What height for scroll saw?

[Dennis51]

I stand up when using my scroll saw. I just got a new scroll saw and am wondering what is the best height to have the saw placed at?

Thanks

Dennis

[JimErn]

IMO it is all about the position of your elbows relative to the table.

Some folks like the elbows below the table so it almost looks like the arms are hanging off the table, Others like it when the elbow is above the table and the arms/hands rest on the table.

Also consider lifting the back of the saw so that the table itself is slanted toward the operator, amazing how much difference that makes. Mine sits on a 4x4 (back legs)

Basically you have to try different set ups until you find the one that works for your physical abilities

[ike]

What everis most confort. I have had my saws up in the back and some not I personally can't telll much difference, to each his own but try it .

Edited October 18, 2020 by ike

[new2woodwrk]

That's an interesting question, I sit when I scroll and the height of my cart and the chair I use is perfect for me.

However, sometimes I do have to stand because the piece extends too far off the front of my table. When that happens I notice (now) the cart is too low and I am leaning over too much.

I would have to raise the saw another 6"-8" to stand all the time to scroll. I'm way too old for that LOL

I would venture a guess, as others have said, it depends on what is comfortable for you.

I imagine if you are very tall, that could pose a problem getting something high enough to be comfortable for you.

Whatever you end up with, would love to see pics of the final set up

 

[Be_O_Be]

 I cut with my table flat and the table is just below my elbow height when sitting. This seems to keep my neck a little straighter. 

 I would agree with others, try different set-ups & see what is most comfortable for yourself.

[Bill WIlson]

As has been said, it's not a simple answer.  Each person may have a different position of preference, based on various ergonomic and physical factors.

There are a couple of issues that tend to crop up when scrolling for long periods of time.  One is numbness in the hands.  The other is soreness in the neck and shoulders.  I'm sure there are others, but as far as table height is concerned, I think these are the 2 main ones.  I've never had a problem with hand numbness, but my neck & shoulders are a different story.  I like to keep the table a little higher, so that I'm not so hunched over.  This helps with the neck & shoulder soreness.  For some, this could cause problems with their hands.  I think tilting the table can alleviate this somewhat.  If the table is a little higher and on an angle, it fits a little more naturally with the bend of your elbows.

 

[Montserrat]

I scroll standing up and have the saw stand elevated so that my lower arms are at a 90 degree angle when I scroll.  I have found that to be the best for me personally. my husband made it moveable which I really love. 

 

https://youtu.be/wcsT-ZyFDGk

Edited October 19, 2020 by Montserrat

[Steelers]

On 10/18/2020 at 7:36 AM, Dennis51 said:

I stand up when using my scroll saw. I just got a new scroll saw and am wondering what is the best height to have the saw placed at?

Thanks

Dennis

i am always high enough to look down onto wood to follow the pattern

[crupiea]

I sit in a regular folding chair so mine is low.  Easier to use the foot pedal while sitting. 

[FrankEV]

The table of my 21" Pegas with the Pegas stand sits (when level) at full extention just about 37" off the floor.   The leg extenders can be changed in two inch increments or about 6" total vertically.  I currently have my front extenders down one hole (about 2"), so the front of the table is at 35" with the rear of the table angled up to around 38".

I puchased a workshop stool from HF that was much too tall so I had tho cut the legs down by 3", so my seat height is now 26".   This combination is working for me, but still have not decided if it is optmal.  

I am short and have short legs, so even with these dimensions, I had to make a support for my foot switch that raises it off the floor about 5".   

If I have to satnd up to do any cutting these dimensions are OK as the vertical location of my head and hands are not that much higher then when sitting on the stool.

My bigest concern is seeing the blade/pattern line intersection comfortably.  If I sit up straight it is hard to see.  If I want to see the blade/pattern well, I find I'm hunching over.  I also find my body position is effected differently when using spiral blades vs. regular straight cutting blades.  When using Spirals I want to look down on the work while when using regular blades I can look at the blade/pattern more head on, if that makes any sence.  So when using spirals I'm definately hunched over more and it is felt in my neck, shouldeers and lower back.

As for my arm position, I think my forearms/wrists are just about on the same plane as the table. Elbows extend out from my body and the table, but are not drooping down,  unless I holding the work piece from below.  This happens sometimes when the cut is near the edge of the piece and the piece extends out from the table significantly.

The table of my Porter Cable saw on its stand was just about at the same level as the Pegas.  I have to beleive (I know giving more credit then may be due) that saw manufacturers who offer stands have chosens the stand hights to be suitable for most people.