Thanks to everyone for all of the comments on yesterday’s bench height post , it turned out to be a very varied discussion and I’m pleased we are able to get so many views on a topic which I’ve always thought should be diverse.
Like many of the commenters I’m of the thought that the ideal bench height depends heavily on many factors not least what activities it’s used for so all different heights have their place. For me some of the most important considerations when deciding are what methods, tools and projects will be taken up on it.
I realise in such a long post the point can easily get missed and I felt that some people may have thought I was pitching tall against low – I’d like to quickly point out that this really isn’t the case. I focused yesterday solely on the benefits that a lower bench brings for heavy hand thicknessing as it’s a topic I’ve seen little written about it. For a more overall view of my thoughts I linked in an earlier post which I’d written on the same subject.
At the moment I’ve been thinking a lot about bench design in general as I’m starting to plan a new bench for myself to build later in the year. Though I build benches every week this one is getting me very excited as it will be the first in many years that I will be designing specifically for my own workshop and use. As I consider my design choices with this bench I’ll certainly share anything further which I think might be helpful on bench heights.
I’m off this afternoon to get a stove fitted in the new workshop (this is going to be a luxury!), it’ll involve clumbering around on a roof though… so if you don’t hear from me for a while, well use your imagination. Either way there will be an update about this workshop coming on Monday.
A new bench sounds good buddy, look forward to seeing more on that one.
My motto is Terra firma, the more firma the less terra. 😉 take it easy op there Richard.
A good motto Ken, and don’t worry I’ll take it steady. cheers.
Hi Richard, I have just spent an enjoyable hour looking over your site and posts. Great stuff, and interesting content. I am a handtool woodworker and I craft replica 11th to 17th century furniture and bespoke items and joinery (tobiasoak.co.uk). I love your benches….I will add one to my wishlist for when business picks up. I have a load of greenheart sea defenses..I recon they would make one seriously heavy bench. Best of luck with your woodburner
Hi Stephen, I’ve been an admirer of your work for some time now and your workshop is truly stunning.You’re right, that greenheart would make one brute of a bench!
Keep up the good work, Richard.
I already envy the so luxous heat in your workshop… watch your steps on the roof !
Thanks Mihai, pleased to say I’ve survived unscathed!
You really need two or three benches of different hieghts.
In the perfect world a couple of benches is a real blessing. When it’s not possible though there are always ways to make compromise.
Cheers, Richard
Or a bench that can be adjusted to different heights?
You could always stand on a box.
Ha ha. No man wants to stand on a box 😉
Bench design is specific to what one does on it. Perhaps a 38″ tall bench is appropriate for someone who seems to produce mostly treen and doesn’t do stock preparation by hand. At this point in my life I do work similar to making treen but I sit at my bench for this and can still prepare stock when I need to. I’m 6’2″ and 25 years ago took an orthopedic surgeon’s advise to lower my 36″ high bench to avoid rotator cuff surgery. I avoided the surgery but old damage to my shoulder still bothers me at times. Benches that are too high for the work can hurt you if you work at them often.
I’ve gone for 3 ft…. With the thought that it would be a bit tall and I could whittle the legs until I was comfortable…. As it turns out, 3 ft seems to be spot on. Not sure whether this is just because I’m getting used to it or whether my ‘chippies eye’ was working well when I made the decision, either way I’m pleased I don’t haves to whip it over because at 10 ft long and 3 1/2 ft wide, there’s a fair weight to her.
Would you, in your professional opinion, consider this a tall or short bench?
Love your work and site.
Nobody has mentioned how long a bench should be yet……….?
Ha ha, now your opening a can of worms. 😉 I’ll conjure up a post in the near future.