Work Bench Question

[Markell]

I am in the process of designing a new work bench. The one complaint I have with my current bench is the back aches. I normally stand while at the bench and woul like to know if there is a general guideline for determining the proper height of the bench based on my height?

[Travis]

I stand most of the time at my bench also. When I first got my workshop (came with the house) it had no workbenches I looked at the ones at Lowes, Menards, etc.. an thought for the price not that great. I went the cheap route and used plans for a work bench in Wood (November 2002). It is not a heavy duty type of bench but it has worked fine for me for 2 years. For the price it is hard to beat. The bench is 40 inches high. It works great height wise for me but I am only 5 foot 9. Overall price would be around 60 dollars to make (3/4 particle board). Seems to plenty stable and was easy to knock out in a couple hours. I have at least 400 lbs up on the bench several times. My bench has my mitre and scroll saw along with my drill press. There is ample room for pouring worms, making crank baits, painting etc...

[jigjointer]

I'd say keep it just under belly button high.My bench is an old school desk teachers type, drawers either side space in middle for compressor 2 batons either end with another top fixed on them, giving me a handy space to use between tops. Good for fixing machines on and off quickly.

[cullin8s]

if you back is hurting the old one is too low, not sure how high you should go but for sure higher than the old one. At least it will give you a place to start. Maybe you could try a temporary set up with a board at a certain hight and see how it feels then move it up or down until its right then make the real bench at that hight.

[basskat]

I have this information from an ergonomics study. I'll get it for you Monday when I return to work.

[Markell]

Thanks for the replies guys. Would love to see the info from that study basskat.

[cheesehead]

Markell,

I just measured my benches, they are 40 1/2" high. I find is comfortable to work at bth standing and sitting on a work stool. I made my own bench and came up with the 40 1/2" hight by accident.

2x6 base (5 1/2").

1/3 of a sheet of plywood (32").

3" thick bench top.

[redg8r]

I work in the furniture business & typical desk height is @ 28-30 inches.

I keep a bench on one side of my shop at 30" with a rolling desk chair.

the other side is a standing bench at @ 40" (typical 40-42") with a barstool. works well for standing while working.

[Tally]

Mark-

If you can find someone who remodels kitchens, you might be able to get the take out cabinets for little of nothing. When we remodeled, that is what I used to make my work area and I am very pleased. If you would like to see it, email me and I will send you a photo.

Dave

[Markell]

That is a good idea Tally. I will look into that. Thanks.

[Nathan]

If you spend alot of time standing..you may want to invest in some good heavy rubber mats to stand on too.That may relieve some of the pressure on your back....a cement floor doesn't have much "give"..Nathan

[basskat]

An OSHA study shows that for a man (or woman) who is six foot, working with small objects (not heavy lifting) a work station should be 42" high.

[Markell]

Thanks for the info Basskat. I did some experimenting today. I am 5ft. 9 and 40 inches seems about right. Sounds like I am right in line with your info.

[redg8r]

Cool, heres a thought for those of you who are a lil taller or shorter than average & looking for a good fit:

hold your hand over your heart & measure the distance from the floor to your elbow, this seems like an ideal counter-top height, I'm 5-10" & my measurement comes to @42".

If you want a sitting bench, do the same from your favorite shop chair.

just thinking out loud.

[cullin8s]

cool jerry that seems to be a very good way to guage this, feels like it should be just right. I might have to make a new bench myself now