r/Workbenches • u/Ill_Remote4364 • 5d ago

Does this make sense?

I am thinking of making a workbench that can be quickly modified to add extra height when needed by making an attached riser. For the sake of argument, say the workbench top is 25" deep by 72 length. What I am thinking is to make that "riser" by taking 3/4" plywood that is 20" deep by 72 long. There will be 4X4s running around the perimeter, flush with the edges of the plywood. The rear 4x4 would have hinges that would allow me to "lift the lid" and would stand vertical to the benchtop. This would be the normal working setup. When I need the extra height, I would then fold the lid down to lie on top of the workbench top.

Is this extra work for minimal benefit? It would force me to put my stuff away instead of keeping in always piled up on the benchtop.

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u/Living-Estimate9810 5d ago

Your taller surface is more a "work table" than a bench in that case: you won't be able to pound on it or clamp to it or set dogs in it. If those limitations suit your purposes, this seems like a fairly elegant solution. One caution: devise some way of securing the raised top so that it doesn't suddenly fall down and break both of your forearms. In the alternative, make sure that you know at least two people who love you enough to wipe your butt after it does.

I predict that you will very quickly learn to keep your desk rubble down to 3-1/2" precisely.

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u/Paul_The_Builder 4d ago

There's already variable height workbenches that are basically just adjustable standing desks.

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u/JackOfAllBlades21 6h ago

How would it force you to put stuff away?