Black & Decker Workmate

cruzn57 · Apr 20, 2012

I have 2 of them a 200 and a 400 . both from my father, about 30 yrs ago,
both have issues with the swinging leg locks, ( broken, won't lock)
I'm ready to just weld them in stable position.
anyone have any suggestions,
neat thread by the way.

Jagmandave · Apr 20, 2012

I also think the earlier ones were better made, I have the two aluminum ones that I recently scored on CL, but my original is one I got in '79 that's all steel and it's as solid now as the day I got it.

You can usually tell tho, just go look at it and operate it, check the legs, the folding function and run the top in and out a couple of times. If it all works smoothly (or will with a shot of oil in the right places) you're good to go.

One interesting factoid tho, the reason i went ahead and bought the second aluminum one is that when I got the first aluminum one home I realized the work surface wasn't at the same height as my old steel one, so I bought the second one to have two the same height.

Yeah, yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Outlawmws · Apr 20, 2012

cruzn57 said:
I have 2 of them a 200 and a 400 . both from my father, about 30 yrs ago,
both have issues with the swinging leg locks, ( broken, won't lock)
I'm ready to just weld them in stable position.
anyone have any suggestions,
neat thread by the way.

The locking cam is still available from B&D as parts. After you replace them give them a light coating of grease on the rubbing surface and it's less likely to break.

Outlawmws · Apr 20, 2012

Jagmandave said:
I also think the earlier ones were better made, I have the two aluminum ones that I recently scored on CL, but my original is one I got in '79 that's all steel and it's as solid now as the day I got it.

You can usually tell tho, just go look at it and operate it, check the legs, the folding function and run the top in and out a couple of times. If it all works smoothly (or will with a shot of oil in the right places) you're good to go.

One interesting factoid tho, the reason i went ahead and bought the second aluminum one is that when I got the first aluminum one home I realized the work surface wasn't at the same height as my old steel one, so I bought the second one to have two the same height.

Yeah, yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

This was exactly why I bought a second 200 after I got a 400. To mate with the first 200...

I wouldn't mind finding a couple of aluminum frame WM's...

cruzn57 · Apr 20, 2012

Outlawmws said:
The locking cam is still available from B&D as parts. After you replace them give them a light coating of grease on the rubbing surface and it's less likely to break.

NO KIDDING?
I never thought to see if parts were available.

A GREAT BIG THANKS for the tip!!!!!

chrisziem · May 13, 2012

Jagmandave said:
I bought this one today off Craigslist, then found one just like it for twice as much just a few listings down from mine, in case anyone wants it - if so PM me and I'll send the link to the CL ad....

Black and Decker Workmate bench, $20 or best offer. You will need to be able to come get this. 913-217-7756. This post will be deleted when the bench has been picked up.

The top looks like it's warped in the pics, but it's not, it's in very good shape actually! and for $20.....

I'll one better ya!

Got the same one yesterday at a yard sale with a craftsman beam torque wrench for $5 combined! :pimpflash

Shoottx · May 13, 2012

I just ran across this thread, amazing what you find when fumbling around instead of working.

Yeah, Work Mates are great, I have 2 - 225s, a shop box and a hobby model. Here is the family portrait

The 225 are in constant use in the shop, and the hobby model is always on the finishing bench. And most of the parts are still available at B&D service centers.

This is what happens when first married (a long time ago) and you live in an apartment next to A B&D outlet store.

I would love to find a pair of the cast aluminum ones sometime.

WhoWhatNow · Jul 1, 2012

Here is mine. I picked up an almost new 400 and a beat 200 for $40 off Craig's List. I needed a portable welding bench that I could easily move into the driveway. I pulled the top and the screw off of the 400 and replaced them with a pair of 2X4s. Then I screwed a piece of 1/4" plywood on the 2X4 and topped it off with some Hardibacker. Instant welding table. I cut two slots in the 2X4s so I can slide another piece of Hardibacker in as a sort of welding screen so I don't blind my neighbors.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1341186225.733344.jpg

B17E1943 · Mar 2, 2013

Dragging this out of the mausoleum. :evil:

I bought my second one of these today for $2

. It appears to be one of the partial alloy ones with steel legs. My other one is all steel, apparently an early model. :dunno:

Is there a good site to determine which models I have, or is it search till I find one that looks like mine?

And, is there a good, proven site for parts? Both of mine need new wood tops; or maybe there is a better, cheaper alternative than buying the factory pieces?

