Grinding height, posture, etc.

[Don Nguyen]

What is the proper height a grinder should be at, and what kind of posture should one be using?

I'm using grinders with the platen about upper-stomach level. My neck gets really, really sore and ache-y after like half an hour of grinding because I'm always looking downwards at my work on the platen. My upper back and chest also get stiff and sore.

I try to keep my back straight and have a firm base with my legs. Still, the looking downward part just isn't comfortable for me at all. Any pointers?

 

[jll346]

The proper height is what is comfortable for your personal use. I see many with their grinder low. For me that didn't work because it killed my neck having it bent so much looking straight down. I actually changed the height 3 times until it "just felt comfortable". I actually try to stand feet around shoulder width apart so I am comfortable and steady. I have seen guys who pull up a stool to grind. Again, I don't think there is a right or wrong. Whatever feels best do it. Worst thing to be is uncomfortable.

-Jim

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The height and stance should both give you balance. The stance is feet slightly apart, elbows tucked in, hands in front of chest. Thus, the platen/contact wheel should be about at that spot.

I often grind sitting on a bar stool, with my feet braced on the legs/rungs.

Problems can arise when you have different attachments with different height work areas. Later this year I will be posting a build tutorial for an adjustable height grinder mount that anyone can build cheaply.

 

[LRB]

Bar stool. Feet braced on rungs. Elbows can be braced on thighs for extra control in critical work. Legs of stool set as a diamond position to the grinder.

 

[Mark Behnke]

Bruce Bumps adjustable hieght grinder.

See this thread
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/575190-Grinder-Height

 

[Phil705]

Here is a thread from several years ago on the subject of grinder height.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/575190-Grinder-Height

 

[Don Nguyen]

Thanks for the help guys.

How do you get over the straining of always looking down? That seems to be my biggest problem.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Don, for flat platen work, I find angling it (the top of the platen towards you) a little helps.