Black & Decker Workmate

[SilverJimmy]

I bought a couple old WorkMates at a yard sale. To not have them take up too much room in my shed I did a modified French Cleat to store both on the wall in my shed.

Just a couple pieces of scrap wood and some drywall screws. Now they’re out of my way and not falling down every time I barely bump them! Anybody know what vintage these are?

 

[wolfcj]

Just having used mine for a couple of days altering a kitchen unit for my son and reminding myself what a great tool it is I thought I'd do a search for B&D Workmate appreciation and this thread came up and I've found it really interesting.

Your post had me puzzled until I realized you're in the UK—is that right?

All my research shows that the Workmate Plus was not on the U.S. market in the 1980's; a model by that name was introduced here in 1992. On the other hand, there was a WM700 Workmate Plus sold in the UK, starting in 1985.

Second, the Workmate 300 in the U.S. was always full-size, like the 79-001. The small 300 that you have was sold in the UK starting before the Workmate Plus, around 1983.

I outline the complete historical lineup of Workmates for the U.S. at

Black & Decker Workmate Complete Model History

A visual guide to the history of all models of the Black & Decker Workmate

h-frame.weebly.com

But I don't have anything similar for the UK after about 1980.

 

[wolfcj]

I bought a couple old WorkMates at a yard sale. To not have them take up too much room in my shed I did a modified French Cleat to store both on the wall in my shed.

Wall hanging is exactly how Black & Decker has suggested storing Workmates, starting with illustrations in the earliest owners' manuals. I don't think I've seen the company recommend standing them on end, the way so many of us without wall space do, but that method is extremely convenient for the vintage 79-001—no lifting required!

Anybody know what vintage these are?

Probably. You would have to tell us what the labels say for model name and/or provide photos that clearly show the markings and components . Or you could compare them to all 36 models that have been sold in the U.S.

Black & Decker Workmate Complete Model History

A visual guide to the history of all models of the Black & Decker Workmate

h-frame.weebly.com

 

[Jgaz]

@ChrisLF
Your 1980’s version is in great shape.
Welcome to the forum!

 

[ChrisLF]

Your post had me puzzled until I realized you're in the UK—is that right?

All my research shows that the Workmate Plus was not on the U.S. market in the 1980's; a model by that name was introduced here in 1992. On the other hand, there was a WM700 Workmate Plus sold in the UK, starting in 1985.

Second, the Workmate 300 in the U.S. was always full-size, like the 79-001. The small 300 that you have was sold in the UK starting before the Workmate Plus, around 1983.

I outline the complete historical lineup of Workmates for the U.S. at

Black & Decker Workmate Complete Model History

A visual guide to the history of all models of the Black & Decker Workmate

h-frame.weebly.com

But I don't have anything similar for the UK after about 1980.

Thanks for the info. Yes, UK, I thought it was going to show that as I had to enter my flag - added it to my signature now.

I think my memory is being unreliable because I thought I'd bought the Workmate Plus in the early to mid 1980s and then the 300 in the late 1990s. I certainly bought the 300 some years after the Plus so it seems the 300 was manufactured for a long time, especially as I'm now thinking it could have been well into the 2000s.

Anyway I've just had a quick look in the garage at my unused packs of orange clamping pieces as I thought there was some paperwork with them. Well there was, but not much, and I was amazed to find that it was for my earlier Plus and not the 300! There's a parts diagram which states WM825 and dated 22 May 1997 and a brief instruction book dated August 1997 and Printed in Canada.

I used the Plus again earlier and then gave it a good clean. What I thought was rust inside the channels was infact tile dust. There was only two very small areas of rust about the size of a small fingernail on the bottom plates, so all in all still in excellent condition. The belt between the handles broke when I started using it yesterday but I'm not bothered about that as I always found it more of a hindrance.

 

[wolfcj]

Thanks for the info. Yes, UK, I thought it was going to show that as I had to enter my flag - added it to my signature now.

I think my memory is being unreliable because I thought I'd bought the Workmate Plus in the early to mid 1980s and then the 300 in the late 1990s. I certainly bought the 300 some years after the Plus so it seems the 300 was manufactured for a long time, especially as I'm now thinking it could have been well into the 2000s.

Anyway I've just had a quick look in the garage at my unused packs of orange clamping pieces as I thought there was some paperwork with them. Well there was, but not much, and I was amazed to find that it was for my earlier Plus and not the 300! There's a parts diagram which states WM825 and dated 22 May 1997 and a brief instruction book dated August 1997 and Printed in Canada.

