New work bench

[Bruce H]

Wasn't sure where to post this...Looking for advice / opinion...I'm building a new bench...I've got a 9' pc of granite I'm putting on the top.

My question is am I building this bench too tall? Most benches I see in photos are low with office chairs etc. 

Thanks for your input.

Bruce

 

 

[SaintJoy18]

Personally I like having a taller bench. I'm able to use a shop/bar stool to sit or work while standing. It all depends on what makes YOU comfortable.

[PastorBob]

5 minutes ago, SaintJoy18 said:

Personally I like having a taller bench. I'm able to use a shop/bar stool to sit or work while standing. It all depends on what makes YOU comfortable.

Whatever makes sense to your natural posture while working...they now have those hydraulic desktops that rise so folks can stand while working or lowered for desk chair height.  I like to have a tall work bench like @SaintJoy18 mentioned.  I use a shop stool for some items, then stand for others.  When I am working on large pieces of leather, say cutting out pattern pieces, I tend to stand and move side to side in front of the work area.  It sure makes it easier that it is higher rather than desk level.  Good luck with the build!

[tsunkasapa]

I also set mine to use a stool or stand. It gives me more options. I think you will be happy with your setup. 

[chuck123wapati]

yup taller is better IMO.

[Mulesaw]

"Ditto to what others have been saying, a taller bench is nice in my opinion, especially if you can raise the stool up. I was going to suggest that you put the granite plate above a leg, but then I realized that you wrote a 9' piece !! (I had imagined a 9" piece in my head) That is going to be one "heckuva" tabletop!

 

[Bruce H]

Awesome. I'm thinking like all of you...Standing / moving or sitting on a tall adjustable stool will be more comfortable for me.

I've got electrical outlets already wired up / Purchased a Kobalt hydraulic stool...Now to figure out who I can get to help me carry this 9ft pc (Granite was free) down the steps...LOL

I'll have about $150 in stool and lumber...Now I'm on the hunt for a 4ft X 2ft pc of polypropylene for a cutting matt. 

Any work bench ideas are appreciated!

Thanks for all of your input. Bruce

 

[JayEhl]

Hi

I've a small kitchen table that I've been working on since the beginning and often wished I could stand over my projects with a tall stool.   Definitely go with the taller version.

As for a cutting mat you will want HPDE :  https://www.tapplastics.com/custom-cut-to-size-plastic-sheets/hdpe-sheets    

lots of other factories to choose from, too.

[Bruce H]

2 minutes ago, JayEhl said:

Hi

I've a small kitchen table that I've been working on since the beginning and often wished I could stand over my projects with a tall stool.   Definitely go with the taller version.

As for a cutting mat you will want HPDE :  https://www.tapplastics.com/custom-cut-to-size-plastic-sheets/hdpe-sheets    

lots of other factories to choose from, too.

Thanks JayEhl for the plastic tip...I knew I didn't want to use Poly...But I couldn't think of the HPDE name

What thickness would one recommend 3/8" or greater? I'm going with a 25" X 48" pc?

Thank you

[JayEhl]

9 minutes ago, Bruce H said:

What thickness would one recommend 3/8" or greater? I'm going with a 25" X 48" pc?

Kind of depends on what you want to do.   If this is part of a press I would go with something thicker, maybe over an inch or two, but if its just a backing for the chisels than I would think 3/8 would be plenty and I'm sure the 25" is more than enough. My board is scrap from a broken cutting board and is small enough to tuck away in a short shelf.  I'm sure others here will also provide more experiences and insights.