How to Chose Your Workbench Height
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www.ezwoodshop.com/workbench-p...
How to determine the best work bench height when designing a workbench for the garage or woodshop. The ideal height should be based on both your body height and the type of work you plan to do at the bench.
Why you should you care about workbench height? First consider that any kind of manual work puts stress on the body. Nothing wrong with that, really, if it includes a healthy mix of moving, stretching, pulling, and pushing. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen while standing in front of a workbench, where we can easily spend hours going through the same motions over and over. Of course, the most common hazard from this kind of repetition is lower back pain, which usually comes from working on a bench that is too low. So what's the solution? The best way to avoid back problems working at your bench is to design your bench to fit your body height and the type of work you plan to do there.
First, let's talk about body height. The basic rule of thumb here is that for most general types of work..like joinery and construction...try to set the top of your bench to be even with the bottom edge of your shirt cuff. This will give you nice, workable surface for most of the jobs you'll bring to a bench.
What about other types of work like sanding and cutting? In these cases, I like my bench top to be somewhat lower. This lets me use the weight of my arms and shoulders to help push the tools. I've found that dropping the height just 6" below my cuff makes a big difference with these types of jobs.
On the other hand, if I'm using a bench primarily for assembly and making repairs, I want my bench top be a little higher. In this case, 6" above my shirt cuff seems to be the magic number. This will keep me from having to bend over my work, and just make it easier to see what I'm doing.
So to recap, the ideal workbench height depends on both your body height and the type of work you plan to do at your bench. For most general work, that means making the top even with the bottom of your shirt cuff. For sanding and carving, about 6" below your shirt cuff. For assembly and repairs, about 6" above your shirt cuff.
Now if you're looking for workbench plans, I have a nice ebook at my website www.ezwoodshop.com that will take you through all the steps we've talked about here, plus show you a very easy way to build a bench for the garage or basement using simple 2x4s and plywood. This is one of the strongest and most durable bench designs I've seen, and the best part is that it doesn't require a lot of building skills or expensive tools to bring it together.
Пікірлер: 75
This is a pretty solid little workbench. While once you figure out how it comes together, it is physically Easy to assemble kzread.infoUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh by yourself. But the diagrams explaining the steps are really pretty bad. I could not get the handle pins in all the way despite multiple attempts, so I just used a screw I had on hand for the 2nd handle. I could not get the first pin in further or pull it back out. You are supposed to hammer it in, but I had no leverage and the handle is plastic and I did not want to risk breaking it. I will get a lot of use out of the bench because of the convenient size and height. It does fold up nicely for storage. They even explain how to fold it so you don't get pinched...that is important!
Thanks Andy. I'm 6'6" and your simple approach worked perfect for me. Thanks for sharing the expertise.
Thank you for the pointer. I'm going to build a long-procrastinated work bench tomorrow. "Crease of the wrist" for those who can't figure out a shirt cuff. :-) Also, if one is going to do small assembly work, an adjustable chair/stool would lower one's body and simulate a taller work bench. I've used one of these for working on electronics projects at work. They're great.
Well thought out - thanks for the tips.
Very useful, thanks very much. Here's an idea for you to add to your video if you like it. If you (the viewer) don't want to make a bench for each of the three heights then consider making a 'general' bench with the bench top level with your cuffs for joinery etc, and a 6 inch high platform to go on the floor next to the bench or on top of it. When the platform is on the floor and you stand on it your cuffs will be 6 inches above the bench for sanding, sawing and plaining. This way the work piece is in direct contact with the bench top so the extra downwards pressure you apply when doing these jobs is transferred directly to the bench top. When the platform is on the bench top your cuffs will be 6 inched below the top of the platform, which can then be used for assembly and repairs. These jobs don't require extra downwards pressure when you carry them out, so the fact that the work piece is not in direct contact with the bench top doesn't matter. Regards Tony B
@grover9187
2 жыл бұрын
I was thinking about this very thing. Not a stool, but a three in one work bench that one could use with a variety of projects.
