Woodcarver down the street would like to build a new carving bench that would allow him to adjust the height in about a 6″ range, and by raising the back edge adjust the angle of the benchtop from horizontal to about 45 degrees. Two options he’s heard of are hydraulic scissors lift and some sort of linked corner screws for height adjustment, and perhaps a long cylinder for angling the benchtop. Has anyone seen diagrams/descriptions of such mechanisms? His concerns are cost of a scissors lift strong enough to lift say 500 pounds and racking of four corner screw lift.
Thanks.
Don Stephan
Replies
A scissors lift will definitely be strong enough, but a possible issue for a carver may be side to side flex of the scissors mechanism.
Harbor freight carries reasonably priced scissors lifts - if there's a store near you, I'd take your friend there and see if it's side-to-side flex is objectionable or not.
If not, put a tilting top on it (with a decent overhang on the carving side to allow room for feet, legs, etc while perched on a stool), and Voila' - instant carver's bench.
Mike D
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=31153&cat=1,41637
The above or a home made version of it will take care of the top tilting/adjusting requirements. Click on the instructions link by the prices to get a better idea of how the mechanism works.
Now all you need to do is come up with an elevating mechanism.
DonStephen,
Taunton has a nice little series of 3 books, The Work Shop book, The Toolbox book, and the WorkBench book.
I own all 3, but I also see them from time to time at my public library---and also Borders
Specifically----- the workbench book has 8-10 carving benches and accessories that your friend my find usefull.---- in particular is one which the builder mounted on the Base of an old Dental chair------gives him infinite height adjustments within about an 18" range
I think I have personally seen something similar mounted on the base of a barbers chair as well-- but it will probably take a month to remember where. ( It took me a couple days to remember what I saw in the workbench Book LOL)
hope that helps in some small way
Stephen
He might want to consider another option as well: a solid bench with a few benchtop benches that can be clamped to the top to provide work surfaces of different size, height, and pitch.
Such things were described in FWW#176:
http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Workshop/WorkshopPDF.aspx?id=24127
Thanks for making the connection Alan. That was one of my initial suggestions, but an extended commission he is proposing would involve quite deep relief carving on numerous large slabs, so he wants to be able to adjust the working surface height as carving proceeds on a particular slab. Found a picture of an adjustable height bench on the back cover of Fine Woodworking No. 131 I'm going to show him.
I just got my Adjust-a-bench from http://www.adjustabench.com. It is extremely sturdy and lovers to 28" to a high above 45". The website features some video clips that demo the bench. The maple tops come in various lengths and widths. I got the 72" x 30" model. I also have the bench on its optional heavy duty castors so, with the adjustable height, I can use the bench as an outfeed table for my machines.
I have no affiliation with the company.
J Wright<b>Treasure Island FL
I saw that bench at a woodworking show yesterday. Good idea but waaaaay too pricey for me.
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