Black & Decker Workmate

[Huntsperger]

I agree. Now that I know what I'm looking for it does look to me like it's all plated steel. My apologies for those things that look like blocks. There are in fact foam sanding blocks with a very fine grit that were perfect for cleaning up the metal. I tucked them into the corners and forgot to remove them. You are correct that there was a little rust in one of those corners where you see the block but almost no rust whatsoever anywhere else. Certainly none on the step or legs at all. Now that I think about it I would have noticed if that step had grey paint on it because my light sanding would have immediately altered the color. Instead all it's done is to shine it up and make it brighter but certainly not alter the color. There is no place on mine that even remotely looks like scratched or missing paint. It all looks like exactly the same apparently unpainted metal which prompted my original post wondering why it isn't a rusty mess after 40 years and whether I should try to paint it. After hearing your input I have no intention of painting it. I love the look of it as it is now and will take the rust thing off my fret list. Again, thanks a bunch for your thoughts and insights.

 

[Outlawmws]

Apache, IIR the feet are fairly std 5/16 coarse thread and are reasonably easy to source but not quite factory. I've seen rubber foot versions, the all steel feet are common on most any appliance. Double check me with a bolt...

Great find! I hope you have room for it in the car going home.

Easy answer to that is Obv. "Make room!"


Hunts, Great find and you **** for finding it free!

 

[wolfcj]

Also missing adjustable legs that screw into the frame. Can I still get those?

As Outlaw said, the thread is 5/16-18. For a Type 4, the length of the threaded stud on the foot is 1-1/2". The rubber portion on the end of it is a disk 1" in diameter and 3/8" thick. You don't want to vary too much from those dimensions, because the hole in the fold-down leg has to pass over the foot without hitting it when you extend the leg. In particular, if your foot is 1" in diameter, the absolute minimum length I would recommend for the stud is about 1-1/8". If the foot is smaller in diameter, you might be able to use a shorter one.

The owner's manual for the Type 4 says that the distance from the bottom of the foot to the frame should be adjusted to be in the range 1-5/16" to 1-7/16". With the foot being 3/8", the minimum extension of the stud is 15/16", and a 1-1/8" stud would be able to thread in a minimal 3/16". They eventually changed this design, possibly because too many owners didn't follow instructions and damaged their feet.

Maybe we'll hear from someone who is using replacements.

 

[McBrownie]

Maybe we'll hear from someone who is using replacements.

Interesting that they are 5/16-18. With the "bench dog" holes being 20mm, I just assumed that everything else was metric.

Anyway, my screw in feet were worn out and bent. The bolts had worn through the rubber feet which allowed it to slide all over on a concrete floor.

I used the more modern rubber "boots" from ereplacements.com which fit fine on two old blue aluminum frames models.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/foot-boot-p-95587.html

Go to post #1194 on the previous page to see how they fit on the old ones just like they do on the newer models. And they are more stable, in my opinion.

 

[wolfcj]

Those are probably good for replacements at the end of the legs, but 59apachegail asked about replacements to screw into the frame, for the lower height setting.

 

[wolfcj]

Here's an interesting one on Craigslist:
https://annarbor.craigslist.org/tls/d/hartland-makita-10-inch-miter-with/6944713906.html

Buy a Makita miter saw for $100 and get a Workmate 79-001 Type 3 (the blue one, relatively rare) for free!

 

[59apachegail]

Those are probably good for replacements at the end of the legs, but 59apachegail asked about replacements to screw into the frame, for the lower height setting.

Thanks gents but wolfcj is correct, I am looking for the screw type for the secondaries not the main ones at the very bottom. Any leads would be be greatly appreciated!

HuntsPerger, great find on your type two!

 

[trijeff]

Re: Black & Decker Workmate

Honestly, how much do you guys use the lower setting? I use one or both of my two (aluminum Type 2) WM weekly and sometimes daily, have literally never used the lower position. I'm just 5'11" so not on tilts, for what do you use the lower setting? Most of my use is different tools on cleats (vise, grinders, buffers, table saws, etc.), which obviously puts the working height significantly higher, and most of the time I am still stooping

 

[wolfcj]

I've used the lower setting most recently for hand sawing. Probably one or two other things that I can't recall right now.

 

[Outlawmws]

I use one for reloading and I am often sitting on a couch in front of a movie or game. so then it needs to be lower, for ease of use. (I have an aluminum plate that the press and other gear gets bolted to that is clamped in the workmate)

Getting ready for another session this week.

 

[trijeff]

Here's my current session. This one only had three of the lower setting feet but I took them off because I never use 'em

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[trijeff]

Re: Black & Decker Workmate

some of the results tonight

 

[59apachegail]

I use both levels all the time, these things are my second set of hands. At this point I have three different projects going and each one is set up for its project. These are especially helpful when you need to load a rear diff, engine block or a transmission in the back of a truck and you don’t have help. You set up two at different heights and you load easily. I’ll take your lower height legs if you don’t want them!

 

[Legion Prime]

I just snagged one off CL today, as much potential as I can see for it I would be a LOT more enthusiastic about it if it were a foot taller. While not in immaculate condition it's probably not too far off for it's probable vintage.

