I'm building a workbench and was wondering whats the best height? anyone care to share their workshop building secrets? Any and all comments are appreciated!

thanks all!

 

Gonna sit or stand?

Some hints:

Install a raised lip on the back and sides to prevent parts search on floor.
Can't have too much light.
Double four gang electrical outlets won't be enough.
Pegboard on the back wall is handy.
Cantilever the supports for underneath storage access.

And at least once a month repair an appliance for the spousal unit in order to maintain territoriality. This will help prevent the horizontal space that you intend to work on from being used for box storage.

 

good points, as for work height, depends on your height. i like something i dont have to lean over for but at the same time you dont want it too high. for me its right around the belly button, i find its a nice height, i can reach the back, i can see everything, and i dont get back cramps working on things.

 

I have two which are of the "purchased" variety and both are 34 inches floor to work surface.

 

Basic ergonomics say the correct height is where your hands are a couple of inches of the surface with your elbows at 90 degrees... So like uchi said, around your bellybutton for standing work is about right... That position is the most comfortable to work at...

 

I have seen some work benches suspended from the ceiling. At first it sounds crazy because it can swing around but if you think about it;

*the space underneath can be used at a later time (say if you want to put your motorcycle there while you work on it).
*When things are half apart, if set up correctly, you can lift it up out of little ones reach (or big ones, depending on the case).
*any height you want; sit stand, upside down...
*if it is sturdy enough you can lower it to the floor to lift something heavier.
*the center of a room's ceiling is often unused. This uses that space effectively.
*and finally... it's fancy.

You could probbaly find a way to attach legs (or just use an existing folding table) to get it to sit on the floor nicely. Anyone doing this might want to consider having the ropes detachable so you can move them out of the way assuming the table has legs in use.

I know, sounds crazy... but I swear it's really convenient for lighter duty projects. For a whole bike engine... I would just skip over to the solid bench.

 

All I know is that it depends on the work that I am doing. If it is something that I need to be really steady for and I need to see up close, I love a high top. Almost a chest height. For most other work, I am guessing it is something 36 to 42 inches for me.

 

Mine's at 38 1/2", and I wouldn't want it any lower, I'm 5'10". It was built into the garage when we bought our house. My 35 year old rollaway fits nicely underneath, along with an old entertainment center after I sawed off the top. That added 3 drawers and 2 cabinets with doors for storage.

I might also add that, with a bar stool, mine's at a good height for sitting and working on the carbs.

And the beer fridge fits on a table right next to it.

 

thanks guys, all very useful info.

 

42". Craftsman stool if I want to sit. 27" depth. 18" shelf underneath.

 

I actually like it higher than "proper" since then I am working closer to it and not bending down to see. My arms are easier to bend than my back.

 

International Space Station Maintenance Work Area - portable workbench specs - a tabletop that measures 36 inches by 25 inches by 250 miles. When not in use, it is folded and stored inside a drawer.

Pros - just twirl the bike to get access at all areas. Great views.

Cons - fun torquing up nuts & bolts, and cost of tools... $100000!

 

I have 2 of these: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...u=00914644000P

and 1 of these: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...9431000P?mv=rr

I like the Craftsman height better...RC

 

My bench top is @ 36" with a "backstop" but not side stops so long items can be laid out.

These are my shop features:

Bret Cave Features

1. 100 amp electrical service panel and meter
2. 220V sleeve air conditioner
3. Electric heater with separate thermostat
4. Gas heater; pilot-less and sealed heat exchanger (in-progress)
5. Western Mfg. ("HandyLift") motorcycle lift
6. Pit Bull front and rear stands
7. Rubber﷓backed carpeting
8. Window with burglar bars and one-way film
9. Central alarm system
10. Compressed air system (5hp compressor with 60 gallon receiver)
11. Fluorescent and incandescent lighting, including task lighting
12. Electrical outlets every 4 feet plus in the ceiling
13. Hot and cold running water
14. Stereo system
15. Small refrigerator
16. Automatic 6 foot pocket door operated by the same micro﷓remote that opens the 18 foot by 7’﷓6” garage overhead door
17. Insulated gypsum board and/or plywood finished walls and ceiling
18. Electric exhaust system
19. MIG welding machine
20. Work bench with vise
21. Tool cabinet
22. Bead blasting cabinet
23. Shelving & storage cabinets
24. Battery charger with automatic timer
25. Room for two motorcycles