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1/16/2016 10:44:21 PM EDT
Hey all, ive decided  to bring the height of my bench down. I need a step stool to change plates in Mr Bullet Feeder and Brass Sorter on my 650. I see two options. Drop the Strong Mount, or cut the bench down. Ive never used a Dillon press without a strong mount, how much stability would really be lost? i see they rattle around a bit more on other guys youtube videos, but it doesnt look like its all that bad.

My bench is 2x4's and plywood so its not a big deal to cut it down, except for maybe a little saw dust in the basement carpet.
1/16/2016 11:50:22 PM EDT
[#1]






Never had or needed a strong mount. I sit to reload.


 



eta, Bench height is 32.5 inches. Chair is 23 inches off the floor. I'm 5'11", I built this bench to fit me and how I reload. The 5th bench I've made.
1/16/2016 11:58:43 PM EDT
[#2]

Quote History
Quoted:


http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/550/P1180128.jpg



Never had or needed a strong mount. I sit to reload.

View Quote




Same here. I always felt that if I drop my bench so that the strong mount works it will be too low to mount my single stage on. Unless I decide to mount that on an an Inline mount as well.




I just find it easier to mount everything straight to the bench top.




My bench is 2x4s on edge with 3/4" plywood on top, with 4x4 legs. It's then lag bolted to the wall studs with L shaped brackets. Plenty steady enough for everything I have done with it.
1/17/2016 12:09:00 AM EDT
[#3]
I've never used the strong mount either.  Rock solid without.
1/17/2016 5:47:46 AM EDT
[#4]
I have an RL550 mounted directly to a bench overhang (3/4" plywood) as well as an XL650 mounted on a strong mount to the same bench.

RL550 rattles around enough that I am thinking of getting a mount for that one.
1/17/2016 10:21:43 AM EDT
[#5]
I use a 650 specific strong mount on my 650XL solely to use the draws under my bench.

The strong mount does not make the press more stable, it raises it so the ram does not go below the bench top.

If I didn't need the use of the bench draws I would of mounted to the bench directly to eliminate the tolerance flex stacking in the mount.

I stand to reload so this works out perfectly for me, and although I can not see the casefeeder plates I can remove them without a stool by grabbing the plate through the casefeeder drop window to wiggle it off the motor shaft.
1/17/2016 11:36:17 AM EDT
[#6]
The handle on a progressive press should be shoulder high when the ram is down.  This allows you to operate the press without moving your body.  If this height situated the bullet and case feed so that you need a step stool, use the step stool.

Edit: spelling.
1/17/2016 12:26:47 PM EDT
[#7]
I set mine up to stand when reloading, belly button high works for me.

I have an adjustable height seat that I can use if I want.
1/18/2016 1:47:02 AM EDT
[#8]
You cycle the press hundreds to thousands of times for every time you need to change those plates out, so keep the press at a comfortable height to load at to avoid fatigue.  As mentioned above, for most people that's with the handle at shoulder height.
1/18/2016 4:15:58 AM EDT
[#9]
When the handle is at its most bottom position and you're standing while you reload, the handle should be in line or even with your belt...or maybe a little lower like where your front jeans pocket would be, IMO.
1/18/2016 5:27:01 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
I set mine up to stand when reloading, belly button high works for me.

I have an adjustable height seat that I can use if I want.
View Quote



This is how I do it too

I will sit or stand depending on what process I'm doing so it makes sense for me

Usually stand when doing setup and sit when I'm running batches
1/18/2016 10:47:51 AM EDT
[#11]
If I put my handle at shoulder height my powder measure would be even with the top of my head and I would have to cut a hole in the ceiling for the case feeder.

That being said I use the short ergo handle from Inline Fabrication.

I would suggest mounting it so that when the ram is all the way up you can hold the handle with a slight bend to your elbow. You decide if standing or sitting is your preferred method. I do a combination of both. I use an adjustable stool.

The ergo handle is bent so that during the stroke the height difference of the handle is lessened. When the ram is raised the handle is 6" or so higher than a straight handle.
1/20/2016 12:25:02 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
If I put my handle at shoulder height my powder measure would be even with the top of my head and I would have to cut a hole in the ceiling for the case feeder.

That being said I use the short ergo handle from Inline Fabrication.

I would suggest mounting it so that when the ram is all the way up you can hold the handle with a slight bend to your elbow. You decide if standing or sitting is your preferred method. I do a combination of both. I use an adjustable stool.

The ergo handle is bent so that during the stroke the height difference of the handle is lessened. When the ram is raised the handle is 6" or so higher than a straight handle.
View Quote



Actually, the ceiling is the exact problem im having right now. To make it worse the ceiling actually drops right where im working. I need a step stool and have to cock my head between the hoppers and the ceiling. Even then I cant really see inside so im doing everything by feel..

So today is moving day, Im setting up a new area in our basement to gain more height. Ive also commandeered the old ladies sewing bench and matching cabinets. were swapping areas and tables lol she gets a warmer area in the basement and a much bigger work bench

I know it looks messy Marvin, but ive just been stacking everything on the table top in preparation for the move.

 




 


Yes I own a fancy label and yes i overuse the hell out of it lol
1/20/2016 4:45:16 PM EDT
[#13]

Quote History
Quoted:

 

Yes I own a fancy label and yes i overuse the hell out of it lol
View Quote


But does your label machine have a label on it? Mine does.



OP, maybe you could try temp mounting your press on the bench with a couple of clamps and run a hundred rounds to see if you like it. I like mine high my self.



 
1/20/2016 5:04:36 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:



This is how I do it too

I will sit or stand depending on what process I'm doing so it makes sense for me

Usually stand when doing setup and sit when I'm running batches
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I set mine up to stand when reloading, belly button high works for me.

I have an adjustable height seat that I can use if I want.



This is how I do it too

I will sit or stand depending on what process I'm doing so it makes sense for me

Usually stand when doing setup and sit when I'm running batches


I also agree. I used to say "belt buckle high"; however, with the fashion statement by some people to wear their pants just above knee height, "belly button high" is correct.
1/20/2016 7:39:19 PM EDT
[#15]
My bench is 42.5" tall iirc.  It's in the range of "bar height", which puts it right at elbow level for me.

I can stand and run the presses comfortably without bending over at all, or I can sit in the office chair which extends up high enough to put me at the same height.

Perfect
1/21/2016 6:50:06 AM EDT
[#16]
Not sure where the shoulder height thing came from but I set mine up a different way. My bench height is right for me because when my AP handle is at the bottom of the stroke (ram up) my hand is at the postion it would be if I were standing at ease. For me this means I do t have to ever stoop to work the handle, but the press is as low as possible so it is easy to look into cases to check powder charge, etc. I realize this may not work for many people but it does for me.
1/21/2016 8:40:18 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:
Not sure where the shoulder height thing came from but I set mine up a different way. My bench height is right for me because when my AP handle is at the bottom of the stroke (ram up) my hand is at the postion it would be if I were standing at ease. For me this means I do t have to ever stoop to work the handle, but the press is as low as possible so it is easy to look into cases to check powder charge, etc. I realize this may not work for many people but it does for me.
View Quote


That's roughly the same setup.  You don't want to have to move you body during the handle operation.  I can easily see inside the pistol cases I'm loading.  You can't see inside rifle cases anyway,  If I had a 650 with a case feeder I'd need a step stool to change the plates.  No issue.  I'm happy with my 550.
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