y'sguy
Well-known member
FYI, seems like for the price the KREG bench dogs would work well as a replacement for our WM's ? 3/4" size so the WM would have to be opened up to fit. I like those rubber brake tops.
Black & Decker Workmate
- Thread starter abstamaria
- Start date
Wolf, thank you for the link. So the threads size is 5/16. What does the 18 means since I do not see any mention of 18 from your link. Sorry for the dumb question.
Here is my workmate. The laminated top is separating so trying to figure out if there is a way to stop it from separating (the top layer). Thinking about ripping the top layer off.
Pardon my messy floor!
Attachments
ptgarcia
Well-known member
18 threads per inch. I believe that's classified as a coarse thread bolt.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'm in the process of "re-laminating" a de-laminating tool box back. The trick is to get glue down inside the gaps.
I wedge the gap open, squirt in some good wood glue (I like the green labeled Titebond III as its waterproof/resistant), and I spread it with thin cardboard everywhere I could push the cardboard.
For small sections you might be using toothpicks, but don't break it off as you will need fine tweezers to get the broke bit out...
Then clamp it using spreaders like a 2X4 that covers the loose section(s) and wait...
I wedge the gap open, squirt in some good wood glue (I like the green labeled Titebond III as its waterproof/resistant), and I spread it with thin cardboard everywhere I could push the cardboard.
For small sections you might be using toothpicks, but don't break it off as you will need fine tweezers to get the broke bit out...
Then clamp it using spreaders like a 2X4 that covers the loose section(s) and wait...
The Kregs are made for a 3/4" hole, so they would be a loose fit in the 20mm holes on a Workmate. Clamping something between them would tilt them in the hole. Once they tilt, the pressure would go entirely to one upper and one lower edge of the hole, and could eventually deform the hole.
In my post about the Gripmate, I said that the earliest version was shipped with both 3/4" and 20mm bushings because there was one (now very rare) Workmate model that had 3/4" dog holes. In the instructions accompanying that Gripmate, B&D advise "Satisfactory results will not be obtained if a 3/4" bushing is used in a 20mm hole."
Repairing plywood is often not that hard, using exactly the technique that Outlaw describes. Obviously we can't see from your photos just how bad it is, but it seems worth trying.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
It would be a lot of work, but you could use 3/4" ID bronze bushings and sleeve the holes to 3/4", if it seems worth the effort to counter bore, then drill to the OD of the bushing, then glue them in place...
For some work or a special jig setup it might be worth it, but for most wood working I doubt it...
For some work or a special jig setup it might be worth it, but for most wood working I doubt it...
Unless there was a special circumstance that warranted the extra work, if I wanted to use some 3/4" accessories I would be inclined to leave the factory holes alone and drill new 3/4" holes in selected locations. There's plenty of room without compromising the strength of the top.
y'sguy
Well-known member
opps, my bad! I was thinking just the opposite on the size of the bench dogs! I was thinking I would be making the holes bigger. Nevermind. I can always transfer the dogs around that I have.
Vintage Veloce
Well-known member
I just had some new jaws made for my workmate. I drew up the dimensions and sent them to a fabricator who was selling some of the UK versions on ebay. He did a great job, and while not "cheap" well worth the cost (and time savings) to me.
Here are some shots of the new next to the old:
These were made by Nick at Merlin Joinery in the UK. Shipping to California was remarkably affordable through eBay. You can find Nick here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/merlinjoinery
I've posted more pictures as well as the dimensional drawings on my blog here.
Here are some shots of the new next to the old:
These were made by Nick at Merlin Joinery in the UK. Shipping to California was remarkably affordable through eBay. You can find Nick here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/merlinjoinery
I've posted more pictures as well as the dimensional drawings on my blog here.
Last edited:
Those new jaws look great!
However ... at least in the pictures, your old jaws look much better than those on the majority of Workmates that I see. I bet there are a number of members here who would be happy to upgrade to your old jaws!
