patriarch wrote:

My general conclusion is that the flat palm height (see posting by
Mike in Mystic) is a the optimum height for "everything", but lower is
best for planing. Although one person said "use a step to get higher."



Just when I was considering RAISING my workbench, router table and assembly
stands. Better viewing angles, better light, better working angles, less
back strain.

Hand planing involves quite a lot of downward pressure; this
is more easily done on a (slightly) lower bench. Detail work
is easier if closer to you eyes; modellers tend to use
very high benches.

Hand sawing need the work so low that most people
use a completely separate workpiece support,
either saw horses (duh!) or a 2 level workmutt in "low"
mode.

Ideal height varies with individual AND task.

BugBear