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.....i know it is a broad question. just wondering what most folks find attractive in a bench. i'm in a new place and i can finally go bigger and better, or not, depending....i need a general bench to start with, and maybe other specialized benches down the road. i do lots of tinkering on electronics(amps etc), as well as hand tool woodworking, and whatever side projects come up. i understand different heights are optimal for specific tasks. BUT, if you had to have one bench, what would be the height, depth, and lenth? i am 5'9"(yep, i'm short, funny, ha ha). i'm thinking about 38" height, 3' across max, and probably 8' long(because thats what my sheet of plywood is). height is what i'm most concerned with. and i'd never be able to reach to the back of a tall bench that was 4' wide.....(it will most likely be against a wall).
just curious what people think.

Mine is 950mm, about 36 inches, high and 8' x 3 1/2'(I used the other 6 inches for something else....)

I like it because I work from either side, equally and have room for a few projects at a time....

I do have a few other benches and tables for various purposes, including go-bar work...

Mine was all recycled materials, except the plywood top($41.00 all up)

so you are happy with 950mm, or wouldn't a few extra cm height be nice...? i'm still thinking maybe 40 inches height

Different uses suggest different heights; Lower (for planing, general woodworking etc) & higher (setups, detail work). If you can , have both heights. Mine are 34" & 40". (I'm about your height). If I had only one I would probably go lower, with an elevating vise & risers to raise things up when needed. Search archives for more.

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Dave
Milton, ON

ended up with 39"W, 80"L, 38 1/4" height

i may end up sawing the legs off a bit, we'll see. now i need to decide on a finish or covering. i thought about formica but i don't want the soldering gun melting it; thought about sheet metal but i don't want to get electrocuted when tinkering with amps; i'll probably just slather some clear poly over it

I am 6'4". My general bench is 38"h x 7'l x 3'w. I have a 2' x 2' bench that is 48" high on wheels with good brakes. The 2' square bench fits most of my accoustic forms and work boards and is a good height for me for brace work, glueing in binding and sanding while standing. I usually set the brakes and walk all around the work. As I get older and post back surgery, I do less and less work in a standing position. I regret not putting more knee room under the big bench. I also would suggest using bench dog holes aligned with both vises. The holes can also hold lamps and come in handy. Full extension drawers under the bench. I just put shelves and now hate bending down to get stuff.

My experience tells me to build your first bench with affordable materials because you will find it won't fit you or your work in 5 years. Then build you a good one.

Danny

I think Dave has the correct general answer here. If I read correctly between the lines, he is saying that it's up to you and what works best for your methods of work. He has two benches of different heights. I believe I read previously that Grumpy achieves the same general effect with a short stool he can stand on for certain tasks, such as leaning down with a hand plane. Then he kicks it out of the way for tasks where he wants a taller bench. It all comes down to what will work for you, and that can best be determined through a bit of experimentation. Start with a fairly standard bench height. You can sample dozens of standard heights through a google search. Me, I have two benches and a wing on my table saw that sees bench action pretty frequently. I have a shop stool that I sit on when I don't feel like bending over. I know this doesn't answer your question directly, and I'm sorry for that. But it's a personal thing.

Mine is 16' wide, 34" high and 30" deep with a 6" backplate so stuff doesn't fall off the back. I'm 5'8" and it's the right height for me. My main problem is not enough storage for tools and supplies. I also use my table saw as an extension table.