However ... at least in the pictures, your old jaws look much better than those on the majority of Workmates that I see. I bet there are a number of members here who would be happy to upgrade to your old jaws!
elguappo
Well-known member
For truth...
Vintage Veloce
Well-known member
The old ones were delaminating a bit worse than you can see. But depending on your work style may have been fine for some. For me, the solid flat surface and clean clamping jaws are important.
For those interested in the evolution of the Workmate, here are some links showing the wide variety of early models sold only in England. To the Brits these probably look ordinary. To me, as an American, they look almost exotic!
http://www.stylingandsalvage.com/2013/01/10-vintage-black-and-decker-workmates.html
https://www.gumtree.com/p/tool-stor...ickman-ex-lotus-designer-workbench/1246991346
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-B...f99956&pid=100338&rk=2&rkt=14&sd=142398322763
http://www.stylingandsalvage.com/2013/01/10-vintage-black-and-decker-workmates.html
https://www.gumtree.com/p/tool-stor...ickman-ex-lotus-designer-workbench/1246991346
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-B...f99956&pid=100338&rk=2&rkt=14&sd=142398322763
taumac
Well-known member
New jaws look good. I've been thinking of making new ones for my 79-001 and looking for ideas and materials to use. Mine a workhorse so not concerned about making it look original. I just need it to work.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
Thanks for those links and the pictures were quite interesting. I especially like the thick jaws on the Mk1 and that gives me the idea to replace the jaws on one of my current workmates with something like 2 x 6 jaws rather than thinner material like it came with. I rarely use the dogs so don't even need the holes for those but thinking the thicker jaw might be nice for clamping and still have the level flat top surface.
I just picked up my second Workmate 79-001 Type E yesterday off Craigslist; see the photo of the two together, new purchase on the left.
I've decided not to keep the second one, but now might be a good time to talk about the differences between the Type E (the very first Workmate sold in the United States, but still made in England before B&D moved North American production to Canada) and the 79-001 Type 2 that is the most commonly found early model.
Overall I prefer the Type E for several reasons. The Type E is slightly taller, by between one and two inches, which works better for my height. The all-aluminum skeleton frame makes it about five pounds lighter than the Type 2, which for me makes it very noticeably easier to carry around.
A totally unexpected advantage of the Type E is that I don't trip over the front legs as I do with the Type 2. The front legs on the Type E fold out directly to the left and right sides of the Workmate, expanding the width of its footprint but not the depth. This is in contrast to the 45-degree unfolding on the Type 2 and other Workmates. For some reason, even after using the 45-degree style for almost 40 years, I still manage to stumble over those front legs several times a year. I'd like to blame it on my small shop, but it even happens outdoors. I've only had a Type E for six months or so, and it hasn't happened yet with that one.
The Type 2 has the same aluminum H-braces as the Type E, but a steel frame whose lower portion is painted gray and the upper portions are either plated or painted. The Type E has the cast aluminum skeleton frame. Under hard use, I would think the steel frame would hold up better against bending or breaking. I've never stressed any of mine that hard, so I don't think it will ever be a problem for me with the Type E.
The aluminum frame of the Type E is obviously immune to rust, whereas all of the Type 2s I've seen have rusted to varying degrees where the paint has been scraped off the steel. The foot rest on the Type E is unpainted galvanized steel which seems to be pretty rust-resistant. Unfortunately, the Type E has those steel sleeves in the dog holes that rust very badly. Both models have other steel hardware, such as the various screws, nuts, and the jaw opening mechanism, but these rarely seem to rust on either model.
The feet on the Type E are problematic. It is supposed to have four fixed feet that are all rubber (no metal) and just push into their mounting holes, plus four adjustable feet that are threaded M8-1.25. The push-in feet are supposed to go in the front positions, both upper and lower, while the threaded feet go in the four rear positions. The push-in feet tend to come out and get lost, and sometimes the threads in the aluminum frame for the adjustable feet get stripped.