I'm guessing it's a 79-001 Type 2. Why the type 2 you ask?

Call it a hunch? I'm guessing the 64553 isn't the model number based upon a search for "workmate 64553" bringing up an inordinate number of results for mature Russian gangbangs. While on the topic of filling holes though I would like to get some dogs for it, I measured them at 13/16" but I have seen some dogs that are using 3/4" dowels, I guess I'll figure something out. One tip I found (I'm not reading 50+ pages in a night so forgive me if it's a repeat) that sounds useful is extension dogs. Here's the link. http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip031121ws.html

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I normally use the lower setting only for hand sawing, hive setting to kneel on..


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[wolfcj]

I would like to get some dogs for it, I measured them at 13/16" but I have seen some dogs that are using 3/4" dowels, I guess I'll figure something out.

The dog holes are 20mm, so you're right that 3/4" dogs are not a great fit.

 

[Legion Prime]

20mm? Cool, good to know. I appreciate it.
And it's looking like no one makes anything but 3/4" dogs and 20mm wooden dowels are seemingly nonexistent. Maybe I'll have to make new tops or does 3/4" fit close enough?

 

[wolfcj]

I snagged one of my best Workmate estate-sale finds today, and it wasn't even a Workmate! It's the original 8-page instruction manual for the Workmate 79-001 Type E, the first Workmate sold in the United States.

I found it on a shelf among other papers, manuals, and books in the basement workshop. It's in excellent shape. Of course, I then scoured the whole house for a Workmate or some accessories, with no luck.

It was "PRINTED IN UK", has some British spelling ("centre") and is on A4 size paper, which is consistent with this Workmate being manufactured in England. However, the company reference is "The Black & Decker Manufacturing Company, Townson, Maryland, 21204", indicative of it being sold in the U.S. (although you may notice the error - it should be "Towson".)

It even has an insert page labelled "WORKMATE SERVICE SHEET 79-001 TYPE E, which is actually a parts diagram. Interestingly, it is very similar to the parts diagram currently available for the 79-001 type E at Dewalt's web site, but also differs in a number of ways from it.

I also noticed one error in it. In the UK, there were two models of the Workmate at this time, the WM225 and the WM325. I have a copy of the UK manual that covers both of these. The difference between the two models was that the WM225 was a single height bench, so the manual includes some parts that describe both models and others that are specific to one. The UK manual starts with a heading "PROCEDURE BOTH MODELS RECOMMENDED OPENING" explaining how to unfold the H-frame portion. They kept that heading in the U.S. manual, even though it covers only one model.

 

[Legion Prime]

So I got a set of cheap 3/4" dogs off amazon. Yeah, they're not really useful. However while drilling my top out to 3/4" from 20mm isn't really physically possible I did see that a friend has a workmate as well. It's newer though as evidenced by the particleboard top that is slowly crumbling away. So I offered to make a new top for her. I grabbed a 3/4" forstner bit in town today and I figure next week I'll just grab a 2'x4' project panel and basically make a copy of my top only with 3/4" dog holes and mount it on her workmate and if that goes well I may just do the same for mine.

 

[wolfcj]

The genuine Black & Decker 20mm swivel grips are available on eBay as a set of four for about $12 with free shipping.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

Just got my first workmate for $5 from my local ReStore. It’s a 200 type 3. The fiberboard jaws are rotten thus I cut some fresh ones from some 3/4” ply from my scrap pile and used a 3/4” spade bit to create similar holes for the dogs, which I’ll have to order online. I’m looking forward to learning how to optimize it.

 

[Badboy]

Nice find for $5.00....

 

[Legion Prime]

Nicely done! I just bored a hole with my 3/4" forstner in a scrap and the 3/4 dogs I got fit way WAY better in there than they did in the 20mm dog holes on my workmate. I suppose the plan now is to use my friends workmate as a test bed making a new top for her modeled off mine and then making one for myself. Then I'll have the original tops as a backup. Next week should be fun!

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

I got some replacement parts from ereplacementparts.com (a rubber foot, leg catches, and a tension spring) and some dogs from DTC Woodworking via Amazon to fit the 3/4” holes.

One cool thing about this is the lower legs can fold up and it can rest on the rubber feet of smaller legs which makes it a perfect working height for my five-year-olds who have been asking for their own garage workspace /workbench for their projects.

I also look forward to making a table top attachment to make a larger work surface or a beefy square top to hold a table saw, etc.

These workmates are versatile and cool. Thanks to this thread, I’m a convert.

 

[Outlawmws]

BHK - for those leg catches, make sure you put a "dry" lube on them. I genially use Door Ease, (not completely dry - very close to beeswax) and that keeps them from binding catching and breaking...

 

[59apachegail]

I'll add something interesting after this thing gets a few eyes...
Type 2 for 11 bucks in Ohio:
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/d/canton-work-bench/6920904637.html

 

[wolfcj]

The plastic crank arms on the handles aren't standard for a 79-001 Type 2. They would normally be metal. I wonder if it's a 79-004 Type 2, with its power strip removed.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

If you’ve made it this far in the thread, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on a copy of the 1998 book “The Workbench Book” by Scott Landis as he dedicates 10 pages to the history of the Workmate and it’s various prototypes. Fortunately, my local library had a copy.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

BHK - for those leg catches, make sure you put a "dry" lube on them. I genially use Door Ease, (not completely dry - very close to beeswax) and that keeps them from binding catching and breaking...

