59apachegail
Well-known member
The aluminum one is definitely sold
but both pictured ones are still up and IIRC near you
Black & Decker Workmate
- Thread starter abstamaria
- Start date
The aluminum one is definitely sold
but both pictured ones are still up and IIRC near youLS6 Tommy
Well-known member
I have the same one. I got it at an estate sale, too. Unused in the original box. Mine has removable metal jaws. I mounted it to my bench where I used to have a flip up work surface. I use it a LOT.
Tommy
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I got one too... it hangs on the side of my table saw... it's the second most workmate I use.
Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
I've got to get my hands on some of those metal jaws.. I could fab them if I had a bar folder or a box and pan brake.....
Outlawmws
Well-known member
What do the faces look like? Maybe some light angle, and use countersunk screws into the face to attach?
Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
The one I have from the Hobbymate... was a sheet metal (maybe 20 gage or so) fab.. with a V in the middle... zinc over steel... I have a sketch for doing the fab if I make it over to ISU to use their shop sometime soon......
popsjohn
Active member
Because of Garage Journal I have learned the value of the workmate. Bought my first one a model 225 for $1 at an auction. It was complete including the orange dogs. I also learned on GJ that the aluminum framed models are preferred. Yesterday I bought an aluminum framed model for $.50 at an estate auction. It appears to have been stored where there was moisture since it has rusted and the aluminum has oxidation. Complete and functions properly, but no dogs. Top is usable but I will probably replace it sometime. Probably not used heavily, the instructions were attached but disintegrating due to the moisture.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
If its just the top layer de-laminating I've "reconstituted" the ply layer(s) with glue and careful clamping. the entire back of my big 18 drawer wood machinist's box got that...
Wax paper can help keep the clamping blocks from sticking.
Nice find!
Wax paper can help keep the clamping blocks from sticking.
Nice find!
popsjohn
Active member
Yes, two of the edges are de-laminating and a few small chunks are missing. I will try gluing as you suggested.
59apachegail
Well-known member
Nice complete bench for .50 and looks ready for another 40 year of helping
Killer deals on those WM's. I still need to find a proper spot on the garage wall for mine. It got a good oil bath at all the joints, but needs a good power washing once it warms up.
I'm sure it's been covered before, but is there a source for the dogs for these?
I'm sure it's been covered before, but is there a source for the dogs for these?
McBrownie
Well-known member
Here is a source for B&D parts:
https://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-wm425-type-workmate-parts-c-4167_4340_4347.html
Or, if you want lower profile ones, you can try:
https://www.rockler.com/rockler-bench-dogs
However, measure your existing holes. They are most likely 20mm, not 3/4".
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To my knowledge this model was the first one available in North America. I picked up the same one (galvanized steel step) for $20 a couple years ago as a craigslist find. I have three Workmates and the wife thinks I’m crazy. The fact that it’s mostly aluminum makes it much lighter and easier to carry. Mine was covered in paint and was missing the cool green dogs. I’ve restored the bench tops but left the rest original. This model was the only one with steel liners in the dog holes. Used it yesterday in the back yard. My favorite one by far!
popsjohn
Active member
Any suggestions on cleaning the oxidized aluminum frame?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
It depends on how bad it is. If its light you could try Mothers, and that should be OK for the painted letters. It won't finish original (mothers will make it shine) but...
If its heavy I'd go at it with Wet SOS pads, and that should smooth it out and leave a light matte finish. If you follow with Mothers it WILL shine!
If its heavy I'd go at it with Wet SOS pads, and that should smooth it out and leave a light matte finish. If you follow with Mothers it WILL shine!
popsjohn
Active member
Thanks, I'll try the Mothers first.
Thanks for the info. I reproduced the tops on mine as the original ones aged poorly. Of course I didn't have a 20mm bit, so I went with 3/4". So they will fit perfect!
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I picked up a drop leaf Workmate at an estate sale today. Price: free. 
The only downside was it was fastened to the side of a metal stand that had the world's cheapest jointer, belt/disk sander, and grinding wheel mounted on it, and I had to take the whole thing. Those tools and the stand itself are junk, but they did come with three vintage electric motors that I can probably repurpose for something else.
The only downside was it was fastened to the side of a metal stand that had the world's cheapest jointer, belt/disk sander, and grinding wheel mounted on it, and I had to take the whole thing. Those tools and the stand itself are junk, but they did come with three vintage electric motors that I can probably repurpose for something else.Attachments
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Man, those drop leaves are popping up all over!
fartymarty
Well-known member
Yeah, I wish that were true...I want one. It doesn't have to be free, but I'm not going to pay $99+ for one either.
Dennis Leigh Henry
Well-known member
No more drop leaves at the latest estate sale.. but a NOS 400 (ish) B&D Workmate... they wanted way too much for it ($95) and it probably went for half price on day 3.....
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
Where are you guys getting replacement parts like the orange dogs, handles etc? I don’t suppose wherever it is offers replacement stickers or decals?
