Lets talk Electronic bench chairs and stools and lets see what you all use

[cncfixer]

Hey fellow spark chasers.
i normally use this site as a guest and did some searching for bench stool recommendations.   My bench stool sucks, it was dug out of the dumpster years ago and now that I'm of the grandpaw status it's killing my back ,butt and neck.  What are you guys using?  Care to share a picture and a review?  A good stool or chair  and lighting is the most important thing for a bench.  What are you guys using?  Any long time reviews?  Thanks to everyone in advance for your thoughts.

[nctnico]

If your bench is at normal desk height, then a good quality office chair will work well. I buy these used because a good quality office chair easely sets you back US $800 or more when bought new. Usually it is worth to get these reupholstered when the fabric / foam is worn because the mechanical part lasts much longer.

[Psi]

Avoid chairs with arm rests.

You will be rolling back and forward on your chair between your PC area and your electronic test area.
If you have your hands holding the arm rests they will get crushed by the desk as you roll under.

At least, I used to have that issue all the time when I had a chair with arm rests. So i'm always careful to never buy one like that again.
I guess it would be fine if you have enough room between the arm rests and the bottom of the desk, but i always found the ideal chair height ends up with the arm rests only just clearing under the desk and no more.

[nctnico]

Avoid chairs with arm rests.

You will be rolling back and forward on your chair between your PC area and your electronic test area.
If you have your hands holding the arm rests they will get crushed by the desk as you roll under.

I second that but the solution is simple: just unbolt those. There is no need to avoid chairs with armrests. However, you will need more space on your desk so you can rest your arms on the desk when typing / using the mouse.

[Psi]

Avoid chairs with arm rests.

You will be rolling back and forward on your chair between your PC area and your electronic test area.
If you have your hands holding the arm rests they will get crushed by the desk as you roll under.

I second that but the solution is simple: just unbolt those. There is no need to avoid chairs with armrests. However, you will need more space on your desk so you can rest your arms on the desk when typing / using the mouse.

If you can unbolt them sure, but that's not possible on all chairs, sometimes you need a hacksaw.

[jpanhalt]

Chairs and workbenches are not independent variables.  In my home, most tables for sitting are about 30" high (±0.5") and chairs are 17"±0.5".  That gives a working height to about 12".  Jeweler's benches are higher (about 39") (https://www.esslinger.com/watchmakers-workbench/    and   https://www.esslinger.com/heavy-duty-jewelers-workbench/).  Of course, stools are higher than chairs too.

What's important is the working height for the job at hand.  For example, if you use an optical microscope, 12" may be too much, particularly if you are short.  If you are placing small SMD components, you may want more.  An inch to 1-1/2" may make a big difference.  I happen to have a lot of Amish-made furniture.  Their chairs tend to be short and tables are a little high.  Last Winter when I did a reflow PCB with SMD's (TQFP and 805's), I found my lowest chair and highest table, which happened to be my dinner table and chair.  The difference was only about an inch, but it made a difference.  At the dinner table, I compensate by having cushions on every chair.  That 1" makes you feel like your face is in the food.

As for chair style, I also prefer no arm rests.  I also like a hard seat that allows easy movement.

[Electro Fan]

Chairs and workbenches are not independent variables. 

+1

The chair or stool should fit with your work space and the equipment you will be using. 

You might need one chair for your desk that works with your computer, keyboard/mouse, and monitor.

You might need or want a different chair to work with your test equipment bench, or you might prefer to stand when using test equipment.  My TE bench has no chair.

You might need or want a different chair or stool for your work bench.  I use the stool chair below at my work bench when using a microscope.  The stool chair puts my neck, head, and eyes at the right height to view into a microscope when the scope sits on the work bench where I solder.   It has a ring foot rest which keeps my feet, knees, and back reasonably comfortable and supported.  Like some of the other posters I have removed (simply unbolted) the arm rests - this allows me to get closer to the bench and allows my knees to fit under the bench top.  This particular stool chair has some useful adjustments, especially the overall height and the ring foot rest height.  It's not the least expensive or the most expensive - you might be able to find it on Amazon, from the manufacturer, or other places.

OFM ESS Collection Mid Back Mesh Chair, Drafting Stool
26.77"D x 28.15"W x 41.5"H
This multi-purpose chair features a 275 lb weight capacity, measures 26.77" D x 28.15" W x 41.9 - 50.4" H with a seat height of 25.30 - 33.85" H

The chances of this particular stool/chair working for you or anyone in particular is probably medium to small as each workspace situation (floor to bench height to equipment height plus your height) is likely to be different.  So it might be good to start by first determining the heights you want your head and hands to be relative to the bench/desk height and the height of the equipment you will be viewing and/or operating.  Having said all that, this particular stool chair works great with my particular microscope.  The microscope allows me to see what I'm doing with a zillion percent improved vision (vs no microscope) and the ability to sit comfortably for extended periods of time on the stool chair has made my soldering MUCH more precise, effective, and enjoyable.

EDIT:  I removed the wheeled casters on the bottom of the chair and replaced them with stationary casters (regular feet).  Rolling around for some types of work might be useful but for microscope viewing and especially for soldering it is much preferred to remain seated in a highly stable and stationary location.  Swiveling can be useful but unwanted rolling not so much.