It was the early 2000s, and my journey into the world of woodworking led me to Tacoma, Washington, to learn the delicate art of French polishing from Eugene Clark. Stepping into his workshop on a crisp winter morning, I believed my focus was solely on mastering this finishing technique. However, I was about to learn a far more profound lesson that extended well beyond the craft itself.
Over the time I spent with Eugene and in the years that followed, he became a mentor in countless aspects of woodworking and life. One particular area where his wisdom deeply resonated was the crucial connection between our physical well-being and our craft. He emphasized the importance of intentionality and discipline in body mechanics, posture, and strength, especially when working at our workbench.
To drive this point home, Eugene challenged me with seemingly simple tasks, like achieving a perfectly flat sanded surface and using a hand plane with precision. In his characteristic Mister Miyagi style, he revealed profound insights in areas I had never considered. On that specific day, as I worked, he observed my stance and habits. He pointed out my feet were too close together, my shoulders were tense, practically touching my ears, and my overall posture was far from ideal.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he asked a question that would change my perspective forever: “How tall is your workbench?”
My honest answer was, “I don’t know.”
“I thought so,” he responded knowingly.
He proceeded to explain that my poor posture and working habits were, at least partially, a direct consequence of using a workbench that was too low. He then shared a cautionary tale about a friend of his, a fellow craftsman who had started building guitars around the same time he did. Eugene, even in his 70s when I was learning from him, was remarkably strong and worked with unwavering confidence, always using a workbench of the correct height.
His friend, unfortunately, had opted for a very low workbench. This seemingly small decision led him to constantly bend over excessively, adopting a posture much like my own flawed stance. Initially, the consequences were minor – back, shoulder, and neck pain after long hours in the workshop. However, over months and years of repeated strain, this discomfort evolved into chronic pain. Tragically, his friend’s condition worsened to the point where he could no longer stand, ultimately confining him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
While other factors might have contributed to this heartbreaking story, the core message struck me with undeniable force. From that moment forward, prioritizing my health became paramount. Returning to my own workshop, the first thing I did was raise my workbench to the proper height, using Eugene’s method, which I will elaborate on later. This was also the start of a continuous journey towards greater mindfulness and intention in every aspect of my work, every day.
Adjusting my workbench height, coupled with a more conscious approach to my body mechanics, has been transformative. It has been instrumental in maintaining a strong and healthy back, body, and joints. This, in turn, has been vital to sustaining efficiency and quality in my work throughout the years. It all begins with understanding and implementing the optimal height for your workbench – the foundation of any productive and healthy woodworking practice, and truly, the cornerstone of the Best Workbench for you.