BampDWorkmatebought2-2-2013for2001croppedandresizedagainandagain_zps44786c36.jpg

Thanks!

crazytrain · Mar 3, 2013

My wife bought me one when we first moved into our first apartment over 15 years ago. We had a small storage space in the basement there one light bulb and only outlet was in the hallway. I used to run an extension cord into my unit if I needed power. Everyone else just packed junk in their units mine was set up like a small workshop. I think it was only 5'x6' IIRC but I had a set of shelves, a tool box full of tools and a workmate as a bench. I took a 2'x3' piece of 3/4" plywood, glued and screwed a 1"x4" cleat to the bottom and locked it in the jaws of the workmate to use as a bench top. It worked great and I had a nice little place to tinker with stuff. I still have the workmate and now it has a scroll saw attached to the plywood top I made. I have been using it in my basement since we moved into our house a little over 10 years ago. :thumbup:

A29 · Mar 3, 2013

bought these a while back. The one in the box has never been opened.

Outlawmws · Mar 3, 2013

B17E1943 said:
Dragging this out of the mausoleum.

I bought my second one of these today for $2 . It appears to be one of the partial alloy ones with steel legs. My other one is all steel, apparently an early model.

Is there a good site to determine which models I have, or is it search till I find one that looks like mine?

And, is there a good, proven site for parts? Both of mine need new wood tops; or maybe there is a better, cheaper alternative than buying the factory pieces?

Thanks!

The aluminum frame is the earlier model. All steel is more recent.

200, 300 400 are older of the steel frame units, then the 225 and I think 450 series.

I don't care for the 2 digit floor models, those seem too tippy to me, like a TV tray.

I Have one aluminum frame, 2 200's a 400, (vise jaw can be tilted up for vertical clamping) a table top model and a modelers workmate

Responder · Mar 3, 2013

This is too funny. Two years this thread has been going about workmates and this is the first I saw of it!

I too have the original that my dad bought when I was a kid. I pull it out every now and then as there always seems to be a need for it somewhere. Interesting enough that parts are still available for them! They are very handy indeed.

mrodgers · Mar 3, 2013

Responder said:
This is too funny. Two years this thread has been going about workmates and this is the first I saw of it!

Same here. I don't have an original. I got mine I around 8 years ago or so. Paid nothing. We use to have a safety incentive at work where when the crew you worked on had no injuries or accidents, we got points. From the points, we could order from a catalog. I got my Work Mate from the safety points. Right now it is burried in my mess at the very back of this pic at the top right corner....

It's kind of like the game, Where's Waldo.... Where's Work Mate?

B17E1943 · Mar 6, 2013

Outlawmws said:
The aluminum frame is the earlier model. All steel is more recent.

200, 300 400 are older of the steel frame units, then the 225 and I think 450 series.

I don't care for the 2 digit floor models, those seem too tippy to me, like a TV tray.

Thanks for the info! :thumbup:

abstamaria · Mar 6, 2013

As I mentioned in another thread, the original wood top warped on my 70s Workmate when a wet sailbag was left on it. I replaced it with solid wood. It looks good and works well. Here is the finished product.

Cougar67 · Mar 6, 2013

I found that eReplacements carries parts. Like many others have described, the catch on one of my Workmate's legs is broken. They are only about $4.25. I used this company for compressor parts and the part came fast:

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-workmate-parts-c-4167_4340.html

Now to figure out which model mine is.

JakeKohl · Mar 7, 2013

I've got one that my dad gave to me. I used it initially, with some slight modification, to use as a stand to reassemble Mazda rotary engines (a business that put me through college). The ability to open up the top to allow the eccentric shaft to protrude through the front face plate while stacking the rotors, motor plates, and housings worked perfectly. I still have it today and use it from time to time. It's due for some new wood tops, though. No matter how fancy my garage and it's work surfaces get, I would never get rid of it.

jdawgl · Mar 7, 2013

Found this Workmate on CL and decided to fix it up. A simple sand and paint, and I hope it lasts another 15 years.

dubber · Mar 7, 2013

Here's mine being put to action this week painting this stool. Mine still looks minty fresh compared to some of the ones on here. One of the most useful pieces in my garage without a doubt.

HarveyM · Mar 12, 2013

B17E1943 said:
Dragging this out of the mausoleum.

Is there a good site to determine which models I have, or is it search till I find one that looks like mine?

Thanks!

This site is pretty good on the older ones:
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Workmate-Type-Study/5539701_TNtt7z#!i=1009291940&k=Spf8NSq

Spreadsheet:
https://www.box.com/shared/hchozbe4d7

Bill White · Mar 12, 2013

Ya can't have my 550 model.
When ya need it, ya need it.
One of the shop tools that doesn't get used a bunch, but as I said........
Bill

JimVonBaden · Mar 12, 2013

archirelic said:
I've got one as well, ugly as hell from years and years of use but still going strong!

Same here, and mine is stored outside all year round.

Jim

B17E1943 · Mar 12, 2013

Cougar67 said:
I found that eReplacements carries parts. Like many others have described, the catch on one of my Workmate's legs is broken. They are only about $4.25. I used this company for compressor parts and the part came fast:

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-workmate-parts-c-4167_4340.html

Now to figure out which model mine is.

