Graham Smith Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 My workbench sits at a comfortable 32" height for me when setting on a bar stool or standing. I have a Lee Challenger press on one end and am replacing a Lee Loadmaster on the main work area. The problem I have is that when the 550 is mounted on the strong mount, it sits at a correct height and is comfortable to operate, but I have lost the ability to look down into the cases as the press cycles to verify the relative powder level. If I stand up, I can see better but am far less comfortable. So, do I put the press onto a lower bench, take it off the strong mount, or try and rig up a mirror so I can see better? Suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Lord Gomer Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 My workbench sits at a comfortable 32" height for me when setting on a bar stool or standing. I have a Lee Challenger press on one end and am replacing a Lee Loadmaster on the main work area.The problem I have is that when the 550 is mounted on the strong mount, it sits at a correct height and is comfortable to operate, but I have lost the ability to look down into the cases as the press cycles to verify the relative powder level. If I stand up, I can see better but am far less comfortable. So, do I put the press onto a lower bench, take it off the strong mount, or try and rig up a mirror so I can see better? Suggestions? Are you less comfortable because you are standing or becuase the press is too low when you're standing? How about a taller chair? I have my 550 with a strong mount bolted on a section of 2x12 which is then bolted to the countertop. It raises it higher for me and makes it portable if I ever loan it to a friend who has threatened to get started reloading. I've got some boards that I lay on the floor when my short friend uses it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
satx40 Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I had the same problem. I mounted an inspection mirror on the back leg of the 550 and pointed it down so that I could see it when I sat on the stool. Works great. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dillon Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 An automotive flex mirror, attached using either zip-ties or hose clamps, is popular. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benos Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Go for the mirror. be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gm iprod Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I do all my reloading standing up. It is way less stressful on my back. I load a lot. My benches are 37"-40" to the top of the bench. As many of my machines as I can afford are on strong mounts, really good lighting in your general loading area is very important. In fact I can't stress enough the importance of this point. If for no other reason poor lighting will bugger your eyes. I also have adjustable work lamps on the bench placed where they will enhance the general lighting. I am considering having a flexi mirror as well. I also have portable reloading setups. They are awesome. It allows me to have machine set uo ready to go, not occupying bench space. I just pull them out and with a few big clamps we are ready to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ground Loop Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 I'm one of the oddballs that actually built a really high bench, and don't use the Strong Mount. I wanted a "standing height" bench, and this one is borderline too tall. But the press is at exactly the right height. I got the brightest fluorescent rack I could find and hung it a few feet above the press. Plenty of light. A mirror is still needed for rifle rounds, though, even while standing. With pistol rounds, it's easy to see the powder splashing around. Lately I've just started watching the "powder check piston", where it makes contact with the beeper. It's easier to see, and right at eye level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Blastem Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 An automotive flex mirror, attached using either zip-ties or hose clamps, is popular. Can you post a pic or 2 showing this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intarsiac Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 (edited) An automotive flex mirror, attached using either zip-ties or hose clamps, is popular. Can you post a pic or 2 showing this? +1 on the pics or a more detailed description. I'm dense and have been playing around with inspection mirrors and can't seem to find a position that will allow me to see down the casing (38 Special) at either station two or three of a Dillon RL 550B. I load while standing and am assuming that the mirror is at a 45 degree angle up near the dies? Can't make it work without interfering with press operation. Thanks! Edited February 23, 2009 by Intarsiac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBP Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Measurements to the base of the press might help a great deal as well. Thanks, TBP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted March 5, 2009 Author Share Posted March 5, 2009 Here is a pic that shows a mirror and a lamp. The mirror is a hand held automotive inspection mirror from my local Pep Boys and the lamp is an old led gooseneck for a laptop computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redintex Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Wow - excellent idea with the mirror and lamp! I tried the light from UniqueTek, but it didn't work well at all - it is not a terribly bright light, and it cuts off on every downstroke, then back on when it goes to the upstroke - pretty much useless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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