Black & Decker Workmate

[CaptDan]

Just found these attachments and thought it would give others some ideas. I might make some like the pipe clamps.

http://www.forest-master.com/bench-jaws.php

 

[ihrescue]

I was looking for an all purpose and multi use approach to replace the saw horses I had been using. I settled on the middle of the line Black and Decker Workmate. For a work surface I used a 6' X 3' X 2" poplar laminated board (that I repurposed from the project cache) as a work surface and attached 2" X 4" X 3' on the underside about 2 1/2 feet from parallel to the ends. These 2 X 4s drop into the open clamps of a Workmate on each end with the clamp cranks facing each end which I can then clamp down to form a pretty solid work surface for all sorts of DIY purposes. I marked the spots where the surface is secured with tape so I can see when I am close to having it set up correctly. That way I don't need to constantly being looking under the board to line it up. I especially find it handy when using a miter saw and for all sorts of other work tasks. I had a pretty simple old edge mount vise that I attached and while it isn't a great wood working vise it is very functional and unobtrusive. My only problem is keeping the rubber feet on the Workmate's legs. I have glued them numerous times and haven't been successful at keeping them on. I plan on flipping the board over and finishing it so I have a new surface without saw cuts, scratch, etc. This configuration has served me for 22 years. When I am done I can break this down and store the board against a wall and fold up the WMs, I am pretty happy with this product. While I too thought the wood took fiber board was cheesy it has held up well, and I thought of purchasing new ones for a newer look but like the patina of a well used tool. Here are a couple of photos.

 

[crerus75]

I could swear that Carroll Smith wrote about his Workmate in Engineer to Win. Apparently he liked the ability to carry around a small, sturdy workbench that fit in the trunk of his Honda hatchback. I always looked at the Workmates in a more positive light after he endorsed them.

 

[cagullett1]

This picture showed up over on the Craftsman Block Grinder thread, but really belongs here.

View media item 46175

I really like this concept and contemplated doing something like this as I have a lot of benchtop tools that don't have a home at the moment... my main concern is needing to use a few different tools on the same project. Is it really convenient to have to switch out tools on my one workmate over and over again?

 

[vertguy]

Looks like I need to pick up a Workmate as I really like this idea.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

I really like this concept and contemplated doing something like this as I have a lot of benchtop tools that don't have a home at the moment... my main concern is needing to use a few different tools on the same project. Is it really convenient to have to switch out tools on my one workmate over and over again?

This is the Garage Journal - multiple tools needed on the same project?

You just need multiple Workmates!

You have multiple 3/8 drive ratchets right? Same concept.

I have 2 workmates and I love them.

Jim

 

[Krash Kadillak]

I've got this type as well. Even have most of my dogs still.....

 

[ihrescue]

There's one of these on the Washington DC Craigslist today for $80.

I have one of those and in the UK it is called a "Workmate 2000". Lots of pictures on Google if you use that search term.

I agree that it is a very handy aditional bench that is portable and can be stowed away when not needed.

 

[Theruse]

mine is from the mid -70's. Restored my first home using the Workmate for everything, since I didn't have a workshop or garage. Used ever since without any problems until this past weekend when the right crank handle broke off. Anybody know where you can find replacement parts?

 

[Outlawmws]

Black and Decker sells parts for many of these, and some parts will work on the older units.

 

[Outlawmws]

There's one of these on the Washington DC Craigslist today for $80.

If it's the 2000, that's a deal

 

[Outlawmws]

I've got this type as well. Even have most of my dogs still.....

That's the one that I may someday build into a bench so the jaws and top are even, and use it as a station for bench mounted tools. (See some of my prior posts on the topic)

 

[elguappo]

I have both a 125 and a 225, have been using the **** out of the 225 and want to get another now for the workbench idea seen above, as well as the tool bases.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

My Workmate 400, one of my early tool / shop purchased after getting married in 1987.. I purchased one of these for my father back in the late 1970's.. Next time I'm home, I'll have to hunt it down... Used it this past weekend on my Gorilla shelf replacements..

Dennis

 

[Theruse]

Thanks. I will check out the B&D site. The Workmate is a keeper

 

[elguappo]

Found another 225 on Craigslist for $20 today, picking it up Friday after work.

