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Tool Addicts

Adjustable Height Workbench

Patrick McCombe, contributor

70 users recommend

Charlie Kocourek's Jack Bench adjusts from 29 to 43 in. tall with a crank or cordless drill. A pair of internal scissor jacks provide the lift.

Photo: Ramon Moreno

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Different woodworking tasks are best accomplished with workbenches of different heights. Some woodworkers have multiple work stations for handplaning, power tools and even carving, which is great if you have the space and inclination for multiple benches. But what if you don't? Here's a solution: Charlie Kocourek's Jack-Bench.

According to Charlie, his adjustable-height bench can be made in your home shop from readily-available hardware and material. Plans are $35 and include step-by-step instructions, exploded drawings, cut and hardware lists, and templates for bench dog holes and bench dogs.

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Comments (14)

Gulen writes: :) Good job!
Posted: 1:03 pm on September 15th

CKocourek writes: Thanks Doc! I showed the bench at a local woodworking exhibition and so many people requested copies of my plans that I decided to build a website and make them avaialable.

I did think about building benches, but with my regular job I just don't have time. The original Jack-Bench pictured on my site is still available if anyone is interested, but I am only offering bench plans, not completed workbenches.

Charlie
Posted: 9:17 pm on August 25th

DocSavage45 writes: Charlie, with all your involvements, how do you find the time? Great idea from a great guy. Ever consider manufacturing it?
Posted: 1:51 pm on August 22nd

JackRigg writes: Brilliant!
Posted: 8:37 pm on August 20th

Hippockets writes: Great looking and functional.
Posted: 7:45 pm on August 19th

brownman writes: Thanks for coming up with such a unique and versatile workbench plan. When I first saw this I was glad that I hadn't started my dream workbench yet. I like your idea of using scissor jacks for the lift mechanism. Simple, and inexpensive.I tried using a hydraulic lift outfit and the ram or arm bent when I left weight on it, which rendered it useless.
Posted: 10:47 am on August 19th

Zed66 writes: Congratulations Charlie!
Very impressive !
I too wouldnt get much work done in my workshop as I would be too busy winding it up and down for fun!LOL...
regards
Chris

Posted: 12:41 am on August 19th

Aplantfan writes: I'm in the middle of building a classic bench...and now you show me this!?!?!?!? lol
I''ve been using a rolling computer chair that goes up and down to get the right height for dovetails.
Jeeze, that is the coolest thing I've ever seen.
Nice job.
Posted: 9:43 pm on August 17th

CKocourek writes: Hi dianavvm,

I have mailed plans to Australia, Europe, and recently I even mailed a set to Korea. However, the plans are in inches. The easiest thing would probably be to buy a tape that reads in inches. Thanks for asking!! Charlie
Posted: 5:50 pm on August 17th

dianavvm writes: is there a metric set of plans for Australian woodworker?
Posted: 9:02 pm on August 16th

CKocourek writes: Thanks for the kind words about my workbench; it's great to see such a positive response! To answer Caryhson1's question. The extra hardware required to allow this bench to adjust including that required for the mobile base adds about $150 to the cost of building one. The vises are kind of spendy, but they are worth it. I love the Veritas Twin Screw vise! Ironically, some of the least expensive parts are the two scissors jacks. I got mine at a salvage yard for $10 each. I have a whole page on my website about scissors jacks, and why one is better than another for this application. Thanks, Charlie Kocourek
Posted: 9:57 pm on August 12th

caryhson1 writes: What a beautiful bench and great design. This is defiantly the next bench I am going to build. I can guess what the wood materials costs are but can you give a ballpark as to how much the hardware costs? I don’t want to filch any secretes, but an answer would help me fit it into next years budget. I’m sure others in the FWW community would appreciate it as well.
Posted: 8:31 am on August 12th

schwa6970 writes: I would have a hard time doing work at this bench I would be too worried of dumping glue on it or something. Its beautiful and very innovative what you have done with the adj. height.

Posted: 9:21 am on August 11th

jg0258 writes: Pretty cool, much cheaper than the adjust a bench item

Posted: 5:47 pm on August 10th

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