mark poulson Posted March 13, 2015 Report Share Posted March 13, 2015 Like a lot of other TU members, I am no longer young, and neither is my back. I find myself standing when I'm lure building whenever possible, because sitting and working is painful for prolonged periods. So I have a tendency to rush whatever I need to do while sitting down. Well, a light finally went on in my "brain", and I rigged up a lure-holder on my tablesaw, spaced up to a comfortable working height. A 4X4 block, and wood clamp, and, presto, my Wart was way up and easy to work on. It was amazing to be able to take my time while I was stenciling a crank, and the bonus was I saw everything much better because the angle of the light was better, too. I'm posting this because I have been stuck in an old rut/habit that was limiting my enjoyment of my hobby, and this has reinvigorated me. So I am suggesting we all revisit how we do stuff, and see if a new way might be better. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) Mark, glad you found some comfort. For me, lazy rules. I do all my shaping/sanding while sitting in a lawn chair in the garage, using hand tools, with a small trash can between my knees to catch the dust. Edited March 14, 2015 by BobP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Take a page from woodworkers and build a modified small bench to sit on top of current working station. Typically a modification of the milkman's, dovetail, whatever you want to call it. Puts the work up higher (hand cut dovetail guys) so don't have to bend or strain the eyes as much. Add a few dog holes, clamps, etc.. and you could have a nice set up to work from and do some tackle making with. Several versions kicking around but this one not too bad and would give a very sturdy area to work from. Incorporate some features observed on full size benches (tool tray) and components could be stored for easy access. I have one I started more in line with Schwartz build in Popular Woodworking but never have managed to finish it up. http://www.finewoodworking.com/fwnpdffree/011176038.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Travis, I was a carpenter for almost 40 years, and I always worked at a good height for whatever I had to do. I even build my folding saw horses 36" tall, so I could work higher. You'd think I'd have figured this out a long time ago....NOT! Hahaha 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bois d'Arc Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 I'm posting this because I have been stuck in an old rut/habit that was limiting my enjoyment of my hobby, and this has reinvigorated me.So I am suggesting we all revisit how we do stuff, and see if a new way might be better. Glad you found your comfort zone and can continue to enjoy the hobby. Your ideas and input are much appreciated . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bass100 Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 I set my whole workshop up so that everything is done standing. I do have a bar stool that fits under all of my work tops but I don't use it. To many failed back surgeries makes it very painful to sit. I am sorry to hear about your back Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Glad you found something that makes things easier for you Mark. You and bass100 are just the opposite of me though. Standing is what kills my back so I have to arrange things so I can set down. Something as simple and quick as washing my hands, or a few dishes, has to be done leaning on my elbows. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrubs Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 I take a section of plastic shelving and use that on a desk for light work. My legs, knees and butt bother me too much to sit for extended periods. Maybe that's why I prefer shore fishing. It kills me to sit in my friend's Jon boat. bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted March 16, 2015 Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 I have applied the same thinking to my CAD work area, as I spend usually 12 hours per day seated at my computer. I designed and built my own computer table; designed for my chair at full tilt, shaped so that I can rest both arms while working. The height of the table is 26.5", this keeps my arms well below shoulder height.If you spend 1/3rd of your life sleeping, buy the best bed you can afford!Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imagine_studios Posted March 16, 2015 Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 Bad knees have forced me into the same situation, standing to do everything. I can sit for long periods or time, and I can stand for long periods of time, but it rips up the knees if I have to get up and down a bunch of times, so I'm standing right there with you. I've also modified everything in the shop so I can stand, or lean on an old bar stool once I can stand no longer. Getting older forces you to use your brain more and your limbs less... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 16, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 So...I guess all those years of leaning on a bar counter were really just training for lure building! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imagine_studios Posted March 18, 2015 Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 Who knew? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2015 It gets even worse. I have my fly tying vise, a cheap Cabela's vise, clamped to my floor model drill press' wooden work top. Guess what it holds really well? Crankbait bills! The blue painter's tape on the bill keeps them from being marred, and from being as slippery. I can paint at chest height, rotate the baits easily, and have better light! Who knew, indeed! It almost calls for a drink! Hahaha 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imagine_studios Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 You just need to rig up a can holder on the other side of the drill press table, crank up some loud music, and sprinkle a couple tipsy people around your workshop to complete the vibe. Maybe even get someone to stand behind the drill press and hand you drinks occasionally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 You just need to rig up a can holder on the other side of the drill press table, crank up some loud music, and sprinkle a couple tipsy people around your workshop to complete the vibe. Maybe even get someone to stand behind the drill press and hand you drinks occasionally. Hahaha That sure sounds tempting, but....I have enough trouble painting sober. I can't imagine what my baits would look like if I drank while I painted. Plus, if you've seen my garage, you'd know there is no room in it for a crew. I have to move something just to have room to bump into something else! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salty's Posted March 22, 2015 Report Share Posted March 22, 2015 Darn this thread was so disappointing with that title It gets tougher the older you get when you stand for 8-10 hours a day. For me it's plantar fascitis in my left foot I can't get rid of..and it's from being on my feet all day. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
