Black & Decker Workmate ?

[1982fxr]

I've always thought these looked useless. Then I bought a power miter saw spur of the moment at a garage sale. I didn't have anywhere to put it so I bought this as well.

The owner was saying it's the good version. Then another guy walks in and says the same thing. It is kinda handy I will admit.

But is there actually anything about this particular model or style that makes it better than others? I assumed they were all the same but what do I know?

 

[captain14]

Read this thread front to back. This thread will answer many questions or may make you want more than one

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=92136&highlight=Workmate

 

[ZRX61]

Invented by the same guy that designed the Lotus Elan & Europa.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Rather have a 400, but it's not like any of them are bad, at least that I know of.

 

[jimmyin3D]

The new ones are cheaply made the quality is shite. Found a 400 and 225 off CL for $10 each much better made.

 

[jonshonda]

It will be useful but far from the holy grail which is mostly aluminum and much more robust. Regardless, in typical GJ member fashion I am sure you will begin to lust after workmates for the rest of your life if you read the huge workmate thread.

 

[Dave in Mass]

As noted, there is a long thread on workmates and their usefulness and challenges. I have one and use it quite a bit. I also used to clamp my compound miter saw to it until I bought and actual fold up miter saw stand, with the four foot outriggers on each side.

I can't recommend the actual stand enough. It is purpose built and makes cutting any board longer than a foot of two so much better, I use it EVERY time I use the saw even if I am only making one or two cuts.

 

[SilverDeck]

The owner was saying it's the good version. Then another guy walks in and says the same thing. It is kinda handy I will admit.

But is there actually anything about this particular model or style that makes it better than others? I assumed they were all the same but what do I know?

The Workmate model in your photos is what many of us refer to as the “TV Tray” style. These are lighter duty and less sturdy than the standard Workmates where the four feet fold out.

The Workmate thread linked above will give you tons of info on different styles and models. Personally, I prefer the early versions with the cast aluminum “H” uprights. The inventor or the Workmate, Ron Hickman, was a genius.

 

[oky-2010]

Have three... One for garage (wood & auto projects), one with aluminum "H" frames in the house basement and one rather rare all aluminum frame. Use all. Easy to set up, sturdy & stable. Not to be used for a ladder.... Yes, Ron Hickman was a genius, both with W-M's and as Managing Director of Lotus (Lead the Elan team during its development)

 

[DwightS]

I've got a Workmate 300 that I use quite often. The pressboard tops had gotten wet and started separating and coming apart so I replaced them with 3/4" plywood and doubled up on the inside edges for extra clamping. The holes for the plastic clamps are not a standard size so some reaming out of the holes were necessary and it works as good as new.

One thing I like about it is the ability to make a table top using it. My wife has used it for a yard sale table. Take a 4'x4' piece of plywood, attach a 2x4x24" long cleat, centered and clamp this into the Workmate for an instant table.

I took this a step further and created a couple of smaller versions. One is bare and I use it for my small charcoal grill. The other one I made, I've attached my bench grinder to which I store out of the way under my workbench.

Here's a picture of something similar.