Work bench - ideal height?

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
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I think that it's time for me to build a new workbench, for finishing work, polishing, etc. I am looking for some good advice on how to build one, esp. what the ideal height is, in particular for polishing work.

I am also looking for construction advice (I have a few ideas, but if anyone knows of a tutorial online, it would be greatly appreciated.)
 
I have built two workbenches for my shop all made of wrought iron bars and sheets for durability. I think most use wooden benches. The ideal height of them is 68 centimeters (26.77") for me.

Best wishes
Emre Kipmen
 
kind of a loaded question.the best height is what works for you.the bench in the link is fine for a basic workbench and the legs can be cut to length for your purposes.
 
Depends on you and what you like. You also need to decide whether you want to stand or sit.
For sitting, the standard height for a table (like a kitchen table you'd buy at a store) is 29". Sit down at your table and see if you think its too high or too low, use that as a starting point.
For standing your going to want it a lot higher. My workbench is 40" and for actual work on the top of it its too short. The tools I have on it are a comfortable height though (bandsaw, drill press, belt sander etc.).
My welding table is more like 46" tall and is a much better height for me when I'm working directly on the table top. I'm 6'3" tall though, so its going to be way too high for some folks, and maybe not even tall enough for others.
You gotta figure out what fits you :)
 
sit in your favorite working chair and your elbows should rest comfortably on the top of work bench.
 
I have a sit down bench for assembly that is 32" and all my others are 40", and I am 6'1".Like everyone has been saying is get comfortable since you will be spending some considerable time there.I even got spendy with a couple of pneumatic drafting chairs. Very comfy since I spend so much time there.Dave :)
 
The bench in the plans you show is a basic garage bench.You would need to make the top and shelf something other than OSB.I like 3/4" MDF.Sheathing the sides and back with 1/4" hardboard makes the bench much more rigid.Glue all joints and sheathing.If you are going to be bolting a vise on it make that area solid with a 2X12.Also add a back splash and side splash to keep things from falling off the bench.Remember,it is hard to make a bench too sturdy,but it is easy to tell if its too light weight.
 
Personally, I would stay away from any kind of particleboard or MDF, as when it fails, it fails catastrophically due to little or no shear strength. Stick to plywood or solid wood.
Also, for a forge (or 'fireproof') table, the ideal tabletop would be made of 3/4" plywood as an underlayment with a 1/2" piece of concrete board (Durarock) for fire-resistance for the 'finished' surface (attached with rust resistant sheetrock screws and/or construction adhesive). Cut the Durarock the same as you do with sheetrock ...with a sheetrock knife, scoring it and then 'snapping' it apart. (OSB is an OK substitute for an underlayment, but it too lacks the shear strength of plywood, and also fails catastrophically when overloaded or overstressed.)

Start with a 'tall' table. About 36" height is an absolute minimum to stand and work at, (and for seated work you can use a barstool). You can always cut it down if it's too tall, but it's awful hard to stretch the wood if you make it too short :)

By the way, that bench that you linked to is as good as any, and stronger than most. It's also simple and inexpensive. There's no sense spending a lot of time and money to build a beautiful bench that you are only going to thrash anyways. The only thing I would add would be (as I said earlier) the Durarock on top of the OSB for fire resistance if needed.
 
When I'm grinding or buffing, what works for me is to have my arms bend at a 90 degree angle while holding the piece to the machine. In other words have your hands about even or just below your solarplex. Bench height will vary according to each individual's height. I stand doing all my work.
Scott
 
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