The dogs are still being made; search for "workmate swivel grip". If you prefer the original black ones, you can find them on eBay if you're patient. Other parts for early models, such as the 79-00x versions, are no longer available except what you might scavenge off another vintage Workmate.
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
So there's no source other than eBay?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
eReplaceemnt parts should have them, if B&D does not. you may need to list a modern Workmate to get past the "no longer made" nonsense.
I'm not sure which parts or which Workmate you're asking about now. What model of Workmate do you have?
If you're talking about early models, like the 79-00x ones, the only currently made parts that work on them is the orange dogs. If you want the original black dogs or any other parts such as handles, leg latches, feet, etc. you will probably have to find used ones. I suppose there's a small chance you could find someone with some old stock, but they stopped making the parts long ago.
If you are looking for parts for newer models, it will be different.
mudflap
Well-known member
Is the B&D better than the Rockwell thing thats on TV in the middle of the night..?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
two different critters. I don't think you can make a straight up comparison.
McBrownie
Well-known member
Wolf,
I bought a couple of sets of rubber feet made for a newer 425 that fit a couple of old aluminum framed ones just fine. I got those from ereplacements and the links are a few pages back if anyone is interested. Other than that, and the dogs like you mentioned, I can't think of any other parts would be compatible between old and new.
Most of the 79-001 aluminum-frame models, such as the Type E, Type 1, 2, and 3, used round screw-in feet like those below, which I'm pretty sure are unavailable. There was one model, the 79-001 Type 4, that used a rectangular rubber press-on foot. Does that describe yours?
(You can see why I asked Dan what he has.)
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ptgarcia
Well-known member
If anyone has a source for the screw-in rubber feet please post it up. I could use some.
For dogs, I bought mine off Amazon (the orange ones) about a year ago for a 79-001 aluminum framed model (Type 2 I think).
For dogs, I bought mine off Amazon (the orange ones) about a year ago for a 79-001 aluminum framed model (Type 2 I think).
y'sguy
Well-known member
I use this company for different odd thing I need. Handles, cranks pads you name it. J W Winco. I do not have personal experience that they have the exact match for your needs but it is worth a look. Let us know what works out for you as we all could use the tip if it works out. Actually after looking myself you can probably find something better!, although can't say what the cost effectiveness will be? Good Luck, and let us know
Check here: https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/produ...ifting-gear-and-rubber-elements/Leveling-feet
Check here: https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/produ...ifting-gear-and-rubber-elements/Leveling-feet
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I'm not sure if you're asking for original replacements or just something compatible. As discussed already, originals will be very difficult to find, since they are no longer made.
If you want something compatible with a 79-001 Type 2 or 4 you need a threaded post that is 5/16-18. These from Lee Valley would work for the fold-out legs:
http://www.leevalley.com/us/hardware/Page.aspx?p=40041&cat=3,40993,41283
However, if you want feet to install in the frame, for the lower working height, the Lee Valley ones will not work because the screw is too short. Feet for the frame must have a 1-1/2" screw length as well as a smaller diameter pad.
The more rare type E and, I believe, the Type 1 and 3 have metric threads, M8-1.25.
You should definitely verify your threads before buying.
ptgarcia
Well-known member
Yeah, I need the feet for the frame. I have carriage bolts in there now (they are indeed 5/16"x1-1/2") but would prefer something with a non-slip type pad.
McBrownie
Well-known member
The idea of the leveling feet on the old models is nice, but mine were worn out and bent and let the unit slide all over the place. I took them out and replaced them with the newer style rubber "boots". Much nicer in my opinion. The shape of the feet doesn't seem to have changed through the years.
See post #1018 in this thread for links to parts.
See post #1018 in this thread for links to parts.
What did you do for the feet on the frame, where the rectangular ones won't fit? Did you get some new screw-in ones that won't slide?
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Plump
Well-known member
Never knew what I had! Just thought this bench was a quick miter stand until this monumental thread.
Got it from an estate sale my wife was running (free) and just had it set up in the corner of the garage. Frankly, didn't even know that it folded up until going through this thread.
Pretty rusty down below and the top is well worn but totally usable. My 12 year old boy is going to take on restoring it this summer and I wanted some advice. Besides the obvious wire brushing, etc. to get off rust, is there a way to preserve the front sticker or do we just remove it and paint over it? I've got three of the original bench dogs and don't think I'll do too much with the top but would some poly be a good idea?
Thanks, all!!!
Got it from an estate sale my wife was running (free) and just had it set up in the corner of the garage. Frankly, didn't even know that it folded up until going through this thread.
Pretty rusty down below and the top is well worn but totally usable. My 12 year old boy is going to take on restoring it this summer and I wanted some advice. Besides the obvious wire brushing, etc. to get off rust, is there a way to preserve the front sticker or do we just remove it and paint over it? I've got three of the original bench dogs and don't think I'll do too much with the top but would some poly be a good idea?
Thanks, all!!!
Plump
Well-known member
It isn't in bad shape but certainly won't match the painted parts. Maybe it's just not that big of a deal and I'm thinking too hard!