Yes, a quick check shows that the WM825 was introduced in 1997. The latest mention I can find of the WM300 for sale new in newspaper adverts is 1999.

 

[ChrisLF]

Thanks for the link, very interesting and informative. My Plus/825 Looks very similar to the US 79-042 Workmate Plus and my 300 looks like a US Workmate 150 or 125.

Looks like I got them later than I thought!

 

[KYCountryboy]

I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate a thread to the Black & Decker Workmate, that folding, versatile bench and vise that has helped many a do-it-yourselfer around the world, including me. It has helped me immensely the odd times I have had to work with wood and sometimes even with the automobile projects that occupy most of my free time.

The reason I remembered the Workmate is that RON HICKMAN passed away the other day at age 78.

Ron Hickman is not a household name, even in garages, except perhaps to those that belong to deep-end, purist sports-car guys. Hickman was responsible in large part for the design of the iconic 1960s Lotus Elan, around an example of which which my life has revolved since the 70s. But one of Hickman's designs, inspired by the rear wishbones of the Lotus, is well known, available in hardware shops across the globe, even in the the Philippines – the Black & Decker Workmate.

Hickman was a talented designer and an accomplished pianist at age 17. He was made OBE by the Queen and lived until his death at age 78 in the tax-favorable Channel island of Jersey, made rich, not by the intensely focused Lotus, but by the Workmate. I bought my Workmate in the late 70s, shortly after I bought my Lotus Elan. but didn't know then of the link that joined them.

Although most of the shops and garages on this forum are so well-equipped that a Workmate will seem amateurish, every self-respecting garage (or at least those with Lotuses) should have one. I still have mine.


Ron Hickman with his two creations.

I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate a thread to the Black & Decker Workmate, that folding, versatile bench and vise that has helped many a do-it-yourselfer around the world, including me. It has helped me immensely the odd times I have had to work with wood and sometimes even with the automobile projects that occupy most of my free time.

The reason I remembered the Workmate is that RON HICKMAN passed away the other day at age 78.

Ron Hickman is not a household name, even in garages, except perhaps to those that belong to deep-end, purist sports-car guys. Hickman was responsible in large part for the design of the iconic 1960s Lotus Elan, around an example of which which my life has revolved since the 70s. But one of Hickman's designs, inspired by the rear wishbones of the Lotus, is well known, available in hardware shops across the globe, even in the the Philippines – the Black & Decker Workmate.

Hickman was a talented designer and an accomplished pianist at age 17. He was made OBE by the Queen and lived until his death at age 78 in the tax-favorable Channel island of Jersey, made rich, not by the intensely focused Lotus, but by the Workmate. I bought my Workmate in the late 70s, shortly after I bought my Lotus Elan. but didn't know then of the link that joined them.

Although most of the shops and garages on this forum are so well-equipped that a Workmate will seem amateurish, every self-respecting garage (or at least those with Lotuses) should have one. I still have mine.


Ron Hickman with his two creations.

You have brought back some memories...

Bought this in the late 80's (88-89 ish) while in the Navy in Charleston, SC. Still use it once in a while.

 

[Modern Garage]

Wolfcj, I have a 041-039 with the folding jaw and it WILL NOT stand up when folded. Mildly irritating but it's such a great tool I put up with it.
...Not so great that I have more than one though... I have four 79-001's.
Joe

 

[McBrownie]

Time to finish a project that started with storm damage last summer. Spent the winter “negotiating” with insurance to get siding replaced. Finally got approved and the contractors show up next week. Getting two coats of stain on before installation. Two workmates are perfect for this job.

 

[Outlawmws]

That is exactly why I've have had 2 of the same model for a long time. I was up to 3 200's before I for the older ones "paired up" and sold all 3 200's

 

[engineer2]

Good B&D curb find today. Anybody know what model it is? One board is sliced through, but should be easy to repair.
Also found a decent 10x10 pop-up canopy someone was throwing out.

 

[wolfcj]

Good B&D curb find today. Anybody know what model it is? One board is sliced through, but should be easy to repair.

It's a 79-001 Type 2
https://h-frame.weebly.com/79-001-type-2.html

 

[ChefRex]

Good B&D curb find today. Anybody know what model it is? One board is sliced through, but should be easy to repair.
Also found a decent 10x10 pop-up canopy someone was throwing out.

