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

  • @sudinghosh9355
    @sudinghosh935510 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @allanv6565
    @allanv65659 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Andy. I'm 6'6" and your simple approach worked perfect for me. Thanks for sharing the expertise.

  • @barryf5479
    @barryf54799 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @haroldt101
    @haroldt10110 жыл бұрын

    Well thought out - thanks for the tips.

  • @tonyb83
    @tonyb838 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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

    @TheRosstaman

    Ай бұрын

    Excellent suggestion!

  • @tonyb83

    @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

  • @E5Bobby
    @E5Bobby11 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @LauraSDowling
    @LauraSDowling11 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @rjschwane1
    @rjschwane19 жыл бұрын

    This was so helpful to me! Thank you!!!

  • @JCRC
    @JCRC8 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @RandomyersChannel
    @RandomyersChannel2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this was useful and informative

  • @scarecrowzero84
    @scarecrowzero845 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @russeli1941
    @russeli194111 жыл бұрын

    You're a good a big help in my endeavors, and I thank you sir...

  • @chris_thornborrow
    @chris_thornborrow7 жыл бұрын

    excellent - just setting out on my workbench build today and this video is *the* best advice I've seen fro height. Thanks very much.

  • @1marMusa
    @1marMusa11 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @brmachine7667
    @brmachine76678 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info. great video for reference.

  • @juanmanuelgarcia199
    @juanmanuelgarcia1995 жыл бұрын

    You are the guy that makes those funny videos!!! I recognized your voice!

  • @jeffwilder7117
    @jeffwilder71174 жыл бұрын

    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)

  • @CaliforniaPhantom
    @CaliforniaPhantom4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @ezwoodshop
    @ezwoodshop11 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @ezwoodshop
    @ezwoodshop11 жыл бұрын

    You're very welcome!

  • @user-jv5be7pr8w
    @user-jv5be7pr8w6 ай бұрын

    this is the smartest answer on line thanks im 6.2 my tall bench 43" my low bench 37" keeps my back from hurting

  • @OramiIT
    @OramiIT10 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @coasttal123
    @coasttal12311 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @SuckMySmile
    @SuckMySmile4 жыл бұрын

    Andy ur the best!

  • @brianstahley1868
    @brianstahley1868Ай бұрын

    I’m going to build an adjustable height bench that will change when I change my shirt!

  • @stephenhunt7544
    @stephenhunt75442 жыл бұрын

    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!!

  • @invisiblerevolution
    @invisiblerevolution2 жыл бұрын

    Good video

  • @sfaoldguy
    @sfaoldguy6 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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

    @tippyjo5850

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just use your wrist then🤷‍♀️ You are over thinking this

  • @dull_boy_274
    @dull_boy_27410 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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

    @dull_boy_274

    10 жыл бұрын

    it really is painfully low

  • @whitediver45
    @whitediver45 Жыл бұрын

    I'm 6'. 40" seems generally good for me. Thanks for this video.

  • @ezwoodshop
    @ezwoodshop10 жыл бұрын

    It's 2 minutes and 49 seconds...I'm not sure I could have condensed it much more than that :-)

  • @daviddurham2773

    @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.

  • @muknup
    @muknup3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks heaps!!

  • @ezwoodshop

    @ezwoodshop

    3 жыл бұрын

    Happy to help!

  • @michaelgarafalo2924
    @michaelgarafalo292410 жыл бұрын

    But I wear short sleve shirts! Perhaps wrist high? LOL

  • @ezwoodshop
    @ezwoodshop11 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @morj2310
    @morj231011 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @citalopram20mg
    @citalopram20mg Жыл бұрын

    Ooooh I love your voice

  • @MatteNoob
    @MatteNoob8 жыл бұрын

    I came here because of back pain.

  • @jamie7364
    @jamie73649 жыл бұрын

    excellent - thank you

  • @mtabernig
    @mtabernig10 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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

    @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

    @yimmygg

    10 жыл бұрын

    sth128 He's talking about from the ceiling.

  • @chriswitek9455
    @chriswitek94552 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @rickeydobbin6875
    @rickeydobbin68753 жыл бұрын

    I'm 6'5½". 38" general.

  • @Vandel212
    @Vandel212 Жыл бұрын

    I only wear T-Shirts, so I made my workbench 50" tall. I''ve never been more productive.

  • @user-px3yo8wi2r
    @user-px3yo8wi2r6 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @MrRalf2009
    @MrRalf20093 жыл бұрын

    Ok, i need 3 tables xD

  • @jacobmandelblum6644
    @jacobmandelblum66445 жыл бұрын

    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...??????????????????????????/

  • @gregjohn6168
    @gregjohn6168 Жыл бұрын

    What size if you wear short sleeves LOL

  • @earlcousins6635
    @earlcousins66356 жыл бұрын

    If you follow this plan... you'll need THREE WORK BENCHES!

  • @pvanukoff

    @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

    @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

  • @bobabooey8367
    @bobabooey83676 жыл бұрын

    the uppermost surface of your bench should come up to your JUNK if your a Fella and your Hoo Hoo if your a dame

  • @JulieJackson1
    @JulieJackson15 жыл бұрын

    :-)

  • @lordmcted
    @lordmcted10 жыл бұрын

    annnd if you're a scruffy mess who's never worn clothes that fit properly, like me- then how high? :P

  • @Fabes002
    @Fabes0025 жыл бұрын

    I always go by the status of chub height. Full chub, mild chub or she's fat and I'm drunk chub.

  • @WachZeaver
    @WachZeaver5 жыл бұрын

    Hey bud! Thanks for the info, but do me a favor? Grab a drink of water before ur next video ;)

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