself.

I supported the Formica with a 1" x 4" pine style and rail frame connected with birch biscuits glued together (as commonly used in cabinet making).

It is more than steady!

Steve

 

Include a 1inch lip just in case.

 

Include a 1inch lip just in case.

Opps. you don't need any lip with a strong mount.

 

Good ergonomic rule is pick a table height at which your elbow is flexed 30 degrees when you stand by the table and place your hand on it.

 

Good ergonomic rule is pick a table height at which your elbow is flexed 30 degrees when you stand by the table and place your hand on it.

For reloading that would make it way to low, even with a strong mount.

 

Good ergonomic rule is pick a table height at which your elbow is flexed 30 degrees when you stand by the table and place your hand on it.

Yep, too low for reloading standing. You want it pretty high for a press, even if it has a strong mount. I like a tall bench anyway, so for me the bench at 40-42" is fine.

 

And have a short step stool. When you get the press up to 48" to the bottom, the top of the case feeder will be about 82" off the floor. It can be awkward trying to dump cases into the feeder.

Richard

 

Cut the casefeed mounting post down. Then cut casefeed tube to fit.

 

My Dillon 550 on a strong mount... bench height is 40" that puts the top of my handle at about 57" - i am 6'2" tall as well
it's the perfect set up for me, in the standing position of course.
hope this helps