All eight feet on the Type 2 are identical threaded ones, and they are much more reliable. The problem on the Type 2 is that the upper feet have to be screwed in to a very specific length (1-5/16" to 1-7/16" according to the manual). Many owners don't pay attention to this, and wind up chewing up the edges of the feet every time they open and close the folding legs. I've seen quite a few Type 2s with the upper feet missing, and I wonder if an owner at some point just took them off because the legs kept hitting them.
I've decided not to keep the second one, but now might be a good time to talk about the differences between the Type E (the very first Workmate sold in the United States, but still made in England before B&D moved North American production to Canada) and the 79-001 Type 2 that is the most commonly found early model.
Overall I prefer the Type E for several reasons. The Type E is slightly taller, by between one and two inches, which works better for my height. The all-aluminum skeleton frame makes it about five pounds lighter than the Type 2, which for me makes it very noticeably easier to carry around.
A totally unexpected advantage of the Type E is that I don't trip over the front legs as I do with the Type 2. The front legs on the Type E fold out directly to the left and right sides of the Workmate, expanding the width of its footprint but not the depth. This is in contrast to the 45-degree unfolding on the Type 2 and other Workmates. For some reason, even after using the 45-degree style for almost 40 years, I still manage to stumble over those front legs several times a year. I'd like to blame it on my small shop, but it even happens outdoors. I've only had a Type E for six months or so, and it hasn't happened yet with that one.
The Type 2 has the same aluminum H-braces as the Type E, but a steel frame whose lower portion is painted gray and the upper portions are either plated or painted. The Type E has the cast aluminum skeleton frame. Under hard use, I would think the steel frame would hold up better against bending or breaking. I've never stressed any of mine that hard, so I don't think it will ever be a problem for me with the Type E.
The aluminum frame of the Type E is obviously immune to rust, whereas all of the Type 2s I've seen have rusted to varying degrees where the paint has been scraped off the steel. The foot rest on the Type E is unpainted galvanized steel which seems to be pretty rust-resistant. Unfortunately, the Type E has those steel sleeves in the dog holes that rust very badly. Both models have other steel hardware, such as the various screws, nuts, and the jaw opening mechanism, but these rarely seem to rust on either model.
The feet on the Type E are problematic. It is supposed to have four fixed feet that are all rubber (no metal) and just push into their mounting holes, plus four adjustable feet that are threaded M8-1.25. The push-in feet are supposed to go in the front positions, both upper and lower, while the threaded feet go in the four rear positions. The push-in feet tend to come out and get lost, and sometimes the threads in the aluminum frame for the adjustable feet get stripped.
All eight feet on the Type 2 are identical threaded ones, and they are much more reliable. The problem on the Type 2 is that the upper feet have to be screwed in to a very specific length (1-5/16" to 1-7/16" according to the manual). Many owners don't pay attention to this, and wind up chewing up the edges of the feet every time they open and close the folding legs. I've seen quite a few Type 2s with the upper feet missing, and I wonder if an owner at some point just took them off because the legs kept hitting them.
Attachments
Last edited:
I went to an estate sale this morning, and bought this for $10. I am excited 
, been wanting one for a while, but could never find one in decent shape locally.
I know one of the leg is not fully open. I did not even realize that when taking the pic, but it works fine. I was in a hurry to go to work. Looks like this one has aluminium and steel frame.
Will try to read up here. I understand there are several models of these, and like to know which one that I just bought.
, been wanting one for a while, but could never find one in decent shape locally.I know one of the leg is not fully open. I did not even realize that when taking the pic, but it works fine. I was in a hurry to go to work. Looks like this one has aluminium and steel frame.
Will try to read up here. I understand there are several models of these, and like to know which one that I just bought.
Attachments
Last edited:
That looks in very good condition -- a bargain at that price!
That is a 79-001. It should have its type number stamped on the underside of one of the vise jaws. It looks like a Type 4, or possibly a Type 2. This is based on the crank handle arms being plastic rather than metal. On earlier models, only the crank knob was plastic, with the remainder of the crank being metal. It also looks as though the vise jaws may be particle board rather than plywood, also characteristic of the Type 4. Some more pictures would help.
