Had the same problem with 3 wheel bandsaw I used to have until it was
put onto a 12" box raising it for better visibility. Have read
recommendations that height of folder elbow is ideal for work surface.

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 10:58:34 GMT, "Chris Jung"
wrote:


"Big John" wrote in message
roups.com...
Hi all

I just moved into a new house and the basement is basically a blank
slate.
I would like to make a bench approx 6ft long for working on and
miscellaneous things. I am not a carpenter by any stretch of the
imagination, so I am wondering if anyone has any plans for a very basic
work
bench for a beginner carpenter.
Thanks for any input.



Jon,
Here is a link (thanks to JOAT) I found while looking at JOAT's post on
a gun cabinet.
HTH Big John

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...e/1302961.html

I'm not Jon, but thanks for posting the plans as I'm thinking about making a
bench or modifying my current set-up. I'm a sculptor who has a very modest
wood working set-up (Foredom flexible shaft, reciprocating power carver,
various dremels, cheesy no-name 9" bandsaw, dust collector, palm sander,
drill, lots of files, rifflers and handsaws) to build bases & armatures,
carve details and sand. My "bench" is a big, ugly but solid dresser with the
top at 34" tall.

I'm curious about the typical height of workbenches and the whole
ergonomics of woodworking. I find that I tend to hunch over my work and as a
result get sore at the base of my neck/shoulders. It worse with sanding as
it's my least favorite activity and I tend to bear down to get it over with
as soon as possible. I'm toying with getting a dremel detail sander and/or a
drill press with a sanding drum to see if that would help. My other thought
is to possibly raise the work surface so that it's higher (perhaps make long
bench with one part taller than normal?). I've noticed that I never get
neck/shoulder pain when using my bandsaw. I think it's because the work
surface there is higher and I'm able to look closely at my work without
hunkering over so much.

Does anyone else get neck/upper back pain from wood working? Any suggestions
for optimal working ergonomics?

Chris