HarveyM said:
This site is pretty good on the older ones:
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Workmate-Type-Study/5539701_TNtt7z#!i=1009291940&k=Spf8NSq

Spreadsheet:
https://www.box.com/shared/hchozbe4d7

Thanks, gentlemen - much appreciated! :thumbup:

spotco2 · Mar 13, 2013

Man, I've had one of these since I was about 10 or 12. My parents got it for me so I could have one like my dad's.

He's used the snot out of his all these years. We are remodeling a house now and he has it over there using it daily for something.

Mine has been hanging in one of my shop buildings for the past 15 years or more. I've never really thought much about getting it out and using it. I might have to go get it, blow the dust off and give it a reason to stay in the main shop for a while. I feel like I'm missing out.

WarnerSteel · Mar 13, 2013

Bought it new, not exactly sure when. Mid 80's maybe?

Workmate 200. Used it tonight to make some dust.

nine4gmc · Apr 11, 2013

I went to an auction a couple weeks back and saw a bad *** B&D vintage workbench but was distracted during bidding and missed out. Fast forward a week and a friend who consigns things with me called and asked me to stop by for a clamp table and worm drive saw he wanted me to sell for him. I get there and it's the same exact style bench but this top is in better condition. I ended up getting the work table as commission on the last lot I sold for him so it was basically FREE! Deluxe dual height B&D 79-001 :willy_nil

dirtmister16 · Apr 11, 2013

ive been wanting one for some time. but could never go buy a new one, never found a nice used on. i was planning on buying two so i had a spare set of stands for things when i needed them.

this summer i may break down and buy two new ones, but i sure wish i could get at least one of the older models that seem to be built better.

Weekend_warrior · Apr 11, 2013

My dad passed this last November. One of the things that I go from his tool collection was a B&D workmate. My brother and I made a trip to the store with my mother in the late 70's to go Christmas shopping for dad. I was not very old and remember us picking it out at sears. All these years later its in my garage.

bczygan · Apr 11, 2013

Just picked up a 400 for $20, another beat up one for free (But needs $20 in parts) and got one that I gave away, back when the guy died. That makes 4.

Helios · Apr 11, 2013

I've got an older 225(?) that I picked up while living in the barracks & apartments during the mid 90's. It still comes out and sees service now and again, particularly if I'm doing any kind of work on projects away from my garage.

firecracker · Apr 11, 2013

Bought one of the very first workmates, it didnt take long to break :sad:

it was made of cast! we used splints to get it going again for a while.Never got into carting them around from job to job, so always fell into our old ways of using a sawhorse. :dunno:

rburke65 · Apr 14, 2013

I just found a 400 on CL for $20 OBO. So these are a "buy" if everything is working and there? Thanks guys....gals.

retfr8flyr · Apr 14, 2013

I've had mine for over 15 years. I still use it all the time, I am using it right now as a base for my miter saw.

Earl

Too_Many_Tools · Apr 15, 2013

Cougar67 said:
I found that eReplacements carries parts. Like many others have described, the catch on one of my Workmate's legs is broken. They are only about $4.25. I used this company for compressor parts and the part came fast:

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-workmate-parts-c-4167_4340.html

Now to figure out which model mine is.

Has anyone come up with a homemade replacement for this plastic catch that always ends up broken?

Too_Many_Tools · Apr 15, 2013

cruzn57 said:
I have 2 of them a 200 and a 400 . both from my father, about 30 yrs ago,
both have issues with the swinging leg locks, ( broken, won't lock)
I'm ready to just weld them in stable position.
anyone have any suggestions,
neat thread by the way.

I too would like a different leg lock mechanism...anyone have any ideas?

Outlawmws · Apr 15, 2013

Too_Many_Tools said:
Has anyone come up with a homemade replacement for this plastic catch that always ends up broken?

Too_Many_Tools said:
I too would like a different leg lock mechanism...anyone have any ideas?

Four and a quarter; and give them a light lube on the sliding part and they won't break, The friction/wear, then catching, is why they break...

Slednut · Apr 15, 2013

I use one at work to splice fiber optic cable.

Too_Many_Tools · Apr 15, 2013

Outlawmws said:
Four and a quarter; and give them a light lube on the sliding part and they won't break, The friction/wear, then catching, is why they break...

Thanks but I want a REAL METAL solution.

The plastic ones ALWAYS break...because they are PLASTIC.

I agree that lubing any part will make it last longer and work better.

Olliecampbell · Apr 15, 2013

I love the fact that there is a product, a single item, that can link people across the world.

You guys in the US, thousands of miles away from me, have the exact same product that I do.

Brilliant.

End of random message.

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