Shop stool, casters or not? Back or not?

[wkearney99]

I'm debating the purchase of a new stool for the shop at home. I'm debating whether to get one with or without casters. That and with or without a seatback and a foot ring.

I've had a beast of a stool for years and it's damned uncomfortable. But it's been a great stand-in for all kinds of stuff, quick drill press stand, platform to beat something into shape, or just a place for a teetering pile of **** to stack up.

So I'm thinking of getting something new. Here's a couple of examples:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007E9IFHU/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I3ZRQM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm thinking if I get it with wheels I'll be "less likely" to pile **** on it. That and I've gotten a bunch of Festool stuff and it's damned handy being able to wheel the systainers around on their casters.

Going with a cushioned seat and back would be a nice break. Most of my work surfaces are around 36" tall, so a footrest ring would be helpful.

Any pros/cons on wheeled or not?

 

[Gerald O]

Wheels and padded seat means you'll use it for sitting on only. You'll probably break your neck if you try to use it to stand on. You'll occasionally lay something on it but not for long.
If you have a car lift then the wheels make it handy for sitting down while working under the car.

I've got a vintage drafting stool in the garage from the '70s that's got adjustable seat and backrest height. You want adjustable to get it just right for your bench height. No arm rests -- they get in the way.

 

[Falcon67]

None of mine have casters. I have two swivel with backs (Craftsman) and one no back. I'd rather not have casters, I think they are more pain than they would be worth. They won't work well on shop floor mats for sure. For car stuff, I have a low seat with casters.

 

[383 240z]

I have a few ikea solid wood bar stools. Love them. Strong enough for my fat *** to stand on, good height. Well built as well.

 

[R0805]

Casters are fine if the floor stays clean, but if you roll on a stool and a caster catches on a screw, washer, piece of wire, etc., it will tip over.

 

[Kensgarage]

No casters. No back.That's office chair stuff.
I like a good ol' fashioned high school shop stool.
I have an old office chair the lifter died and the back crapped out. That makes a pretty good roll around for working on brakes or plugging a tire or something.The seat is around 17" off the floor.It's easy on the *** and the lower back..
I took it and used it to run some baseboard the other day. Got a funny look but I was zinging along slapping it on. My back thought it was a great idea.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

I would say the triple - Casters, footrest and a backrest.

The first option delete would be that casters.

My back is too battered to sit for long with a backrest.

Jim

 

[shortykorte]

My go-to seat is a drafting chair (w/casters) like the one you posted. It's comfortable and it's nice to lean back and ponder. In the up position I can sit at a counter or tall table. In the low position it works great as a mechanics stool. Since I use the chair all over the shop, casters makes it easy to move.
I have the padded and unpadded bar/shop stools also. Those are for visitors.

 

[wkearney99]

I don't have any mats on the floor, but could see where that'd be something to consider. I generally try to keep the floor clean, but a wheel sticking would further encourage that! My back, likewise, doesn't benefit from being hunched over without support. This isn't a shop for car work, but I'd definitely have a lower one, preferably with some kind of trays, for that.

Now to just find the right one...

 

[ford33]

No casters on a shop stool. Too much stuff on the floor to roll easily. If you do get casters, make sure it has a foot rest otherwise it is hard to keep it under your ****.

 

[nadogail]

You have asked a great question.
I have a medical exam stool on 5 casters, it is perfect for my low mounted (16" from the floor) bench top drill press and the low table I use to brush paint small things.
Also a swivel top stool w/o casters for my workbench.

I also have a "Professional Drafting Stool" with casters and a back rest at the serving counter in my home.

What I am getting at; is there is no one answer that is best for every situation.

 

[NUTTSGT]

All four of mine (2 Cman & 2 TSC Travellers) both have a back rest, foor ring and no casters.

I think casters would be a PITA as you were sitting at a bench doing something and it creep away from the bench as you are working.

 

[zkling]

I'd go with the 2nd one between the two. I use an old basic style computer char (small oval back rest, no arms) 5? caster on a hydraulic cylinder for height adjustment. Works great for a welding chair. Only downside to wheels is if your shop floor or driveway (my problem) is heavily pitched, it can get away from you or under you.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

There must be a cheaper alternative, but here is an option to eliminate the casters: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KAH0LS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Cyberbear]

Everything about this subject has been well said. My two shop stools are well used old bare bones drafting stools, with foot ring, no back rest or casters. I've used them for everything and only paid $5.00 each at a used office equipment outlet.
You may one day want to have some fun and design and build your own unique shop stool with lots of personality.

 

[bgarrett]

I've been working in my shop for 40 years and never have used a chair. What kind of work do you do sitting down?

 

[pepi]

I've been working in my shop for 40 years and never have used a chair. What kind of work do you do sitting down?

I wonder about that also...

As to stool in the shop, sounds like a crapy idea..

 

[maxpower_hd]

I vote no casters. I have one that is basically a padded bar stool with a back and foot ring. Casters **** unless you want to move around. I have them on my small work stool but would not want them on the large one.

I use mine for searching the net, reading shop manuals, instructions, etc. I never had a use when I was younger but now with a bad back, hip, knee, neck, yada yada, I need to sit when I can. LOL

 

[Jawn]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200374318_200374318

That's my preference. Basically a padded barstool... no back, no casters.

 

[maxpower_hd]

As to what kind of work I do sitting down? Brakes mostly. I don't have a lift. Also welding, cutting, grinding. I do a lot of work laying down too. Pretty much everything on the bottom side of a vehicle. I sit or lay quite a lot at the work shop too. We actually have a stool in every bay. My question is what kind of work do you do that you never have to sit or lay for 40 years? Are you a chalk board mechanic? LOL

 

[Jinks]

No casters on a tall stool. I have a tall seat for my bench, a short seat/cart with casters for low work, & a mid-rise seat/cart with casters that adjusts height like an office chair. Plenty of flexibility for seated work, but I try to avoid storing things on seats/stools.

 

[Kensgarage]

I've been working in my shop for 40 years and never have used a chair. What kind of work do you do sitting down?

Checkering metal and grips,honing knives, working on a small carburetor. Running a Dremel(P.O.S. Milwaukee wanna B) and drawing or hand painting with a brush.
I like sitting when I TIG too(on the quite rare occasion).
I'm told it's easier to roll a joint while sitting too.