Work Bench Height

[mikeno]

The "standard" EAA workbench height is recommended at 33.75". Why? Is this for someone that is 5" 10" or 6' 3" (as I am)? It seems in my case it would require less stooping over if I made it 36" high. But, in all the drawings I've seen there is no variation from the 33.75" so I'm wondering if I'm overlooking something. Thanks Mike BearHawk #1250 KLXT

[Bradrock]

Hi Mike. I'm 6'2" and I made mine 36". Much easier to work with, in my opinion...

[bestbearhawk1231]

I made my benches to fit me...36" I think. Ergonomics is the key, if you are not comfortable you will not get very far. Also, may want to invest in some anti-fatigue mats to place where you spend most of your time.

[Barry]

Just finished mine, 36" for me. I am 6'3".

[beanforge]

I've seen a few guidelines for bench heights. I've used "palms flat on the table with arms at rest". It seems a bit low, but when you are working on something on that table it works out just about right. Adjustable feet could fine tune that, as well. It is also a guideline that can be used by anybody without regard to their height...

[Flynguy521]

I'm 6'2" and I followed the plans to the letter. I find it an ok height. I figure when I am assembling things in jigs and such It will be at a comfortable height and my bench mounted tools are at a nice height.

[marcusofcotton]

Don't forget to figure in ceiling height if necessary... can be a factor when building the fuselage.
Mark J

[alaskabearhawk]

I measured my work table and it's 33 inches. Any higher and it would be uncomfortable working on anything with any height to it, like a fuselage. Also, the drawing layout lines on the top is way comfortable at 33 inches. Any higher would be a problem. My work table is 4ft across and that is a factor. My "component" work benches are 36 inches, but I can really see where larger objects are much easier to fabricate and work on a lower table. Like Mark pointed out some assemblies may be too high to work on due to ceiling height.YMMV.

[mikeno]

Thanks all for your feedback - as ceiling height is not a problem I think 36" will be work best for mine.

[alaskabearhawk]

Forgot to mention I'm about 5'11". Your 36 inches would work great.

[wingnut13]

I'm also @ 5'11" and I have built my reloading benches 36" and it seems to work great.

[fixnflyr]

I built a 3' x 16' jig table to repair a set of Citabria wings. I put 3/4" lag bolts in the bottom of each leg and used them to adjust for an uneven floor. After leveling the table I mudded the legs to the floor with Bondo. Now the table stays level and is fully supported. These are the EAA design tables that are bolted together in the middle. I also bondoed the crack in the middle before I painted it with white latex house paint. Your pencil lines will show up good on a white background. When you pull your jig blocks off, hit it with a DA sander and roll on another coat of paint for a fresh table top.
Table height is builder preference. It is just a level plane in space where your favorite aircraft is born.
Good luck,
Fixnflyr

[Glenn Patterson]

Mike,

Could try 36 & cut it down later. We made our tables about 32". The tables then were cut them down to about 20" & put end to end to jig the fuselage. We could kneel on the short table & tack everything. It is a perfect height for assembling the fuselage as the top and bottom frames are at good work heights for fitting in the verticals and diagonals between the frames. The legs will get restored one day.

Glenn
BH727