Optimum Bench Depth

[jking]

I'm curious if anyone has opinions on the optimum depth of a workbench? I currently have a very old bench built out of plywood in my garage that is about 24" in depth. I guess I'm mainly thinking of against the wall workbenches, but, would be curious about thoughts on workbenches in the middle of a shop as well. I know in some cases bigger may be better, but, it seems there are also times when slightly narrow might be useful, too.

[atgcpaul]

If you go by the current guru of workbench design, Chris Schwarz, a 24" deep bench is ideal (rule 5).

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/rules_for_workbenches

However, I think it's too narrow but probably because I'm messy. I built mine when I had the BT3 and it was against the wall. It's 30" deep and 6 1/2' long. It now serves as the out feed/assembly table for my cabinet saw. There is actually a 6" spacer between the two, so not including the TS, I'm at nearly 36".

That has worked well for me. I haven't really needed more depth (although I would like it longer). It's also not ideal for handwork. It has a thick torsion box top so the thin top layer isn't ideal for bench dog holes. I end up screwing stops to the bench top for hand planing or clamping pieces to the top by using the overhangs of the bench.

Paul

[big tim]

Mine is 25.5" deep, works well for me. Search benchlift on this site and you
will see some pictures of my bench and how I made it mobile.
Are you planning on building a bench?
Cheers,

Tim

[tfischer]

Mine is about 3' deep. I like the extra depth to have parts, tools etc at arms reach without cluttering up active space.

[mpc]

Like so many other questions on this site: depends on what you build most and how you like to work. Around 24 inch bench depth is typically recommended since that's a typical arm reach, just like the large tool trunks are often about 24 inches front-to-back and 24 inches deep. If you tend to work on larger projects though a deeper bench may be necessary. Some folks like to be able to walk all the way around a bench while working; in this case more than 24 inches makes a lot of sense. Other folks want the bench against a wall, near the wall-hung tool rack... so being able to reach over/across the bench is essential... no 36 inch bench in this case.

I have one of the mid-size Sjoberg benches (clearanced from Rockler when they switched to their house brand) which isn't even 24 inches deep; it's about 19 and a half if I remember correctly. That's been too narrow several times... 30 inches would be about right. At least based on the size of my most prevalent clamps.

mpc

[LinuxRandal]

How are you figuring using the clamps? The space between the head and tail (where the ends don't get bumped and are off the edge)?

I prefer to have a couple size benches, but to me, if I were to only have one, it would be between 24" and kitchen counter depth at 25 1/2". Looking at some table designs, as well as something I am sure I saw here, you could have notches to add on a section to make it deeper, or a trailer hitch for things you want to have secure, but be able to remove (bench grinder, mechanics vise, etc).
It is MUCH easier to make it wider, then narrower.