Workbench Dimensions
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- This topic has 30 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 5 months ago by Mark68.
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Thanks all for the advice, I’m completely new to all this and the last time I worked on a workbench was in Comprehensive school
Definitely seems that 3′ is too deep so perhaps I’ll trim it to 30″ maybe even 24″. Would this (30″ or 24″) be enough room to work with a well? I was thinking 12″ workface, 12″ well, 12″ for various tools and stuff that gets quickly put to one side.
Also, I’ve read a couple of times that you decide the height of your bench by measuring to the crease of your wrist. Is this a good indicator of required height? That would be 30.5″ for my 5’7″ height
- This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Mark68.
13 April 2016 at 3:26 pm #136366Why not just copy the dimensions of Paul’s bench from his book or youtube serious? That’s what I did, but did make it a bit shorter since I’m in an apartment. I’ve had it for a few years, it wasn’t perfect because it was one of the first things I made. Now after a few years I am going to make another one.
13 April 2016 at 3:39 pm #136368I am a bad person to ask about having room to collect tools on the bench. If I did not watch myself, my bench would be stacked to the ceiling with tools, wood and shavings.
I would say make your bench a little high. I would go with belt height and use it. It is always easier to cut off the legs than glue back on. I personally like a bench about at the crease in the wrist like you said.
14 April 2016 at 12:31 am #136390Just so happens that Jim Tolpin put out a video where he discusses his bench height(s) – he has two. It was referenced on this blog here: https://sheworkswood.com/2016/04/13/how-big-should-your-work-bench-be/
But listen carefully – the most important thing is what he says somewhere a few minutes into the video: the bench height depends on what type of work you are doing. Same can be said of depth and length, also. Now when we’re new to the craft, we don’t always know what our interests are going to be. So we want a bench that will fit the needs of various tasks. If you stick with it, this probably will not be your only bench and by then, you’ll know what you want. So get out there and build something, armed with your research and the advice others have given above.
14 April 2016 at 3:22 am #136393I ran across this video today. It explains everything very well. Hope it helps
14 April 2016 at 2:44 pm #136395The Tolpin thing was interesting. Would be interested in what the height would be if he only had one bench. I always find it curious the people who promote the low bench then when I watch them work they hunch over all the work. I did opt for the higher since my focus is on joinery.
Does anyone know the model name of the clamps Paul is using at 14m 10s of the following video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru2ZiNs_Wek&list=PLD39949332C7FB168
Thank you
- This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Mark68.
- This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Mark68.
- This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Mark68.
14 April 2016 at 7:13 pm #136417They are similar to the ones sold by Harbor Freight here in the US. I am not sure if he purchased them in the UK or the US.
14 April 2016 at 7:37 pm #136419Forgot to mention if you do purchase them you will need to put in the center. They are a little flimsy without it.
14 April 2016 at 8:10 pm #136422The aluminum bar on the ones I have twists a bit when pressure is put on the clamp. So I planes a stick down and shoved it in the middle of the bar to keep the twisting down. Here is a link to the clamps I bought.
http://www.harborfreight.com/36-in-aluminum-bar-clamp-60539.html
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