 

[coleman10]

Any opinions on the 525? Looks like it morphs into a hand truck, too. Saw it on CL for 34, but it ain't close.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Has anyone wrapped the wooden table top in sheet steel? I have two workmates, I think both 550's and I've been doing more welding and metal work lately. So I have been thinking about wrapping sheet metal around each of the tops. It won't see direct welding, as I have my welding table. Majority of the WM is metal except for the plastic knobs and dogs, but I don't see them posing too much of an issue. Could always look to change them out for metal. The table jaws seem like they would be handy in a few cases where the work extends off the welding table.

 

[elguappo]

Instead of wrapping the tops i'd just make metal covers that slide on/off

 

[DonPowers]

I picked up an older, vintage "non standard" workmate on Craigslist that I thought I'd share with the forum. I could not find too much information on this model on the Internet so I took some pictures for future reference in case anyone else was searching for it.

It is a model 79-035-04. I don't know when it was made but does not seem to be part of the mainstream workmate models. It is very well made and the frame is not folded sheet steel like the current generation of workmates. The working surface is 3/4" baltic birch plywood. I don't have a scale handy, but I estimate its weight to be about 45lbs.

I included some pictures of the box that it came in.

It has been a very handy foldable workbench for me because of my limited storage and space for a workshop. Using this and an old Xyliss Z-vise portable vice, I find that it has been an excellent work platform for projects around the house.

Hope this helps somebody.

I have the same one. Bought it at a K Mart on Long Island back in 1979. Also have a small newer one and have looked for another large one but never found one. Use it all the time.

 

[y'sguy]

bought this one on C-list a couple a weeks ago. 50$
I used to think these things were a joke when they first came out. But now I find them real handy. And of course thanks to GJ I became instantly obsessed to try to find what I couldn't.
I can't be cured!

 

[taumac]

This picture showed up over on the Craftsman Block Grinder thread, but really belongs here.

View media item 46175

That's a awesome idea. I know someone made a bench where you used tools on inserts them clapped down to bench. Damn I wish I could remember the name but this seems like same idea where you have a storage rack with tools and a tool to clap them down.

 

[taumac]

bought this one on C-list a couple a weeks ago. 50$
I used to think these things were a joke when they first came out. But now I find them real handy. And of course thanks to GJ I became instantly obsessed to try to find what I couldn't.
I can't be cured!

It's whole thing aluminum or just the uprights?

 

[Outlawmws]

Just the uprights (when they are up.... in that pic, I guess they are siderights? )

 

[taumac]

I've got this type as well. Even have most of my dogs still.....

I got same one and thanks for posting a pic of it. I don't use it much but just realized I'm missing one of the metal pieces that slip over the jaw.

 

[Bigbandguy]

First .. a GREAT thread. I have a couple of the mid level workmates bought a few years ago during a house rehab. Love the clamp in table top idea and like many wonder why the hell I never thought of it. I did use one a base for a miter saw to good effect. One thing I have found surprisingly useful is the (horrors) HF knockoff which sometimes can be purchased for under 20 bucks. It too has trouble holding on to it's rubber feet so glue on assembly is not a bad idea. Its cheap, not nearly as good, but useful when you need a few extra horizontal surfaces and the clamp in table top will make it even better. Its a no lose for 20 bucks if you don't have or can't afford a workmate.

 

[turbodave]

I've got one of the newer basic Workmates and I use the **** out of it. It looks flimsy, but is light and easy to store, and despite that it is still solid with my miter saw clamped to it. For working on small engines with a vertical crankshaft it's great, and I've used it to hold onto cylinder heads when doing port work. Also a great sawhorse and easy to drag outside for dirty work. Mine has the bamboo boards on it and they've held up well, I've degreased engines on it, forgot it outside in the rain, and no warping. It's one of those tools that doesn't stay put away in the garage for long.

I really like the look of the old ones, and I'll have to keep an eye out for them at garage sales and what-not, but for now this little thing is really handy to have a around.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Workmate-Saw-Horse-and-Vise-WM125/100671605

 

[straightcut]

I'd like to have an early aluminum frame version. Being new to the search, am I looking for something so rare, that I just ought to buckle and buy a newer/used steel model that commonly appear on craigslist for $10-40?

