Joel's Blog Ten Ways I am Doing Things Differently - Part 4

I'm with you 100% on how we need to change our ways as the years go on. I'm pushing 70 and like you, the vision and bending over the bench got to be a bit much. Bending over was fine --- straightening up, now that's a different story. Made the Jeff Miller bench and find that on my woodworking bench it's just right for dovetails and on a slightly lower carving bench it's just right for carving. A big plus happened when I started to use a rechargeable head lamp from REI when cutting dovetail joints. Only down side is now I can't use the excuse of not being able to see!

The Noden Adjustabench lets you raise the bench to cut dovetails - or do router inlay work - then lower it way below normal for heavy planing or power sanding. It is fast, reliable and generally fabulous. I built my own top, because I like a split bench, and added a tail vise on one side and a machinists vice on the other, and it can tackle any project. Moxon would have loved it.
I am amazed how little press this device gets, because any woodworker that sees me using it wants one.

I’m 100% with you on the Moxon vise. It’s better for doing all sorts of detailed work.

Well, I'm 72 and faced the same issues but I solved them by using a low stool.
An old bathtub stool is just the right height. :-)

Sight has been my baine the last few years.
I recently got some nice "shop only" glasses that have helped.
Arthritis is another challenge, but larger foam padded handles on my clamps and matts to stand on all help the joints.
One of the best things is your posts Joel...honest.
I really align myself to your way of thinking and working in my shop.
I appreciate all the ways you help your readers sort through different challenges.
I also love your tools.
I spebd too much money on your products according to my wife. But she hasn't thrown me out yet, so I guess I'm lucky..haha
Thanks Joel and keep up the good work.

In the newest Fine WoodWorking Magazine issue 265 - the Tools and Shops issue beginning on page 68 there is a really fine article by Christian Becksvoort titled "Working at the Right Height." Plenty of good ideas and approaches to getting your woodwork at a good working height your you. All ideas and approaches are the kind that should appeal to any wood worker who is willing to apply some skill and ingenuity to soothing the issues contributing to tired backs, sore legs, and the infirmities of us older wood workers. For me, Good light/lighting, comfortable working heights, and a comfortable stool are all musts for my workshop. Christian Becksvoort has given me an additional idea or two for further improvements.

Joel

I am with you on the Moxon vise. I built mine based on a design published in TFWW with some influence from the Benchrafted design. Here is the URL http://www.jacalawoodworks.com/?page_id=230.

I just can't bend over like I used to - and this is my go to device when doing any dovetail work.

Great blog post Joel.

Well, I'm 72 and faced the same issues but I solved them by using a low stool.
An old bathtub stool is just the right height. :-)

Here , Here another shout out for the Noden adjustable height work bench . I’ve had one for a good No. of years now and I love it’s ease of adjustability and heavy construction .I was fortunate enough to find a slightly used one locally and saved a few hundred dollars .

another vote for Noden bench - i've put a moxon vise (shopmade with bench crafted hardware) on mine - it's awesome. I'm 65 and deal with all the arthritis issues and I love this bench for cutting dovetails and particularly marking the pin board from tail board.

I would be glad to send you a picture.