I've seen a lot of recommendations suggesting that my workbench and table saw should both be around 34"-36" high so they can complement each other, allowing the bench to function as a feed table. However, if I'm building both from scratch, is that height range truly necessary? What if I end up creating a height between 37"-40"? Is that too high and a bad idea?
3 Answers
The idea is to have your work surface match up with your wrist bone when you're standing straight. It helps keep everything in a comfortable reach, which is key for avoiding strain. You might stray from the standard, but as long as it's ergonomic for you, it’s all good. If you make it too high and struggle to reach comfortably, that could be an issue.
There’s a reason those height guidelines are considered standards. They work well unless you have unique size needs. I thought I’d make my workbench higher for some detailed work, but it ended up being a real pain for regular woodworking tasks. In the end, I cut it down to around 34.5" and it’s so much better for general use! So yeah, consider how you plan to use your workbench.
The standard height of 34"-36" is based on average heights and is meant for comfort and ergonomics. Sure, if you're taller or shorter than average, feel free to customize it! I raised my work table to 37-1/4" to match my wide belt sander for outfeed purposes, and it works great for me. Just make sure whatever height you choose feels right for you.