Adjustable Height Workbench
Aug 06, 2010
Different woodworking tasks are best accomplished with workbenches of different heights. Some woodworkers have multiple work stations for handplaning, power tools and even carving, which is great if you have the space and inclination for multiple benches. But what if you don’t? Here’s a solution: Charlie Kocourek’s Jack-Bench.
According to Charlie, his adjustable-height bench can be made in your home shop from readily-available hardware and material. Plans are $35 and include step-by-step instructions, exploded drawings, cut and hardware lists, and templates for bench dog holes and bench dogs.
Charlie Kocourek's Jack Bench adjusts from 29 to 43 in. tall with a crank or cordless drill. A pair of internal scissor jacks provide the lift.
Comments
Pretty cool, much cheaper than the adjust a bench item
I would have a hard time doing work at this bench I would be too worried of dumping glue on it or something. Its beautiful and very innovative what you have done with the adj. height.
What a beautiful bench and great design. This is defiantly the next bench I am going to build. I can guess what the wood materials costs are but can you give a ballpark as to how much the hardware costs? I don’t want to filch any secretes, but an answer would help me fit it into next years budget. I’m sure others in the FWW community would appreciate it as well.
Thanks for the kind words about my workbench; it's great to see such a positive response! To answer Caryhson1's question. The extra hardware required to allow this bench to adjust including that required for the mobile base adds about $150 to the cost of building one. The vises are kind of spendy, but they are worth it. I love the Veritas Twin Screw vise! Ironically, some of the least expensive parts are the two scissors jacks. I got mine at a salvage yard for $10 each. I have a whole page on my website about scissors jacks, and why one is better than another for this application. Thanks, Charlie Kocourek
is there a metric set of plans for Australian woodworker?
Hi dianavvm,
I have mailed plans to Australia, Europe, and recently I even mailed a set to Korea. However, the plans are in inches. The easiest thing would probably be to buy a tape that reads in inches. Thanks for asking!! Charlie
I'm in the middle of building a classic bench...and now you show me this!?!?!?!? lol
I''ve been using a rolling computer chair that goes up and down to get the right height for dovetails.
Jeeze, that is the coolest thing I've ever seen.
Nice job.
Congratulations Charlie!
Very impressive !
I too wouldnt get much work done in my workshop as I would be too busy winding it up and down for fun!LOL...
regards
Chris
Thanks for coming up with such a unique and versatile workbench plan. When I first saw this I was glad that I hadn't started my dream workbench yet. I like your idea of using scissor jacks for the lift mechanism. Simple, and inexpensive.I tried using a hydraulic lift outfit and the ram or arm bent when I left weight on it, which rendered it useless.
Great looking and functional.
Brilliant!
Charlie, with all your involvements, how do you find the time? Great idea from a great guy. Ever consider manufacturing it?
Thanks Doc! I showed the bench at a local woodworking exhibition and so many people requested copies of my plans that I decided to build a website and make them avaialable.
I did think about building benches, but with my regular job I just don't have time. The original Jack-Bench pictured on my site is still available if anyone is interested, but I am only offering bench plans, not completed workbenches.
Charlie
:) Good job!
Great. Thumbs up!
Nice, thanks for sharing with us.
I love this and would like to purchase plans for it. Do you have plans for purchase?
Great Idea.Well done!
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