Author Topic: Adjustable height workbench?  (Read 6843 times)

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Offline 3PedalMINI

  • Posts: 492
    • Signature Sound & Video
Adjustable height workbench?
« on: February 10, 2019, 10:22 AM »
I have a 40x85” Paulk style workbench top. My plan was to make this a rolling work bench with tons of storage benieth it. As my shop is small I’m realizing I cannot have the workbench and an out feed table. The only logical option is to just combine the two. However I’m tall and the height of my PM2000 is just to low to be a comfortable workbench height.

Considering it would be easier to make the table adjustable does anyone have experience with some sort of adjustable foot system? I would need it to adjust a minimum of 9” ideally 12”

Maybe I need to learn about some linear actuators!  [tongue]
The Bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten -Benjamin Franklin

Professional Custom Audio Video System Designer/Installer serving Southern - Middle NJ, Eastern PA & the Surrounding Shore Points.
www.sigsv.com

Kapex 120,TS55,RO150,ETS125,CT-26,CT-MIDI,Tradesmen Cleaning Kit, Festool Ratchet Kit, Sys-lite, Sys Roll Cart, T18 +3, 2013 Centrotec Kit, Carvex 420, Carvex Accessory Kit, CXS,RO90, TI15 and Various Festool Systainers

Offline RustE

  • Posts: 607

Offline Master Carpenter

  • Posts: 116
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2019, 12:22 PM »
I’ve seen it done using a motorcycle lift table with a bench on top of it.

Offline tomp

  • Posts: 119
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2019, 12:31 PM »
I made this adjustable height bench. It uses an RV jack from HF to raise/lower, high enough to act as the outfeed table on my TS and low enough to sit on a 5 gal bucket.

The lower frame with the jack in place.

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The upper frame before the top was added. The slots are for knobs which thread into brass inserts in the lower frame and lock it at the desired height.

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Trial assembly of the lower and upper frames at maximum height, before build-up under the top, laminate and edging were added.

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Assembly at lowest height. Top has been finished and retractable casters installed.

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I added a drawer cabinet on either side, fairly small drawers, but more than enough to hold all the little bits and pieces that you need when working - tape measures, screwdrivers, square, etc.

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With the Rockler casters, it moves around the shop easily, but is rock solid when the casters are retracted and stable at any height setting.

Offline SoonerFan

  • Posts: 582
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2019, 06:22 PM »
@tomp that is a nice design and good looking table.

Offline tomp

  • Posts: 119
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2019, 08:46 AM »
Thanks. I took the basic concept - using the RV jack and the telescoping upper and lower sections - from a similar design on another forum and changed it to suit my needs. Way better than the "piece of plywood on top of two sawhorses" that I was using before I built it.

Offline John1102

  • Posts: 55
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2019, 01:55 PM »
http://www.adjustabench.com/

You could attach the paulk workbench top to this adjustable bench and it has a caster option for mobility if needed.
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Offline RKA

  • Posts: 1980
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2019, 02:09 PM »
@3PedalMINI
Do you have room inside the mobile frame for your PM2000 to install some 8/4 boards to raise the saw?  Then design your workbench to the same height?  If the PM2000 sits a bit too low for you right now, this might simplify everything and fix both issues. 

-Raj

Offline 3PedalMINI

  • Posts: 492
    • Signature Sound & Video
Re: Adjustable height workbench?
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2019, 08:50 PM »
Thanks Guys!

I dont use the PM2000's mobile base because it broke on me. I use a portamate HD moving base for it. Im not sure I want to raise the saw. It is too low for me but I like being able to see over the blade with ease when changing/installing blades and riving knifes.

I think I might go the actuator route. I mean, why not?  [tongue]
The Bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten -Benjamin Franklin

Professional Custom Audio Video System Designer/Installer serving Southern - Middle NJ, Eastern PA & the Surrounding Shore Points.
www.sigsv.com

Kapex 120,TS55,RO150,ETS125,CT-26,CT-MIDI,Tradesmen Cleaning Kit, Festool Ratchet Kit, Sys-lite, Sys Roll Cart, T18 +3, 2013 Centrotec Kit, Carvex 420, Carvex Accessory Kit, CXS,RO90, TI15 and Various Festool Systainers