Building a new bench - stand or sit?

Gaz · Post by **Gaz** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:02 am

I've been working at a desk for way too long, and it's starting to take a toll on my back. I was going to build a new bench and figured it'd be best for my back to stand. What's your guys' setup, and what do like/hate about it?

I'm trying to figure out the ideal height as well. I don't use an amp cradle, so no added height to the amp. I'm a healthy 5' 7"

gingertube · Post by **gingertube** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:20 am

I had a purpose built electronics workshop constructed. I used a kitchen builder for all the benches. Suitable for standing but I mainly use a high swivel chair on wheels to sit while working. A normal height office chair is too low.
Cheers,
Ian

Reeltarded · Post by **Reeltarded** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:33 am

I like to stand primarily with that same high stool for when my left foot goes numb.

M Fowler · Post by **M Fowler** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:28 am

I added a stand up bench this year but most of my work is done sitting since my back and legs hurt to much to stand long.

Panoramic view L to R

Mark

tubeswell · Post by **tubeswell** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:14 am

It should be a height where you can stand, or sit with a decent bar stool.

Where's the poll?

Gibsonman63 · Post by **Gibsonman63** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 11:26 am

My workbench is an old drafting table set flat. It's the best of both worlds. I can stand or sit and still work.

Phil_S · Post by **Phil_S** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:53 pm

+1 for standing with the option to sit on a bar stool type chair. My bench is standing height, but I'm an amateur and am rarely at it for more than 2-3 hours and typically much less. At the end of a couple of hours, I'm usually getting sore. I should buy myself a stool.

I also have a regular table opposite the bench, thinking it would provide the option to sit. I soon learned that I wasn't going to use it because sitting impedes free movement. It became a place to deposit things and is now fully occupied with, well, stuff.

johnnyreece · Post by **johnnyreece** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 12:58 pm

Count me among the "stand with the option to sit" group. I usually start out standing, but if I'm there long enough, I pull the stool over.

Gibsonman63 · Post by **Gibsonman63** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:59 pm

The stool is important as well. I have a drafting stool that came with the table. It has a cushioned seat, wheels and a nice footrest. I don't think I could get too comfortable on a barstool... unless I was at a bar of course.

Firestorm · Post by **Firestorm** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:09 pm

I have three distinct work areas: one for circuit board fabrication and two for soldering, wiring, etc. One has a stool. I never sit in it (but sometimes stack things on it).

telentubes · Post by **telentubes** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:11 pm

I am a luthier and stand at a bench all day with no problems (so far). My bench height is 37" and I'm between 5'9" and 5'10". A stool on wheels would be a nice addition for amp work. You have to make the bench high enough so you are standing fairly straight or your back will get fried and your posture will suffer.

briane · Post by **briane** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 6:11 pm

Wow - I'm like the only sitter - gets too much standing, and I spend a lot of hours at the bench.

My hands shake a lot less sitting than standing - I aint an old fart yet - but get off my lawn!

high bench, stool prolly best of both options.

JazzGuitarGimp · Post by **JazzGuitarGimp** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:11 pm

I am vision impaired, so I have to get within a few inches of the work to see it. Oftentimes, I use a 5x jeweler's loop for soldering, which brings me in even closer. I sit at a low bench (standard folding table), humped over to get close enough. I've gotten to the point where I keep a number of boxes and things of various heights nearby to position the work at a higher elevation to keep my back as straight as possible. After long periods (which I try to avoid these days because I AM an old fart - and by the way, get off of my lawn too!), my middle back aches badly. If I could defy gravity, I would build a vertical bench so that I could get in close to the work without bending my back at all. Most of my real work is done at the computer. I have a 24" monitor (at a rather course 1600 x 1000 resolution) that sits about 8" back from the front edge of my desk. My usual working distance is about 6" from my eyes to the monitor. Even this wears thin on my middle back after a few long days in a row.

billyz · Post by **billyz** » Mon Sep 24, 2012 11:34 pm

tubeswell wrote:It should be a height where you can stand, or sit with a decent bar stool.

Where's the poll?

I agree. I find I stand then sit then stand. Get a nice padded work stool like the sears craftsman(cheap) etc.

Bob S · Post by **Bob S** » Tue Sep 25, 2012 12:39 am

Stand - sit - stand - sit - stand (scratch head) - sit.
Bar stool here too.

The Amp Garage

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