How high is your router table?

[Pappy]

I would have to measure but it is just below elbow height when I am standing. like Hank said, better control and easier on the back.

[steve-norrell]

My table saw and router table is about 40 inches high. When I built the cabinet for it, I had used 3" wheels and the saw was fastened directly to the mobile cabinet top. The router table is mounted to the rails of the saw. That put the surface at about 38 to 38 1/2 inches.

I changed to 4" wheels and added a 3/4" thick hinged base so the saw can be flipped up for maintenance. That gave me the 40 or so inches.

It is just below elbow level and did take a little getting used to. But it is now much easier on the back (with arthritis and stenosis). I (and my back) like not having to bend over too much.

Regards, Steve

[Knottscott]

My RT is the same height as my TS and workbench, which are ~ 38".

[steve-norrell]

Its interesting that more than half of the responses are for more than 36". And, I would guess that most of these are for saws and router tables that were either shop-built or shop-modified -- where the owner could choose any height he/she wanted.

Manufacturers take note: Is there an ergonomic issue here?

An aside, but not unrelated issue: A bone doctor once told me that one of the most common places where the more mature amongst us "throw out their backs" is at the bathroom sink when bending over it for one reason or another, especially in the morning, right after getting up. He suggested having raised to at least 36". A recent bout with my arthritic and stenosis-ridden back supports his theory.

Regards, Steve

[OpaDC]

Mine is a table top bolted to a table top (how original of me ) that puts it at 44.5". Love it that high most of the time.

An aside, but not unrelated issue: A bone doctor once told me that one of the most common places where the more mature amongst us "throw out their backs" is at the bathroom sink when bending over it for one reason or another, especially in the morning, right after getting up. He suggested having raised to at least 36". A recent bout with my arthritic and stenosis-ridden back supports his theory.

Regards, Steve

Steve, this is the reason a new vanity is high on my priority list. Of course wife thinks the whole bathroom needs to be redone to match. I plan on making mine about 36". I wonder why this doesn't become standard. Still using plans from hundred years ago when average person was smaller.

[steve-norrell]

I should have added a note of caution:

Warning: Any minor change is likely to trigger a complete remodel!

Actually, I think the height is designed for the 'average person', including small children. This also applies to toilets, but I notice that "comfort" height commodes are now becoming quite common. One of my major rants has to do with the height of the commode in most motels.

Alas, the golden age is not all its cracked up to be, but it sure beats the alternative.

Take care, Steve

[gfunderb]

Bench Heights

Three bench heights in my shop.
29" for benches,work tables, sanding stations.
36" for chop saws, RAS, and CMS.
40.5" for router table, mortiser, drill press, and assembly tables, etc.

I'm 6 ft., so this is what works for me.

[Pappy]

Remembered to measure mine today. 39"

[RodKirby]

Finally measured mine 36"

I'm only 5'7" but I've found the table VERY comfortable to use - I wouldn't want it any lower.

FWIW - I have my disk sander up at 42" - I actually raised it. Rounding corners etc. used to kill my back.

[Luckbox]

Mine is a portable router table so it really depends on the height of the table I clamp it to.

[ejs1097]

I made a quicky many years ago designed to fit in my workmate with the center board removed, been using it ever since. It sits 32" low. When I get a 'round tuit a dedicated table will be considerably higher. In the meantime this works so it's status quo for now.

[leehljp]

Just a warning to those who like "eye" candy esthetics with everything the same height - That sameness in height is not "back" candy, nor the optimal set up for control. It is a personal choice, but there is also an ideal height for safety, control and health for each kind of operation - that should be considered.

[RonT]

Mine is 34 1/2", the same as my TS. I often use it as an outfeed table. I'm 5'-5"; would a taller Router table be better, maybe but, this height works for me.

[Santa Clarita Len]

I like mine really high. Although I am only 5'7" it is hard on my back with 4 slipped discs so I built it 44" tall with a Rockler table and fence and this a great height for me.

[Carlos]

Mine is 40.5.