Thanks in advance for the kind wisdom.

 

[Outlawmws]

They are out there. I've managed to find two of them, plus one of the steel versions immediately following.

But its not like they are falling out of trees weekly. If you need one now or soonish, buy a 200 or higher on CL to tide you over.

 

[taumac]

I agree the aluminum ones i see rarely but there's a least 3 steel ones within a hour of me. I believe people realize their worth now and alittle harder to find dirt cheap but still $20 to 40 is still good considering what a new one goes for.

 

[coleman10]

Hey, guys. Just found this one on CL. Ad says it's a 200/300. Is that correct? Looks like it's missing the dogs and the metal faces on the clamps - or did this model have those? Pretty close to me and $25. What do you think?

 

[Outlawmws]

Looks about right for the 200/300 series. The large ones didn't have metal faces, That was for the smaller bench top/ hobby workmates. You can order dogs from B&D

 

[coleman10]

Looks about right for the 200/300 series. The large ones didn't have metal faces, That was for the smaller bench top/ hobby workmates. You can order dogs from B&D

Thanks. Decent model or should I be holding out for something better?

 

[captain14]

Hey, guys. Just found this one on CL. Ad says it's a 200/300. Is that correct? Looks like it's missing the dogs and the metal faces on the clamps - or did this model have those? Pretty close to me and $25. What do you think?

Amazon has a kit containing a lot of parts for the Workmate for I think $17.

 

[Outlawmws]

For $25? Go get it. Now. IMO for the "newer" (non Aluminum) any model with a number > 200 is a good one. the Larger the number the bigger the workmate gets, but they all do well.

Some, > 400 had an hinged jaw so you can use it as usual, or hing it to the upright position and clamp down on the opposite jaw, and some of the newer ones have extensions or "leaves" so it makes a decent sized worksurface. but for holding and cutting the 2XX and the vintage Aluminum, all work.

I bought a second 200 so I could use them as the base for portable a table/bench

Now I have 2 aluminum's, so I'll probably let the 200's go once the second one gets new jaws.

 

[straightcut]

Outlaw, thank you for your comments! Well, I located an aluminum Workmate, complete with the bench dogs, but the owner is firm at $100. I'd prefer $60, but would go $75. I can easily find steel 200 series, used, missing bench dogs for $15 - 40. If I buy a steel version, certainly an aluminum will pop up immediately!

 

[coleman10]

For $25? Go get it. Now. IMO for the "newer" (non Aluminum) any model with a number > 200 is a good one. the Larger the number the bigger the workmate gets, but they all do well.

Some, > 400 had an hinged jaw so you can use it as usual, or hing it to the upright position and clamp down on the opposite jaw, and some of the newer ones have extensions or "leaves" so it makes a decent sized worksurface. but for holding and cutting the 2XX and the vintage Aluminum, all work.

I bought a second 200 so I could use them as the base for portable a table/bench

Now I have 2 aluminum's, so I'll probably let the 200's go once the second one gets new jaws.

Thanks! Awesome info. I would have picked it up, but the guy doesn't write back. Either it's gone or he can't figure out email. There's another 200 for $30 with the dogs, but this one is a bit away. Perhaps I'll just pick up a 400 on Amazon. CL is a PITA. Plus my wife thinks I'm going to get murdered.

 

[McBrownie]

If "flexibility" is what you look for in a work surface, then this might just be for you.

"This table has much more flexibility than the standard Workmate brand. The photo says it all."

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4816838130.html

 

[taumac]

Black & Decker Workmate

If "flexibility" is what you look for in a work surface, then this might just be for you.

"This table has much more flexibility than the standard Workmate brand. The photo says it all."

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/4816838130.html

Wow, that's the strangest thing I've seen. It has cool clamping system which is probably good for odd stuff but doesn't fold up like workmate so takes up a lot of room.

Have a good one Gerard

 

[Just_George]

I wish they would make a quality Workmate. The concept is good, but I haven't been able to get past the particle board top and so many plastic parts.

The particle board on mine fell apart after many years of use/abuse...I replaced it with 5/8" aluminum, drill for the dogs. Should last a while!!