workbench height relative to tablesaw height

[chrisp]

I've managed to get my hands on some secondhand timber and I'm hoping I'll have enough to finally make a reasonable workbench.

As I have a small workshop, I was thinking that I might be able to also use the workbench as an out-feed table for my table saw. (The workbench would probably be located behind the table saw anyway.) I was therefore thinking of making the workbench the same height, or a smidgen shorter, than the table saw. However, I recall that most dedicated out-feed tables have mitre gauge slots extended into them. I figure if I don't have slots, I'd have to ensure that the workbench was far enough behind the table saw so that it doesn't interfere with the mitre gauge.

Another thought occurred to me. What if I make the workbench height 16mm shorter than the table saw. This should allow sufficient clearance for the mitre gauge, and when cutting sheet material or ripping, I could place a 16mm piece of melamine on top of the bench to bring it back to the same height.

Questions:
Has, or does, anyone use their workbench as an outfeed support? If so, is it practical, or is it too much bother to clear the bench to use it as an out feed support?
What height, relative to a tablesaw, would you recommend?
Is the idea of having the bench 16mm lower plus a extra 16mm top worth considering, or isn't the height of the outfeed support that critical?I'd be interested in any views, thoughts, or tips on this.

Chris

[echnidna]

Your outfeed table should be the same height as the saw table
Using a packing piece is ok as long as it is secure.

Is your proposed workbench height going to be comfortable to work at?

[weisyboy]

i have my table saw sunk into a hole in the end of my bench so that the top is level with bench. but am thinking of removing it as i find i spread out when working and then i need the saw again witch means clearing the current work and i have found it to be to much trouble. make tour self a couple of feed supports (tall narrow saw horses maby with rolers on them).

[Tex B]

My bench is about 800mm behind the table saw, and a few mm shorter. Works well as an outfeed table on longer rips, and doesn't interfere with the miter gauge. There's enough room to walk between the bench and saw, so I don't ever have to move either one. For shorter boards, I end up holding it with the push stick until the blade stops and walking around.

Tex

[bitingmidge]

My bench is the same height as the TS and in front of it, so works as a infeed for longer stuff. Works WELL.

My router bench is behind the TS by a similar distance and works as an outfeed table, also at the same height. Some thin pieces do deflect downwards, so I'll get around to adding a slight (say 5mm x 20mm wide chamfer on the face one day. It's far more useful having it at the same height as you can move it and use it to support other things, long lengths, sheet material etc.

I have a small vice on the "leading" edge of the router bench, and can make a higher support simply by bunging a bit of board in it horizontally.

I have a sharpening bench to the left hand sided and about 1200 away from the TS, which is set at the same height. I clamp a bit of MDF or a timber packer on it if necessary to bring it up to the height of the sled, and with this set up, can cross cut 2400 widths.

I have actually put a spacer in the TS between the stand and the body, to increase the height a bit to where a comfortable bench height is for me, then made all the other bits to suit.

It's definitely worth doing, particularly in a small space, and it tends to force you to put things away too. (I have a couple of stools, a workmate and a collapsable cutting table all set up at jointer height as well!)

You can see how it works in plan here I think:
http://woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=15330&highlight=midges+playroom

I really should update that thread!

Cheers,

P:D

[chrisp]

Is your proposed workbench height going to be comfortable to work at?

The two workbench designs I'm considering are the Triton "Intermediate Project No. 10" and the "Kirby bench" in "The Workbench Book" by Landis. I like the size and the construction of the "Kirby" bench top, but I prefer the general design of the "Triton" frame and legs, but with the "Kirby" joinery. The "Triton" design also has an end vise and dog holes which I also like. I'll just pick and choose design elements from both.

My table saw is 34", or 863mm, high. The Triton design is 915mm (36") high, while the Kirby design is 34" (863mm) high. Would you consider 34" (863mm) high for a workbench to be too low? Would it be better at 36"?

[bitingmidge]

My table saw is 34", or 863mm, high. The Triton design is 915mm (36") high, while the Kirby design is 34" (863mm) high. Would you consider 34" (863mm) high for a workbench to be too low? Would it be better at 36"?
Depends on how tall you are.

P

[chrisp]

Depends on how tall you are.

I kind of figured that. I suppose it also depends on the use of the bench? I'd image a bench used for "dark side" hand planing might want to be taller than one used to assemble furniture? I'm sort of average height ~ 180cm, and do very little "dark side" work other than final finishing. Any recommendations on height?

[bitingmidge]

Mine's 940mm which makes it a nice height to sit at on a stool as well.

As I said above, I put a spacer in the TS stand to bring it up to that height.

Cheers,

P

[chrisp]

Thank you all for the helpful replies.

It seems that most agree that making the workbench the same height as the table saw is a good idea. Now all I've got to work out is what height the bench ought to be:?

I try and check out some possible work bench heights and see what seems to work best. Raising the table saw a couple of inches or so shouldn't be too hard.

Thanks again.

Chris