Thank you for that tip Outlaw! I did indeed break one of the leg catches when I was inspecting it at the ReStore. I later put a rub of oil on them with noticeable improvement and smoother operation. I’ll try some beeswax next (I have plenty at home already for my hiking boots).

 

[y'sguy]

I'll add something interesting after this thing gets a few eyes...
Type 2 for 11 bucks in Ohio:
https://akroncanton.craigslist.org/tls/d/canton-work-bench/6920904637.html

Yeah, I'd go 11 bucks on it! However it seems like it might be a classic come- on. "oh, sorry yeah that one was sold to a guy that was just here a minute ago."

 

[ptgarcia]

I'd give $11.75 just for the low position leveling feet!

 

[The_Geologist]

I happened across one of the little benchtop versions of the WorkMate that I've seen while browsing this thread in the past.

Picked it up for $15 at the local ReStore. Not sure if it is missing parts as yet...

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[Outlawmws]

Looks complete to me.

 

[wolfcj]

I happened across one of the little benchtop versions of the WorkMate that I've seen while browsing this thread in the past.

Picked it up for $15 at the local ReStore. Not sure if it is missing parts as yet...

The 79-020 should also have four rubber feet for the bottom corners and two threaded bent-arm clamps for securing the Workmate to a bench or work surface. But you did get the swivel pegs and the metal jaw protectors that are often missing and usually more useful.

I can't quite read the label in the photos. Is it a Type 1, or something else?

 

[Legion Prime]

If you’ve made it this far in the thread, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on a copy of the 1998 book “The Workbench Book” by Scott Landis as he dedicates 10 pages to the history of the Workmate and it’s various prototypes. Fortunately, my local library had a copy.

Very cool, I'll have to keep an eye out for a copy.

I happened across one of the little benchtop versions of the WorkMate that I've seen while browsing this thread in the past.

Picked it up for $15 at the local ReStore. Not sure if it is missing parts as yet...

Now THAT would be useful. Put it on a bench and have it at a height that's actually useful!
I don't know who makes these guys but for less than $8 I'll give them a shot.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TJJYX74
Then for a similar price I'll probably snag a set of these guys next week or something.
https://smile.amazon.com/First4Spares-Sturdy-Swivel-Decker-Workmate/dp/B071S81RGP

 

[Legion Prime]

So I got the first dogs I linked in today and they work GREAT! I still plan on buying the other set but only just because.
In other news I am almost done with the new jaws for my friends workmate. I goofed a little with the holes. Since I'm just guesstimating and rounding numbers, the holes through the lower jaw piece kinda blew out the back. Guess I'll know for next time. However the 3/4" dogs I got fit them like a champ and I'll be giving them to my friend along with the jaws. In the picture I'd just got done drilling the dog holes. I clamped them together and drilled through both jaws in one shot. I redrilled through the inner holes once I got the lower jaw glued up on the first one. Other than that they look great, I'm gluing the second one at the moment and should have them ready to swap out tomorrow when I head over to reinstall the carb I rebuilt for her.

 

[wolfcj]

Picked it up for $15 at the local ReStore. Not sure if it is missing parts as yet...

These are the hold-down clamps for it:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Decker-benchtop-workmate-accessories-parts-mounting-clamps/233323618727?hash=item36532be1a7:g:858AAOSwJqBdL2bX

 

[Legion Prime]

And they're done. The second jaw of course shifted so I just set up the table saw even with the top jaw and just trimmed back the lower jaw. Better than leaving it or trying to pry apart 2 pieces of plywood. The 3/4 dogs are in it, I was considering rounding the perimeter with a router. I'll probably take the router with me and do it there if she wants. I'll let you know how the install goes.

 

[y'sguy]

And they're done. The second jaw of course shifted so I just set up the table saw even with the top jaw and just trimmed back the lower jaw. Better than leaving it or trying to pry apart 2 pieces of plywood. The 3/4 dogs are in it, I was considering rounding the perimeter with a router. I'll probably take the router with me and do it there if she wants. I'll let you know how the install goes.

Nice work on the restoration. Earlier when I read this I wondered if I should ask if you made the jaws in two layers. Went for dinner, came back and see that you did. Well done. I have two workmates and should probably redo the jaws on them.

 

[felixgogo]

I have a Workmate 2 WM750, purchased new in or around 1997. It is still working hard in my projects, and has a little surface rust near the rear feet, which i plan to clean up and repaint. It has the plywood top, so before the MDF and bamboo versions.

Thanks to this thread, it is joined by an all aluminium WM325 type 3 (I think the UK and US had different numbering patterns) which I plan to clean up and gently restore to use.

It is complete, and apart from some paint spatter, which I am confident I can clean off, seems very original. I'm excited to restore it and add it to my now growing Workmate collection.