Adjustable height grinding table!

J

J.Babody

Joined
Nov 11, 2013
Messages
113
Well, I bought a bader bII last weekend for a great price and got to thinking...

I need a new work bench for this beast!! I've been grinding on a 2x42 zip tied to a milk crate which was strapped to an old corner tv stand. Not even close to ideal height or stability...

I have back and knee problems and instantly started looking for ways to make an adjustable height table. That way I could easily switch from the seated to standing positions without too much effort and effectively get more time in the shop. Naturally the bolt together height tables didn't appeal to me as I wanted relatively quick adjustment, so I hit google. I ended up finding an older video of a man who used an electric drafting table for his wood carving projects. It has a locking lever for tilt adjustment and an electric motor that takes the tabletop from 30 inches to 48 inches tall.

I hit craigslist and scored one for $175. I intend on removing the tilt mechanism as it's not quite sturdy enough for an application like I intend, but the top can easily be hard mounted to the base. I have the bII, a 2x42 craftsman, and a bench top drill press on it. The motor seems to have no problem lifting that weight up.

This is a link to the exact table I purchased, just got it without the drafting system on it:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mayline-Pow...061?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27e4a2a1dd

Quite a sturdy and heavy base to work with and only takes about 40 seconds from full up to full down.

Just thought I would share this as it was somewhat of a revelation moment for me. Seems they pop up every so often and can be had for a decent price especially given the retail in the $2000 range...

From this:


To this:
(Note the switch on the lower left corner of the tabletop for up/down)

 
You might be over thinking things a bit, set your grinder for standing height and then get a bar stool with a backrest, that way you and your grinder stay at the same height ;0)
 
I've never been a fan of the bar stool route because of the way you have to plant your legs on the stool itself. That means your legs don't move or aren't in a comfortable position and can press into the nerves in your butt/thighs. I find the most comfortable way to sit is with my feet planted flat on the ground so I can adjust my knees to different angles as they stiffen up(and keeps the back straighter).

I tend to do things in batches and grind for hours at a time. I have no problem going all out for comfort and ergonomics, and the price I paid was by no means all out. I definitely see what your saying though, this is a bit overkill for most people! :D

Btw, where abouts are you in michigan? Seen a ton of your posts and never noticed the location till now.
 
In order for the bar stool thing to work properly, your bench needs to be like the bar at the bar ;0) with a foot rest, which in the case of a work bench doubles as a shelf and is set in 8 to 12 inches

North east of GR
 
Honestly, I had the plans laid out for exactly what your describing, and you can even see all the 2x4s in the background. I just always hated sitting so high up with only one spot for my legs to go. I was determined to find a way to make the best of both worlds work. I'll be using that wood to make a couple shallow shelves around the base now.

Like I said, way overkill and agreeably overthought. But I must say my back is already thanking me! Still trying to get used to grinding sitting down, but it's only a minor adjustment.

Still love seeing that avatar after I rash myself, keeps me laughing!
 
J.Babody said:
Still trying to get used to grinding sitting down, but it's only a minor adjustment.
Click to expand...

Yep going from standing to sitting is difficult, I tend to sit until my backside is numb clear to my kidneys then I stand until my feet feel like they are on fire LOL
 
John Katt said:
Yep going from standing to sitting is difficult, I tend to sit until my backside is numb clear to my kidneys then I stand until my feet feel like they are on fire LOL
Click to expand...

I see myself doing just that haha!! Sitting definitely takes priority over standing, especially since I stand on a very large concrete crusher 55 hours a week already! Just got out of the garage and don't feel like dying, it's a pretty good feeling!

And Nick, I'll pick one up for you and drive it across the country just to spend a few days watching you in your shop!:D
And not in the creepy way... Although I'll stand in the dark corner if that's how you want it haha!
 
This is spectacular........

I've been mulling over my first BIG welding project - a welding table. I want 2 things for sure:

1) Adjustable height (folding upright would be a HUGE = now that I think about it.

2) Casters

I'm gonna read up on Mayline Power (Futurmatic) Drafting Tables to see if it will support a 1/2" metal plate top. That would be very cool.

Corey
 
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