Adjustable height workbench

[D Gobby]

I'm building a workbench for my shop and would like to built it with an adjustable height feature. I have already fitted it with retractable rollers so it can be moved about but would also like to be able to raise the top of the bench so I could use it as an infeed table for the tablesaw. The top would have to be non moveable when down so it could still perform as a solid bench. When rasied I would at least like it to to remain level and reasonably solid. I was thinking of maybe sissor jacks on each end like the ones found for small cars?,maybe a lever on each end with round cams that when rotated would raise the top?. What seez yea wise members of the forum.

[D Gobby]

I'm building a workbench for my shop and would like to built it with an adjustable height feature. I have already fitted it with retractable rollers so it can be moved about but would also like to be able to raise the top of the bench so I could use it as an infeed table for the tablesaw. The top would have to be non moveable when down so it could still perform as a solid bench. When rasied I would at least like it to to remain level and reasonably solid. I was thinking of maybe sissor jacks on each end like the ones found for small cars?,maybe a lever on each end with round cams that when rotated would raise the top?. What seez yea wise members of the forum.

[D Gobby]

I'm building a workbench for my shop and would like to built it with an adjustable height feature. I have already fitted it with retractable rollers so it can be moved about but would also like to be able to raise the top of the bench so I could use it as an infeed table for the tablesaw. The top would have to be non moveable when down so it could still perform as a solid bench. When rasied I would at least like it to to remain level and reasonably solid. I was thinking of maybe sissor jacks on each end like the ones found for small cars?,maybe a lever on each end with round cams that when rotated would raise the top?. What seez yea wise members of the forum.

[whb]

How much lower than your table saw is it going to be?

I find table saw height to be a very good working height for a bench. Bevel the edge of the bench so that the outfeed will ride up and on to it rather than slamming into it.

If your ideal bench height is just a couple of inches lower, instead of raising it, build a couple of planks with those roller ball things on them that will bring it to the right height when they are clamped to the top. I find they really make feeding heavy stock a lot easier.

Howard

[whb]

How much lower than your table saw is it going to be?

I find table saw height to be a very good working height for a bench. Bevel the edge of the bench so that the outfeed will ride up and on to it rather than slamming into it.

If your ideal bench height is just a couple of inches lower, instead of raising it, build a couple of planks with those roller ball things on them that will bring it to the right height when they are clamped to the top. I find they really make feeding heavy stock a lot easier.

Howard

[whb]

How much lower than your table saw is it going to be?

I find table saw height to be a very good working height for a bench. Bevel the edge of the bench so that the outfeed will ride up and on to it rather than slamming into it.

If your ideal bench height is just a couple of inches lower, instead of raising it, build a couple of planks with those roller ball things on them that will bring it to the right height when they are clamped to the top. I find they really make feeding heavy stock a lot easier.

Howard

[Thorne]

I like Howard's idea of just adding rollers if needed --'cause trying to make something adjustable and yet rock-solid seems like WAY too much work.

[Thorne]

I like Howard's idea of just adding rollers if needed --'cause trying to make something adjustable and yet rock-solid seems like WAY too much work.

[Thorne]

I like Howard's idea of just adding rollers if needed --'cause trying to make something adjustable and yet rock-solid seems like WAY too much work.

[Steve Lansdowne]

I made two benches the same height as my table saw and find that this is a good working height. The saw sits between them and if I rotate it 90 degrees the two benches serve as infeed and outfeed supports. Moving the saw is easier than moving the benches. One problem you can have with such a system is a limitation on the maximum length of board you can rip. In a 20 foot long shop with the saw in the middle, I can't rip any board longer than about 9 1/2 feet or so. For longer boards you need to move the benches apart. Portable roller stands in a larger working space are needed for longer boards.

[Steve Lansdowne]

I made two benches the same height as my table saw and find that this is a good working height. The saw sits between them and if I rotate it 90 degrees the two benches serve as infeed and outfeed supports. Moving the saw is easier than moving the benches. One problem you can have with such a system is a limitation on the maximum length of board you can rip. In a 20 foot long shop with the saw in the middle, I can't rip any board longer than about 9 1/2 feet or so. For longer boards you need to move the benches apart. Portable roller stands in a larger working space are needed for longer boards.

[Steve Lansdowne]

I made two benches the same height as my table saw and find that this is a good working height. The saw sits between them and if I rotate it 90 degrees the two benches serve as infeed and outfeed supports. Moving the saw is easier than moving the benches. One problem you can have with such a system is a limitation on the maximum length of board you can rip. In a 20 foot long shop with the saw in the middle, I can't rip any board longer than about 9 1/2 feet or so. For longer boards you need to move the benches apart. Portable roller stands in a larger working space are needed for longer boards.

[Dave R]

I agree with Howard that you should consider an infeed roller stand instead of using your bench for that purpose. Even if you could work out a method of adjusting the height while maintaining a rock solid top, you'd have to clean the bench off every time you need the infeed capability.

[ 11-23-2005, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Dave R ]

[Dave R]

I agree with Howard that you should consider an infeed roller stand instead of using your bench for that purpose. Even if you could work out a method of adjusting the height while maintaining a rock solid top, you'd have to clean the bench off every time you need the infeed capability.

