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After years of ache, I bought a height-adjustable bench. Debate time: essential gear or just extra cost?

I've been building cabinets for over a decade, and my lower back has taken a beating from bending over standard benches. Last year, I splurged on an adjustable height workbench that lets me stand upright for most tasks. It made a huge difference in my daily comfort and I haven't had a back flare-up since. But here's the debate: some guys in my shop say it's a waste of money and that proper technique is all you need. They argue that learning to lift right and take breaks is cheaper and just as effective. I see their point, but when you're on tight deadlines, it's hard to always remember posture. What's your take? Is investing in ergonomic furniture a must for long-term health, or can we get by with old-school methods?
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3 Comments
patricias32
Seriously, my buddy in a custom shop ignored back pain until he messed up a big glue-up from hunching over. His boss finally got them an adjustable assembly table that changed everything. It wasn't cheap, but neither is being out of work with a bad back.
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park.nathan
A friend in carpentry swears by his adjustable stool, not the bench.
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the_elliot
the_elliot23d ago
Consider the guys who say it's a waste. Do they actually have chronic back issues, or are they just lucky so far? I'd be curious if their tune would change after a real injury that keeps them off the job.
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