@TheRosstaman
Ай бұрын
Excellent suggestion!
@tonyb83
Ай бұрын
@@TheRosstaman….. I'd forgotten about making the suggestion, which was 8 years ago, until I got your message for which I thank you, Tony
Interesting. I'd never really thought of height that much before but I think your logic is sound and, as you mention, the wrong height can fatigue the body prematurely. Well thought out and very helpful. Thank you for your ideas.
Exactly the advice I needed. I am planning my laundry room and was trying to determine the best height for a counter to put over top of the washer and dryer. I had checked the specs for height on the units and concluded that 40" tall would be needed to accommodate most equipment. I'm 5'6" and I wondered if it would be a practical height for folding laundry. With my measuring tape in hand while watching your video I now have a very high confidence level in my decision. Thanks so much.
This was so helpful to me! Thank you!!!
Perfect. Best video I found on the subject :) SO I am assuming this is for standing at the workbench correct? If so, Got tips for seated?
Thank you, this was useful and informative
Sounds like good advice. Another thinng to consider is if you match your bench height with your table saw (taking into acount locking casters) your bench can double as a outfeed table.
You're a good a big help in my endeavors, and I thank you sir...
excellent - just setting out on my workbench build today and this video is *the* best advice I've seen fro height. Thanks very much.
thank you for sharing, this was exactly the information i was looking for, i want to build an adjustable bench for my father and i to use, but since he is a good head shorter, i need to be able to change it without much fuss.
Thanks for the info. great video for reference.
You are the guy that makes those funny videos!!! I recognized your voice!
I’ve actually done the same thing Chris Ward has done, but 20 years ago. Made my work table the same height as my table saw to be used as an outfeed table. Been working great! FYI... mine is at 37” (bad back, don’t wanna bend over because of the pain)
I made mine between my belly button and nipple height and it’s perfect. I’m 6’1” 275lbs and I find this height ideal with someone with a bad back such as myself. I also installed heavy duty lockable wheels so I can move my workbench around to somewhere suitable for the particular job.
Repetition is a curious thing -- it can cause long-term ailments from the smallest, most simple tasks that you would never expect to be problematic. Even if you find the ideal height for your bench, best not to spend too much time working in one position like that.
You're very welcome!
this is the smartest answer on line thanks im 6.2 my tall bench 43" my low bench 37" keeps my back from hurting
Seems to make sense I made a bench today out of 3 two by tens and some four by fours for legs I cut them a bit long it seems, but I was happy it didn't wobble or have some horrible slant to it. There is no way I can use a miter saw on it though I put the saw up there sighed and went inside I'll cut off ~6 inches tomorrow I think.
If your shop is tight, I would work from the table saw height for those benches close to the table saw. This is a tremendous help when handling sheet goods or long lumber. It also increases safety. I would suggest the surrounding benches to actually be about 1/16" lower than the table saw height.
Andy ur the best!
I’m going to build an adjustable height bench that will change when I change my shirt!
If you are going to use a vice then your elbow should be the same height as the top of the jaws. Then make the bench height to suit the vice. I use a steel floor bolted frame and then I do not have to follow the bench around the garage!!
Good video
Um, what is the standard length for a shirt cuff? I know where my wrist is. I know where my knuckles are, but the height of my shirt cuff differs depending on the shirt I'm wearing.
@LakersCentral
4 жыл бұрын
Agree... shirts are made to various lengths. Very arbitrary. I have seen the wrist line used as a guide... a bit better since at least if you have longer / shorter arms, it would be directly reflected in the ease of use of your workbench once built.
@tippyjo5850
2 жыл бұрын
Just use your wrist then🤷♀️ You are over thinking this
my workbench in the Garage is 33" and I'm 6'1". My back and shoulders kill me after a day out there.......my shirt cuff is about 39". I'm definitely raising my before the bike building seasons kicks into high gear. Another thought is using some type of rubber flooring to stand on, and good supportive shoes. Man, it sucks getting old.
