Japanese woodworking bench?

[Matthew Lau]

Does anyone have experience doing Japanese woodworking?

As I understand, they essentially use a large board on the floor.
It may be about coffee table height.
I've only seen pictures.
How does this really work?

I'm thinking of using a similar setup in my rented room for woodworking.

-Matt

[Dave Stewart]

I remember seeing an article quite a few years ago.......FWW I think. Very low bench (10"?). Most work done sitting on the floor .......legs often used as vise. Weird but interesting. Check their archives .... tons of stuff there. (Must be books out there too).

[Bryan Bear]

At least you would have a good reason to refuse when people ask you to build then a chair. . .

[Clay Schaeffer]

Hi Matthew,
If I was working in a rented room with limited space I would buy a black and decker workmate. With a few home made auxiliary tops you could have a very versatile and compact work bench. Even after you have a fully equipped shop you will find a hundred different uses for the workmate.
The Japanese do some pretty amazing woodworking with some pretty basic tools, but the low bench is getting a little too close to the wrong side of the ground for my comfort. <g>

[Mattia Valente]

Get a workmate. It folds up small, add a top for larger projects, you've got a built-in vise...great tool. Probably one of my most used bits of workshop kit, even though I have a 'proper' workbench, mostly because I like working outside, weather permitting.