Dave Heller
New member
My workbenches are 48 and 66 inches long. The shorter one is too short - I made it that size because I had a small space at the time. Now I live with it, but I prefer to use the 66" long one, a modern Moravian style bench, so portable. Steve Dietrich (Blue Ridge chapter) came up with a nice design and shared it. I used Benchcrafted hardware, which is slick. I don't regret the 66" length. Too long just gets in the way. my bench is made in two pieces each ~ 12" wide, 3.5" thick, so that they can be lugged.
Your bench size and configuration need to start with what you think you will be doing with it. Great hardware makes it functionally superior. I am 5'7" an my bench height is 34", comfortable for most things. I built a small platform out of 2x4's and piece of plywood for my grandson so that he can work at the bench and I use it myself when I really want to get over something. I also have a Latta worktable (see FWW) that is helpful for fine router work or for inlays, to save my back. I don't think that there is a perfect workbench design but there are some really good ones out there.
Your bench size and configuration need to start with what you think you will be doing with it. Great hardware makes it functionally superior. I am 5'7" an my bench height is 34", comfortable for most things. I built a small platform out of 2x4's and piece of plywood for my grandson so that he can work at the bench and I use it myself when I really want to get over something. I also have a Latta worktable (see FWW) that is helpful for fine router work or for inlays, to save my back. I don't think that there is a perfect workbench design but there are some really good ones out there.