@ezwoodshop
10 жыл бұрын
Wow...33" is painfully low (I think) for someone 6 feet or over. In fact, most of the time I like to do work on a bench that is several inches above the cuff line, but that's just a personal preference. Kind of depends on the type of work you want to do. Obviously a lower bench height works better for sanding, planing, drilling holes, etc...but for general work, like making repairs, assembling stuff -- I like my bench top to be fairly high off the floor.
@dull_boy_274
10 жыл бұрын
it really is painfully low
I'm 6'. 40" seems generally good for me. Thanks for this video.
It's 2 minutes and 49 seconds...I'm not sure I could have condensed it much more than that :-)
@daviddurham2773
6 жыл бұрын
EZ Woodshop I went to your website and I did the free down load info so I could get your plans.
Thanks heaps!!
@ezwoodshop
3 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
But I wear short sleve shirts! Perhaps wrist high? LOL
Instead of trying to build something with adjustable-height ( for two different people), I think I would simply build two separate benches. If you see my workbench plans, you'll discover the project is simple and inexpensive.
Good video, but "shirt cuff height" means absolutely nothing to me. I think you could have linked your measurement to an actual body part (wrist, elbow, hip joint, etc.). I'm still giving this video a thumbs up, though
Ooooh I love your voice
I came here because of back pain.
excellent - thank you
I like my bench at 63 or 64inches, I would like if all manufactures would resolute to standardize the table saw height also. I like the band saw table to be at 70 inches.
@MeNoxto
10 жыл бұрын
How tall are you? I'm 6'2", and a 64 inch bench height would put it at chin level, and that 70 inch band saw would be above my eye level.
@sth128
10 жыл бұрын
MeNoxto Clearly he's the Mountain who is *resolute* to keep Tyrion away from carpentry. LOL who wants a band saw table at six feet?
@yimmygg
10 жыл бұрын
sth128 He's talking about from the ceiling.
Realize this is old. But I disagree. If I'm leaning into something I'm trying to force the tool to do extra work. Now how you want saws, chisels, and even an orbital sander can get worm out faster or see uneven wear from leaning on it. I hate looking down for long periods of time. So for me 36-38 is likely a good height despite only being 5'7
I'm 6'5½". 38" general.
I only wear T-Shirts, so I made my workbench 50" tall. I''ve never been more productive.
Shirt cuff???????? That doesn't tell me anything specific. People wear clothes differently. How about waist??? Natural waist, Belly button???? Shirt cuff heights are different. I got t-shirts that are 3" different lengths.
Ok, i need 3 tables xD
MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR COURTESY AND FOR NOT HAVING THE ACCURSED BACKGROUND MUSIC PRESENT IN EVERYTHING PUBLISHED IN THIS SECTION...!!!!!! How about those teaching us HOW TO, speak up sizes of materials and what they are actually DOING instead of the rotten music...??????????????????????????/
What size if you wear short sleeves LOL
If you follow this plan... you'll need THREE WORK BENCHES!
@pvanukoff
6 жыл бұрын
Not really. Check out Tony B's comment above. Make one workbench, and a 6 inch platform you can either stand on or or place on top of your workbench.
@thetimberstd8307
6 жыл бұрын
You do not need to if you would have read Tony B's comment above build a 6" platform to stand on for a lower bench (sanding) and put the platform on the bench for assembly. FYI
the uppermost surface of your bench should come up to your JUNK if your a Fella and your Hoo Hoo if your a dame
:-)
annnd if you're a scruffy mess who's never worn clothes that fit properly, like me- then how high? :P
I always go by the status of chub height. Full chub, mild chub or she's fat and I'm drunk chub.
Hey bud! Thanks for the info, but do me a favor? Grab a drink of water before ur next video ;)