Pegasus Worx or Jawhorse?

[stickshift]

Currently use a couple of old HF workmate knockoffs, these are the flimsy TV tray style. Super cheap, and after several years of use, they are getting worn out. Trying to decide on replacement, and the Pegasus Worx and Jawhorse seem to be the most popular of their respective folding worktable styles.

What I like about the HF workmates (pic included for those who don't remember these ultracheap workmate knockoffs):
1. very lightweight - maybe 5lbs max.
2. very easy to open up, very easy to fold and hang on wall
3. compact, so it's easy to hang 2 of these on the same pair of hooks

What I don't like:
1. stuff always falls through the gap between the two boards
2. the boards wobble, especially the rear board

Mostly use these to clamp stuff to using F-style bar clamps - cutting wood or steel, grinding. I hardly ever use the jaws (these cannot clamp very securely) or the plastic bench dogs.
I like the potential to clamp a piece of plywood in the Jawhorse to create a work table. And I like that clamping a workpiece in the Jawhorse looks so fast (clamping to HF workmate using bar clamps is slow by comparison). But worried that the weight, a little over 40lbs, will lead me to not use the Jawhorse as frequently as I use the HF workmate. I see a lot of these Jawhorse style workstations on sale on FB Marketplace and my guess is people didn't use them as much as they expected because they are heavy and kind of a hassle to set up for use.

I've owned B&D Workmate 400, 450 and 550 in the past. I like that they are stable, but I always end up selling them (when I don't have a specific need for them) because they are a hassle to set up compared to the HF workmates. The Worx looks like it would be easier to set up - more a TV style tray, though quite a bit heavier than the HF workmate at 25lbs - but still a good bit lighter than the Jawhorse, so it'll be easier to hang on wall hooks.

Thoughts from people who have tried either or both of the Jawhorse (or similar) and the Pegaus Worx?

 

[hkd76]

I've got a Jawhorse. It sets up easily. If you work by yourself it's a great third hand. I wouldn't be without it. It's the best thing I've found for working on motorcycle front ends. it holds front tubes securely without any damage.

 

[wandrur]

I'll add an additional option. I grabbed a Keter table from Northern Tool that looks similar to the Worx one you listed. It goes on sale periodically for $99, and it has been a really great addition to my small work areas. It's heavier like the Workmate (~30lb), has a carry handle, and folds/unfolds very easily.

 

[dante2]

I've had the Jawhorse for quite a while. Very useful tool to have and it does take up much space when folded up. Used it for lots of tasks around the house and shop. Great to have a helper like this when you don't have a live one.

 

[olytdi]

Agree on the Jawhorse. Has changed the way I approach projects as it is so robust and can take a lot of weight and girth of material. As a solo tinkerer, it's indeed a good helper.

I also use a Workmate, moveable work benches, and saw horses.

 

[72Anthony]

I've had the jawhorse for over ten years and it's very versatile: mitersaw stand, clamping for cutting/grinding/drilling/routing. Even used it to support 12' tall 6x6's before getting temporary supports in place. Great when working alone. Also used it for adjusting door hinges on a sagging door.

The only downsides are the weight and it can be a little cumbersome carrying it through a door.

Would gladly pay 2-3 times more for a lighter version with some aluminum, magnesium, or other light alloy.

 

[stickshift]

Would gladly pay 2-3 times more for a lighter version with some aluminum, magnesium, or other light alloy.

Yeah, that would really seal the deal. For a lot of DIY tasks (perhaps most?), aluminum would be sufficient. Surprised no one has done this. Then again, maybe the market for these clamping workbenches isn't large enough to bother. HF used to sell one under their Franklin brand. Ridgid also had one. Both of these have dropped out. Home Depot doesn't carry a clamping workbench.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I have a couple of these Kreg portable work tables that I like quite a bit. They do fold up, and you can nest them together for a larger area. They quit selling them but the word is they are putting them out for sale again.

 

[orangeblood]

just like 72anthony said, only downside to a jawhorse is its weight but it is one of those tools that when you need it you thank yourself for having already bought it. they are very useful and sturdy

i too would buy another more expensive lighter version

 

[acer66]

I have a jaw horse and it is great in what it does.

Downside its heavy and cumbersome to move or store.

 

[rharman]

I'll add an additional option. I grabbed a Keter table from Northern Tool that looks similar to the Worx one you listed. It goes on sale periodically for $99, and it has been a really great addition to my small work areas. It's heavier like the Workmate (~30lb), has a carry handle, and folds/unfolds very easily.

Keter tables are one of the best additions to my shop in YEARS. I have two and they get used constantly. They're rock solid.