I'm particularly intrigued by the feet for the lower height setting. It's hard to see them clearly, but they seem that they could be the ones used on the Type 1 rather than the ones I've normally seen on Type 2 or Type 4.
That is a 79-001. It should have its type number stamped on the underside of one of the vise jaws. It looks like a Type 4, or possibly a Type 2. This is based on the crank handle arms being plastic rather than metal. On earlier models, only the crank knob was plastic, with the remainder of the crank being metal. It also looks as though the vise jaws may be particle board rather than plywood, also characteristic of the Type 4. Some more pictures would help.
I'm particularly intrigued by the feet for the lower height setting. It's hard to see them clearly, but they seem that they could be the ones used on the Type 1 rather than the ones I've normally seen on Type 2 or Type 4.
Last edited:
Vintage Veloce
Well-known member
Nice find! (You ****!) I'll give you $11 for it!
lafester
Well-known member
I just picked up a 79-001 type 4 and it looks nothing like that. Mine is not aluminum but does have the plastic handles. Also mine has original plywood jaws.
Anyway just wanted to say THANKS for this thread, really helps out a lot to identify some of these older models. I've been looking for a couple weeks, missed a nice aluminum frame with no top for $5 but happily purchased my type 4 today for $20. Its in great shape minus the paint spatter but I already got a lot of it off.
I was not having much luck on craigslist so I downloaded letgo and some other apps to try my luck. letgo had quite a few 200s and 400s and this lone type 4 all right in my area. Tomorrow I'm picking up the benchtop model and will post up a couple pics then.
That brings up an interesting aspect of Workmates that hasn't been discussed here yet -- in order to confuse us 40 years later, Black and Decker made some design changes without changing the model number. I'll dig up some photos to illustrate.
Here are some photos of the original 79-001 Type 4. It has the aluminum H-braces, all-plastic handles, and the top with particle-board core with no stain or finish.
Here is the link to B&D's parts diagram for that model, where you can see the aluminum braces.
https://servicenet.dewalt.com/Produ...ctId=18815&productType=17995&documentId=37173
Next, I will post photos of the later 79-001 Type 4.
Here is the link to B&D's parts diagram for that model, where you can see the aluminum braces.
https://servicenet.dewalt.com/Produ...ctId=18815&productType=17995&documentId=37173
Next, I will post photos of the later 79-001 Type 4.
Attachments
And these are of the later 79-001 Type 4, probably the same as what lafester just bought. Note the steel H-braces, all-plastic handles, and the top with plywood core with orange stain and lacquer finish.
So this one and the previous one, despite very visible differences, have the same Black & Decker type number. And it's not just a one-off fluke or mislabeled; I have seen multiple examples of each of these.
I'm disappointed that 7avalon7 didn't come back to the thread with some more photos or the type number printed on the bottom of his.
So this one and the previous one, despite very visible differences, have the same Black & Decker type number. And it's not just a one-off fluke or mislabeled; I have seen multiple examples of each of these.
I'm disappointed that 7avalon7 didn't come back to the thread with some more photos or the type number printed on the bottom of his.
Attachments
Last edited:
lafester
Well-known member
Yes that's the one I got although mine does not have the finish on top and a different sticker (made in Canada and clear). I do have a pic of it along with the benchtop model I got today but probably won't get around to uploading until later. Thanks for the pics!
lafester
Well-known member
Here's one off my phone.
Attachments
Last edited:
Outlawmws
Well-known member
That may be an answer for some of the noted differences. Different mfg plants and different sources for subbing the parts out. Being "made in Canada" can save a mfg a lot for that market in tariffs... I could see the tops being made by multiple woodworking shops even for the same B&D plant.
Yours doesn't have the orange stain, but are you also saying there is no lacquer or varnish clearcoat on it, that it's just raw plywood? That surprises me a bit.
