Anyone convert a B&D Workmate suitable for welding?

[Zeke]

Picked up another Workmate today at a sale. The tops of my old one are all warped. I was thinking of replacing them with steel. Just don't know what features I'd plug in.

 

[bluebolt]

I have been thinking about the same thing, picked up one for 5 bucks. Thinking about just putting on a solid top and not worrying about the vise feature.

 

[kc-steve]

That's not a bad idea considering the new portable welding tables usually go for around $100 to $150. And I don't think you save much building your own from scratch either with metal prices as high as they are these days. I also have a used B&D Workmate I picked up recently for $5. But since I have a full-size welding table (22"x48") with casters, I really need the Workmate for woodworking stuff.

Steve

 

[Outlawmws]

I have been thinking about the same thing, picked up one for 5 bucks. Thinking about just putting on a solid top and not worrying about the vise feature.

I'd keep the vise feature. Sold steel jaws might be a bit much to manage for portability, but if you can get some 12 ga material for the tops, and weld on some 1/4" jaws, it should hold up well. You might even be able to re-use the existing beat jaws if they are structurally sound.

 

[Stephenw]

I built mine from scratch for two reasons.

1. The B&D and similar folding tables are flimsy and cheap.
2. The table height on the B&D and similar is too low to the ground. You will be hunched over while using them.

My article...

http://shopngarage.com/2011/09/folding-portable-welding-table/

 

[taumac]

I have 2 workmates. My father in law gave me a 18 by 30 sheat of alumium i clap down and use for a portable welding table and when not welding I use it for chop saws and table saw and folds up out of way for storage. My opinion is there some of the best portable tables around.

 

[Zeke]

Coming back to this, I saw a couple of good ideas here. I might get a couple of pieces made for the top and have them folded down with a bit of concave in them to keep a vice feature for long skinny stock, square and round. Perfect for lining up and tacking.

Thanks.

 

[DekeT]

I need a new top on mine too and i should go steel because it gets used mostly for welding. I can't see giving up the vise feature though.

 

[rsanter]

How about using some 2x6steel tube, thin wall
Weld or screw a strip of qtr inch steel strip where the jaws meet to make that area stronger and replaceable

Bob

 

[Shootinok]

answer to a 12-year-old zombie question...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachments/img_4568-jpeg.2104981/