A. Michael Dresdner: "The right bench height involves both the height of the person working at it and the work that will be done on it. For example, guitar workbenches are adjusted so the top of the guitar is at a comfortable working height when held in its vise. This would require a different height bench than, say, one in which a one-inch thick flat board was being carved or a mortise was being chopped out. If you want to see what I feel is an ideal bench, take a look at Geoff Noden's Adjust-a-bench, which allows you to quickly change bench heights to match the job, and the craftsman. Check it out at www.geocities.com/adjustabench/"

A. Lee Grindinger: "Keep in mind that no one height is perfect for everything that goes on in a workshop. Many shops have benches of different heights for different types of work. My main workbench is 35"; my carving bench is 37". I cannot exert a lot of downward pressure for an extended time against my 37" bench; however, I can on the 35" bench. You can and should make your bench whatever height you're comfortable with, but if you do err it would be best if you erred by making the bench too high. Then, you can shorten the legs if you choose to."