I think the height of the bench is in direct relation to your height and if you need to stand next to it or be leaning down on it for the project….pretty impressive about your dad, Im sure the project kept his spirits up!
For me, it has come down to this.Try out and measure a lot of benches. Even rough up a bench and try different tasks. Get a beat up solid core door. Cobble up a Moxon’s double bench screw Tools for Working Wood sells a pair of holdfasts for under $40. The double bench screw will raise the work above the bench so lower the door.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 
I think the height of the bench is in direct relation to your height and if you need to stand next to it or be leaning down on it for the project….pretty impressive about your dad, Im sure the project kept his spirits up!
Definitely in relation to your size and what you are doing.
(this is a reblog from Christopher Schwarz so it’s actually his dad).
For me, it has come down to this.Try out and measure a lot of benches. Even rough up a bench and try different tasks. Get a beat up solid core door. Cobble up a Moxon’s double bench screw Tools for Working Wood sells a pair of holdfasts for under $40. The double bench screw will raise the work above the bench so lower the door.