back hurts from carving

[mdallensr]

Your bench height rule-of thumb is correct, but not for all carving. If you're mounting a large, in-the-round blank on your bench, it could be too high. The height you noted is called out in a couple of books for relief carving benches. I also use a sit/lean stool that looks like a bicycle seat and is adjustable for height as well as forward lean. I can plant both feet on the floor and sit just enough to take some pressure off of my legs and feet. Mike

[markken5889]

try one of those rubberized floormats in front of your bench. I got one from Woodcraft, Surprising how much of a difference it makes!

Mark

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

When I carve sitting down in a desk chair Iam fine, if I stand and carve my back bothers me.

Dave

[Howard Lobb]

I have a question for you. How tall are you? For example I am 5' 10" I have two benches that I use one is 32" tall and one is 40 1/2" the 32" is for sitting at on a stool I made that is the right height for some work But you mentioned you stand, the 40 1/2" bench I stand at is the right height for my hight. I also use logs that I have cut off at various heights to work off off, depends on the sizes I want to carve. The stretch thing works, I like the way, Just carving puts it. Walking after abit of sitting helps my back. Anti fatigue mats work last ditch stuff for me is drugs and ibuprofen and acetaminophen they work but, I think about it. I must be doing something that is causing the pain. The drugs just alleviate the symptom not the problem or cause. I like the suggestions given here but the best one I listen to is my own body. If it hurts I have to make changes, simple things, like lifting one foot a few inches up on a block, that has been suggested. All are great suggestions and work for a while then it is time to just move around a bit, clears the mind and helps my body.... I love the hot tub thought but if I am already in pain the heat can inflame already sore muscles and joints. When I get in the grove so to speak it is all forgotten till I have to get up for what ever reason and find I am in pain from sitting to long focused on the work. AND I don't like losing that focus sometimes. But I pay when that happens, so for me it is a struggle some days to be kind to this ol" body and try to take those breaks. Eat some fruit, drink the water etc. Walk the dog. No glory in needless pain. I figure my back pain originates in my head. What was I thinking.... Thanks you guys for the help I got here.

[SeaLeveler]

Sorry to hear you're hurting while carving.I have damage at L 3,4,5,S1 and can't sit or stand except for a couple minutes at a time.I do all my carving,scrolling and piddling while laying down on a rasied couch in my garage.Tony

[Howard Lobb]

Ouch!!! That does sound painful Tony. Hope that you are recovering, I'll send some prayers your way. My stuff is self induced bad habits and can be eliminated with better work habits. God bless you with a speedy recovery my friend.