Every 79-001 I have ever seen (except for the Type E) was made in Canada. The labels in my two pictures have it at the lower left corner.
lafester
Well-known member
Re: Black & Decker Workmate
Just picked up a Craftsman push peg clamp that should work with my new workmate. Kind of pricey though.
Update:
The Craftsman clamps work great on the workmate.
Got a used Craftsman portable peg table along with one each of rails, push clamp and hold down clamp. Also picked up another hold down clamp from sears so I have 2 of each. The height of this new table matches the height of my workmate so I think I will keep this setup for awhile. At least until I can find some original all metal workmates of course.
Probably did originally but it soaked up the linseed oil pretty good so I don't think there is much left.
Just picked up a Craftsman push peg clamp that should work with my new workmate. Kind of pricey though.
Update:
The Craftsman clamps work great on the workmate.
Got a used Craftsman portable peg table along with one each of rails, push clamp and hold down clamp. Also picked up another hold down clamp from sears so I have 2 of each. The height of this new table matches the height of my workmate so I think I will keep this setup for awhile. At least until I can find some original all metal workmates of course.
Attachments
Last edited:
straightcut
Well-known member
79-001 Type E (all cast aluminum frame) spotted on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fitbit-Alta...687995?hash=item5b3440d4fb:g:D18AAOSwE8NZlddF
I have no relationship with the seller and have not personally inspected this Workmate.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fitbit-Alta...687995?hash=item5b3440d4fb:g:D18AAOSwE8NZlddF
I have no relationship with the seller and have not personally inspected this Workmate.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
It's a link to a FITBIT
This is probably the one you saw:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Decke...644703?hash=item1ecfa3e95f:g:XQEAAOSwbRJZvuYQ
The seller originally had copied verbatim entire sections of my Type E listing from July.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/172800344474?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1559.l2649
I complained and he replied that he had not copied anything, but he changed it anyway. You can see how detailed my listing was, so when he copied entire sentences there was absolutely no question about it. His revised listing suggests that perhaps he's not a native English speaker, which may have contributed to the temptation to take a shortcut by copying.
The frame on his is much more oxidized than mine was plus the top is much worse. Mine had some silver paint on the step and a twist to the back leg assembly. His has all the feet and the four blue swivel pegs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Decke...644703?hash=item1ecfa3e95f:g:XQEAAOSwbRJZvuYQ
The seller originally had copied verbatim entire sections of my Type E listing from July.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/172800344474?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1559.l2649
I complained and he replied that he had not copied anything, but he changed it anyway. You can see how detailed my listing was, so when he copied entire sentences there was absolutely no question about it. His revised listing suggests that perhaps he's not a native English speaker, which may have contributed to the temptation to take a shortcut by copying.
The frame on his is much more oxidized than mine was plus the top is much worse. Mine had some silver paint on the step and a twist to the back leg assembly. His has all the feet and the four blue swivel pegs.
Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
I recovered / inherited the one I gave my day way back when (late 1970s) recently. Used it two weekends ago for a welding project. Rode hard, put away wet best describes how my dad used it.. I'll get some picts maybe tomorrow to share..
straightcut
Well-known member
Yes, that's the correct link! I'm sorry about the incorrect link I supplied.
What were the grounds that you complained for copying your ad? Did you have a copyright?
After all is not copying the sincerest form of flattery? 
lafester
Well-known member
Squashfest81
Well-known member
Save it Lafester. Maybe I'm biased cause I want it. Good luck.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
That looks to be a relatively easy save. Jaws for a workmate are easy.
driftpin
Well-known member
Obviously the Japanese version of the Workmate, it's a Kawasaki!
I've kept an eye out for one of the aluminum versions, but as I already have at-least 4 of these, I'm not in a hurry to buy another one, though I suppose I could sell one of the newer ones in an inventory swap.
I've kept an eye out for one of the aluminum versions, but as I already have at-least 4 of these, I'm not in a hurry to buy another one, though I suppose I could sell one of the newer ones in an inventory swap.
Think I found a 79-001 type 2 frame today. Someone spray painted it green and all the feet are gone but I might try and save it.
They are asking $20.
