I've been reloading in my garage but I would like to move my operation inside.  I'm also a hobby type woodworker and build occasional furniture, so I plan on building a bench to put in my spare bedroom/office.  

Since I'm building this from scratch, I would like to get input.  What one or two things would you change about your reloading set-up?  If you were building one, what is important to incorporate?  Ergonomics?  I've been using a single stage Rock Chucker for years, I might get a progressive but I'm not sure.  I prefer to sit on a stool with my knees a few inches inside of the bench overhang.  I'm considering something about 4' +/- long.  I'm also considering a bench with a wall cabinet directly overhead.  

I've looked at pics, and most seem to be either a straight-up tool workbench or a converted kitchen counter, so I can't really see what original ideas have been used.

Built mine out of 2x4, bolted together with 2 pieces of 3/4x30"x 8' MDF. I had a piece of stainless cut and bent for the lip. It is a tank at about 250 pounds. The whole project was under $200.





Now t has a Rock Chucker in place of the Lee and a Dillon 550 to the left of it.

dIY workbench thread

There's also a 50-ish page thread on reloading benches somewhere.

I built mine to accommodate my back! I cannot stoop over for very long so I built mine to allow me to stand up straight. No bending or stooping when I am loading allows me to load for hours. It's taller than most benches and some people would not like that. Stupid spinal cord tumors can really F up your world!!!

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/262015_Official_Reloading_Bench_Picture_Thread___Now_with_100__more_Pictures_.html

I wish I had the tools and know how to do that.  I bought a reloading bench and while it is fairly good not as big nor as sturdy as what you guys have

Strong shelving and a good top (mine is a bowling alley )

What is everyones thoughts on some type of sheet steel as a top? I would be putting on top of the couple layers of plywood I have now. Pros/cons?

I built mine with 2x6's and bought the butcher block tops from sears.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6'-butcher-block-work-surface/p-00914961000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00914961000&kispla=00914961000P&kpid=00914961000&mktRedirect=y

The premise behind a reloading bench is that it is used for reloading, gun cleaning, gunsmithing, etc.  A workbench is used to repack bearings, hand plane and glue wood joints.  A metal-top bench is used for welding.  From a practical standpoint, I don't see the need for a reloading bench to be metal, in fact, I see a drawback of gun scratches by metal on metal contact.  I really like Dryflash' bench top, presumably laminate or phenolic in white.  It's easy to clean, see what you've spilled, and there's no chance of scratches.  I would still use a rubber mat if I'm doing any serious gun work.  For my build, I believe I'm going with a white laminate top with a final thickness of 1.5 to 2".  

My Bench, you definitely want draws and shelves but I really use the pegboard the most.

The removable inserts are also nice, lets you switch out equipment as you need it or convert it back to a flat bench.

Ok, The insert thing, that is awesome. Is there some way to secure it in there? My bench is pathetic in comparison and I am not a very organized person. The person who built my bench probably died some years back, so I reinforced it and drilled holes for the press. It gets the job done though. I am thoroughly jealous of you guys and your skills.

Perfection