Workbench height for SMT?

[Martinn]

Hi all,

I guess this is very subjective, so I am asking for opinions.
For ages I had an old Ikea living room table as my workbench, which at 70 cm I find a bit low for microscope/SMT work. As I plan to build a new bench anyway, I am more or less free to define a new height.
My computer desk has 76 cm, which I find comfortable. So probably anything between 70+ and 80 cm might work, some differences could be compensated for using the chair height adjustment.

What are your preferences?

Thanks! Martin

[rea5245]

anything between 70+ and 80 cm might work...

What are your preferences?

Inches.

 

[Jackster]

I have my desks at 84cm. When low in the chair, my arms are just right for typing on a keyboard and using a mouse.
It's great for getting a low angle onto a board for rework and I can just pump my chair or stand up if I need to get ontop of a board.

[jpanhalt]

Here's a typical jeweler's bench: https://pmcsupplies.com/deluxe-solid-wooden-jewelers-bench-set-with-shelf-organizer.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgLCB4PyU-wIVl-7jBx1jGgE_EAQYAyABEgIl8PD_BwE

It's 39" (99 cm) high.  Having your arms a little higher than for, say, a dining table or writing desk will help with fine hand work.  Adding a microscope instead of a loupe may change that.  If it's an optical microscope you may need a much lower desk.  If it is an electronic one with camera, then that height shouldn't matter.  My assembly/dining room table is 31" (79 cm), which is a little higher than the common 30", but I have a low chair that gives me a little elevation.

In other words, I would err on the high side, unless you are using an optical microscope. (I use a headband loupe.)

[Martinn]

In other words, I would err on the high side, unless you are using an optical microscope. (I use a headband loupe.)

After having purchased a small number of those professionally, I managed to buy a used Zeiss Stemi 2000 for my own workplace with a (unfortunately non-Zeiss) 0.7x barlow lens. This comination has 36 cm (14.2") eyepiece center height.

99 cm/39" sure is too high for electronics! At my work desk, my chin is at 107 cm (42.1"), but I see the point for a jeweller doing lots of closeup work with a loupe.