10-07-2006, 10:53 PM
Depends on whether you plan on working from the seated position, or from standing, and what sort of work you're doing...
If you doing fine detail work, a higher bench will get the work closer to your eyes without stooping (which will wreck your back in short order).
On the other hand, if you're doing welding of large parts or pounding type work, a slightly lower bench would probably suit.
My "general purpose" workbench I use for gunsmithing, stock work, knifemaking, and putttering around with jewelry and such is about an inch below belly-button height. This makes it good for working from standing, and when I'm working from seated, brings the work up close where I can see it.
If in doubt, try to build a bench you can change the height of.
Working at the wrong height will be frustrating, and painful, and you won't get work done.
Hope this helps (even thought it was a little short on specific height measurements...)
If you doing fine detail work, a higher bench will get the work closer to your eyes without stooping (which will wreck your back in short order).
On the other hand, if you're doing welding of large parts or pounding type work, a slightly lower bench would probably suit.
My "general purpose" workbench I use for gunsmithing, stock work, knifemaking, and putttering around with jewelry and such is about an inch below belly-button height. This makes it good for working from standing, and when I'm working from seated, brings the work up close where I can see it.
If in doubt, try to build a bench you can change the height of.
Working at the wrong height will be frustrating, and painful, and you won't get work done.
Hope this helps (even thought it was a little short on specific height measurements...)