Table height-Darkroom

Dave Wooten · Dec 2, 2005

Am installing my enlarger table and work table this week...cant decide if I want to roll around or walk around....any suggestions on table height for enlargers....some will be mounted on the table and some will have their own board etc..

thanks
Dave

jimgalli · Dec 2, 2005

No right answer just a reminder that people in our age group.........can't see very far

David Brown · Dec 2, 2005

It's really personal preference. I am average height (5'10"), so normal kitchen counter height works for me.

However, when I installed a sink for trays, I built the stand so that the bottom of the sink was at counter top height, i.e., the trays were at the same height as they would have been on a counter. One wouldn't think that 6 inches (or so) difference would be significant. But bending over that far to reach all the trays will add up.

So, bottom line: build, buy, install what's comfortable to you!

Cheers

David

resummerfield · Dec 2, 2005

After much experimenting, I find it works best for me to have the countertop height the same as the height of my shirt sleeve cuff above the ground. For me, thats 38 inches. My sink bottom is 6 inches below countertop height, but I think David Brown makes a good suggestion to raise the sink bottom up to countertop height.

Imke · Dec 2, 2005

I find it much easier to dodge and burn when standing up, so I have my enlarger table built roughly at navel height. I'll be getting a bar stool soon to be able to sit and give my feet a rest if I need to. Best of both worlds IMO.

Processing I always like to do standing up. So same there, navel height.

hortense · Dec 2, 2005

Enlarger Bench

For most comfort, I find that a bench should be elbow height. Why? If you've got a back like mine ...

jgjbowen · Dec 2, 2005

My table is 40" tall, but then I'm 6'6" with 38" sleeves.....I think the navel height is the best advice. Just make sure your enlarger will sit on top of it with your tallest head and still fit under the ceiling!

John

photobackpacker · Dec 2, 2005

My darkroom is in my basement where I am cursed with a 7' ceiling. The column height of my Saunders 4500VCCE coupled with the 7' ceiling clearance dictated the working height of my enlarger table. I get a lot of exercise going from sitting to standing at the sink. Saves the cost of a health club membership.

herb · Dec 2, 2005

table height

Belly button is best for us geezers. No bending. You can get a "mobile base" made for woodworking machinery for a small (4x5 or less) enlarger and have a lot of flexibility.

Dave Wooten · Dec 2, 2005

thanks Herb and all,

actually I am an apprentice geezer....the belly bit just might do it

Imke · Dec 2, 2005

herb said:
Belly button is best for us geezers.

Heyheyhey wait, don't put me in with the geezers, I'm 38!!!!
(My back is killing me, though..)

PeterB · Dec 3, 2005

Dave Wooten said:
Am installing my enlarger table and work table this week...cant decide if I want to roll around or walk around....any suggestions on table height for enlargers....some will be mounted on the table and some will have their own board etc..

thanks
Dave

Hi Dave,
I was able to comforatbly accomodate both sitting and standing positions by getting a laboratory swivel chair on wheels that goes at least as high as a bar stool. This way the table heights could be adjusted for my standing requirements, and when I sit down, I adjust the chair so I can work at the same height.
For an example of a similar chait to mine, see item C70164
http://www2.alfaxfurniture.com/product-1/194.htm

regards
Peter

both options

Table height-Darkroom

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