Why Plans for an Adjustable Height Workbench?
One question that people sometimes ask is "Why an Adjustable Height Workbench?"
That is an easy question to answer. Ergonomics!
- A workbench height that is too low is a great recipe for a backache and a workbench height that is too tall for the task just makes things harder than they have to be. Different activities call for different working heights. Detail work like carving, marquetry, and veneer work, etc call for a taller workbench. Heavy work like hand planing is best on a bench that is a bit lower.
- When this workbench height is set to a very low position it makes a great for assembly table for large or awkward pieces.
- Typically, when my bench is at the right working height it is higher than some of my power tools like my table saw and my band saw. So, when I pass a large piece across the saw it runs into the workbench. In that case I would have to either move the saw or move the bench, and in my small shop that was quite inconvenient! Now, I can lower the workbench to allow for the large pieces and I can even use it for an out-feed table.
- Another great reason for an adjustable height workbench is that many people share their shops with others. Maybe their children or their spouse. If any of them are much taller or shorter then the workbench will not work for both of them. With an adjustable height workbench you can set it to just the right height for each task and the right height for each person, too!
