Help me design my saw shack...

[Red97]

I've always wondered about a standard bench height myself. I'm only 6'1" but most benches I've had to work at for any length of time seem to make my lower back sore. Maybe it's just my decrepit old self.

Think I'm gonna find some stools/ tall chairs I like, take a tape and determine a height that works for me.


Been thinking about powerhead storage. Thinking with the compressors moved I will have 6ft easy of space I can dedicate for a "rack" of some sort.

What ya guys use to store powerheads?

 

[Mastermind]

Shelves. Build em everywhere.

 

[jake wells]

line the walls with Styrofoam board works as well as fiberglass insulation.
use GFI outlets and good overhead fluorescent lighting.

 

[Red97]

Shelves. Build em everywhere.

Yes a large shelf may be a good option.
Think I'm gonna put osb on the ceiling, screw in some bike hooks. They gonna be hanging everwhere...

 

[jake wells]

need a mini fridge filled with drinks or snacks too.

 

[Red97]

need a mini fridge filled with drinks or snacks too.

Nah, takes up too much space lol.

House is only 30ft away.

 

[Aciera]

I agree, I will be making my next benches taller so I dont need to bend over.
Welcome, Aciera. Where about in central Pa are you from?

Right down by the MD border. Near Gettysburg

 

[concretegrazer]

Shelves above the work bench are a good place to mount some additional lighting.

 

[Red97]

Just read an article, stated ideal "bar" bench in this case is 40-46". works well for standing, or sitting in the tall chair.

Think I am going to stick with 2ft depth, seems like a good depth to reach while sitting.

 

[Aciera]

I've always wondered about a standard bench height myself. I'm only 6'1" but most benches I've had to work at for any length of time seem to make my lower back sore. Maybe it's just my decrepit old self.

34 " is standard. My ex was a designer. the Architectural Standards is this big expensive Tome I bought her tells such things.....turning radius of everything from a Zamboni to a big forklift so you can lay things out. I'd check but that would mean a conversation with her........ahhhh.....no.

Machine tools are made for folks 5'10".....at 6'4" I often have my feet 3' apart to reach controls.

When I worked on guns if the other guy used my vise he would stand on a box. Makes a big difference.

 

[Aciera]

Just read an article, stated ideal "bar" bench in this case is 40-46". works well for standing, or sitting in the tall chair.

Think I am going to stick with 2ft depth, seems like a good depth to reach while sitting.

That would work but I always have toolboxes at the back. Open a drawer and the space gets shore for me.

One of my benches was 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood 3' deep with a sheet of Masonite on top.....verathane and tilted back a tiny bit.
Solid toolboxes to the back. When I spilt hydraulic fluid or small parts they headed away from me most of the time. Lol

Tough tabletop.......every 3-4 years more verathane to cover the scratches........

 

[Stump Shot]

A coffee pot, every time I go to take a sip of coffee it's cold, yet the next morning I will bring another cup with me from the house.

 

[exSW]

Yes a large shelf may be a good option.
Think I'm gonna put osb on the ceiling, screw in some bike hooks. They gonna be hanging everwhere...

Make sure you get tempered osb. The cheap chit sags..
Maybe its just me but I've found I like working on saws at a little less than chest level. Try to get as much natural light as possible.

 

[Red97]

That would work but I always have toolboxes at the back. Open a drawer and the space gets shore for me.

One of my benches was 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood with a sheet of Masonite on top.....verathane and tilted back a tiny bit.
Solid toolboxes to the back. When I spilt hydraulic fluid or small parts they headed away from me most of the time. Lol

Tough tabletop.......every 3-4 years more verathane to cover the scratches........

My goal, is to set it up for saws only, so I shouldn't need a large assortment of tools. if I come across a good deal on a small 5 drawer tool box it should fit nicely under the bench. Use the toolbox to store the specialized tools, or extras for when ya can't find the one you want lol.

 

[Red97]

A coffee pot, every time I go to take a sip of coffee it's cold, yet the next morning I will bring another cup with me from the house.

Lol, not a coffee drinker. Do the same thing with pop.

Make sure you get tempered osb. The cheap chit sags..
Maybe its just me but I've found I like working on saws at a little less than chest level. Try to get as much natural light as possible.

Flatbed? lol

Think I still have 6 sheets osb left form my roof a few weeks ago.

 

[exSW]

Flatbed? lol

Yep,that's how I figured it out. Kept carrying everything out into the light. Plus it was easy for me working at that height.

 

[Aciera]

My goal, is to set it up for saws only, so I shouldn't need a large assortment of tools. if I come across a good deal on a small 5 drawer tool box it should fit nicely under the bench. Use the toolbox to store the specialized tools, or extras for when ya can't find the one you want lol.

Oh a dedicated saw bench would be nice........maybe some day.

I like a high slanted shelf with meters on it. Small distance below another shelf for leads. I do electrical on the same bench.

And put outlets.....air and electrical under the bench also.

And if the work is small.......a slide for your waist like a watchmakers.

 

[Frank bierce]

@Red97 ...I have a pair of 6' plug strips that I could send you, if you'd like?? THey were left over from a job, and they are just taking up space here

 

[VinceGU05]

What do you guys like/dislike about your current setup.

My biggest hangup seems to be tool storage/arrangement.

Currently, I toss em all in a drawer after each build, kind of a pita sorting through during each build.

i put a set of shelves/draws above the bench. while super handy being so close i am sick of smacking my head on it. lights is super important too. especially as you get older and cant see well. but tonnes of lights just high enough not to hit ya head on, but that low. for tools i got a draw system with wooden top on wheels. have that behind me in arms reach. can also roll it out the way and move it anytime. could go shadow board like what randy and a few others have too !?!

 

[Aciera]

i put a set of shelves/draws above the bench. while super handy being so close i am sick of smacking my head on it. lights is super important too. especially as you get older and cant see well. but tonnes of lights just high enough not to hit ya head on, but that low. for tools i got a draw system with wooden top on wheels. have that behind me in arms reach. can also roll it out the way and move it anytime. could go shadow board like what randy and a few others have too !?!

Most every lathe operator I know has the bench cuddling their butt. Good to lean against too.