[ 11-23-2005, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Dave R ]

[Dave R]

I agree with Howard that you should consider an infeed roller stand instead of using your bench for that purpose. Even if you could work out a method of adjusting the height while maintaining a rock solid top, you'd have to clean the bench off every time you need the infeed capability.

[ 11-23-2005, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: Dave R ]

[Dave Hadfield]

I almost hate to say it, but there's a cheap simple sturdy system that I use. It's based on 2 folding saw-horses.

For working on my boat each spring I need a workbench. It has to be collapseable to fit in the back of my truck. So I used 2 simple sawhorses, each joined at the top with a pair of sturdy hinges. To prevent the sides from splaying out forever, a cord is fed through holes in each leg. (To raise the sawhorse, shorten the cord. To lower it, lengthen the cord.)

So I roll up to the boat, whip out the 2 sawhorses, set them up beside the boat, lay on a 6x3 piece of 3/4" plywood (with wood vise attached), fasten it in place with a deck screw into each horse, and presto, a dandy workbench. Not fancy, but very practical, sturdy and portable.

In the shop I use the saw horses as infeeds or outfeeds as required, adjusting their height by varying the length of the cord. Then, when not in use, I can hang them up on the wall, collapsed, by their cord.

I should go take a picture....

[Dave Hadfield]

I almost hate to say it, but there's a cheap simple sturdy system that I use. It's based on 2 folding saw-horses.

For working on my boat each spring I need a workbench. It has to be collapseable to fit in the back of my truck. So I used 2 simple sawhorses, each joined at the top with a pair of sturdy hinges. To prevent the sides from splaying out forever, a cord is fed through holes in each leg. (To raise the sawhorse, shorten the cord. To lower it, lengthen the cord.)

So I roll up to the boat, whip out the 2 sawhorses, set them up beside the boat, lay on a 6x3 piece of 3/4" plywood (with wood vise attached), fasten it in place with a deck screw into each horse, and presto, a dandy workbench. Not fancy, but very practical, sturdy and portable.

In the shop I use the saw horses as infeeds or outfeeds as required, adjusting their height by varying the length of the cord. Then, when not in use, I can hang them up on the wall, collapsed, by their cord.

I should go take a picture....

[Dave Hadfield]

I almost hate to say it, but there's a cheap simple sturdy system that I use. It's based on 2 folding saw-horses.

For working on my boat each spring I need a workbench. It has to be collapseable to fit in the back of my truck. So I used 2 simple sawhorses, each joined at the top with a pair of sturdy hinges. To prevent the sides from splaying out forever, a cord is fed through holes in each leg. (To raise the sawhorse, shorten the cord. To lower it, lengthen the cord.)

So I roll up to the boat, whip out the 2 sawhorses, set them up beside the boat, lay on a 6x3 piece of 3/4" plywood (with wood vise attached), fasten it in place with a deck screw into each horse, and presto, a dandy workbench. Not fancy, but very practical, sturdy and portable.

In the shop I use the saw horses as infeeds or outfeeds as required, adjusting their height by varying the length of the cord. Then, when not in use, I can hang them up on the wall, collapsed, by their cord.

I should go take a picture....

[Alan D. Hyde]

A good system, Dave.

I like it. :D

"The simplest that will do the job right" is a good way to go.

Alan

[Alan D. Hyde]

A good system, Dave.

I like it. :D

"The simplest that will do the job right" is a good way to go.

Alan

[Alan D. Hyde]

A good system, Dave.

I like it. :D

"The simplest that will do the job right" is a good way to go.

Alan

[Paulyboy]

Every work surface in my humble and SMALL shop, cept fer the RAS, is the same height as my table saw so that any of them could work as infeed, outfeed, or side extension tables. Makes handling 4X8 sheet goods lots easier when your shop only measures 10X20'.

[Paulyboy]

Every work surface in my humble and SMALL shop, cept fer the RAS, is the same height as my table saw so that any of them could work as infeed, outfeed, or side extension tables. Makes handling 4X8 sheet goods lots easier when your shop only measures 10X20'.

[Paulyboy]

Every work surface in my humble and SMALL shop, cept fer the RAS, is the same height as my table saw so that any of them could work as infeed, outfeed, or side extension tables. Makes handling 4X8 sheet goods lots easier when your shop only measures 10X20'.

[Tom Robb]

Scott Landis' The Workbench Book (Taunton Press)has what looks to be a workable system on page 66. Your library probably has a copy.
If you build more boats than furniture or cabnet work, a big fancy workbench is perhaps a waste of space. That sawhorse and plank idea might be more appropriate.

[Tom Robb]

Scott Landis' The Workbench Book (Taunton Press)has what looks to be a workable system on page 66. Your library probably has a copy.
If you build more boats than furniture or cabnet work, a big fancy workbench is perhaps a waste of space. That sawhorse and plank idea might be more appropriate.

[Tom Robb]

Scott Landis' The Workbench Book (Taunton Press)has what looks to be a workable system on page 66. Your library probably has a copy.
If you build more boats than furniture or cabnet work, a big fancy workbench is perhaps a waste of space. That sawhorse and plank idea might be more appropriate.