That wins you a “You ****!"

 

[captain14]

wolfcj,

Found this posted in MP. Workmate accessories. I know what the 4 pegs at the bottom are, but can you identify what the top three are? The middle one is labeled as a WM horizontal clamp.

Can you give a description in how each of the top three are used?

I’ve never seen the top three pictured.

Thanks in advance.

 

[fartymarty]

wolfcj,

Found this posted in MP. Workmate accessories. I know what the 4 pegs at the bottom are, but can you identify what the top three are? The middle one is labeled as a WM horizontal clamp.

Can you give a description in how each of the top three are used?

I’ve never seen the top three pictured.

Thanks in advance.

I'm fairly certain that the upper left and upper right pieces are for Stanley sawhorses, not specifically for WM. I think they go on the end of the sawhorses to either hold tubes (PVC pipe, tree limbs etc.) or on the reverse side a 2X4 in either position. I think Stanley calls them "Clip on Timber and pipe channel". They appear to be a nice addition for a WM though, just clamp a piece of wood or metal across the WM vise and modify the ends of same so the pieces will mount on each end. Judging by the orange color, they may actually be for a cheap Stanley clone sawhorse because I think the Stanley's are all yellow.

The top middle black clamp can be used supplementally or by itself to hold items against the usual orange WM Dogs. For instance you are holding something between the WM dogs using the Workmate vise, then you wanted to hold something else against that piece for bending, line drilling, gluing, or whatever.

 

[MoonRise]

A listing of a Workmate Horizontal clamp, with the OEM box that has pictures and words of what it is and how to use it.

Mercari: Your Marketplace

Mercari is your marketplace. It's the perfect place to declutter and discover items that are uniquely you. Say 'goodbye' to your old go-tos and 'hello' to one-of-a-kind treasures.

www.mercari.com

 

[wolfcj]

I'll just add that you can see the Workmate Horizontal Clamp at my website here:
https://h-frame.weebly.com/horizontal-clamp-79-018.html

The owner's manual for it can be found on my Documents page:
https://h-frame.weebly.com/documents.html

You can see all eleven of the early Workmate accessories here:
https://h-frame.weebly.com/accessories.html

Also, a little self-promotion—if you Google "workmate horizontal clamp", my page is the first result. (At least that's what comes up for me.)

 

[wolfcj]

I have a question for anyone who owns an early Workmate 300 (79-033), especially a Type 1. The Workmate 300 Type 1 is gray, like the 79-001 that it replaced in the Workmate lineup, and this one was made in Brockville during the first month of production of the 300, in May 1982. It is nearly identical to the 79-001 Type 9 in its design and components. I have one of these for the first time, making a video for my H-frame YouTube channel, and I'm puzzled about something.

There is a small plastic piece next to the top-release button on the right-hand side of the Workmate. This photo shows it when the Workmate is folded.



This photo shows the same piece when the Workmate is unfolded.





There is a label on the top of the Workmate with instructions for using this "lock".



This "lock" appears completely intact, unbroken, and installed properly. The instructions seem to imply that it should lock the Workmate in the upright position, but I can fold and unfold the Workmate over and over without any need to "release lock" before I press the button. I can't tell that the lock does anything at all.


I have the B&D parts diagram for the Type 1, and it does not show a part like this. I don't have an owner's manual for a 300 Type 1, so I don't know if it is mentioned in there. I have another 300 from later in the 1980's with black paint, made in Brazil, and it does not have this part.


So, does anyone have an early Workmate 300 that has a part like this that actually is functioning as a lock? The Workmate would have to have gray paint, not black, to be early enough. Does anyone have an early Workmate 300 that does NOT have this part? While I'm asking, does anyone have the owner's manual for an early Workmate 300?

Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this.

 

[Pompey]

I just bought another one last week. I have several in the house with large electronic amplifiers and signal generators on them. I still have my first blue one which I got in the early 1980's

 

[andyvh1959]

eventually I'll need to replace the jaw boards on my original Workmate. Thinking something solid wood versus a laminated product? Or perhaps retain the original jaws, but plane off the top surface and glue/clamp on a hardwood layer. Then redrill the holes from the bottom.

 

[captain14]

Found this table top Workmate and assorted clamps on CL.

 

[Vintage Veloce]

I have a question for anyone who owns an early Workmate 300 (79-033), especially a Type 1. The Workmate 300 Type 1 is gray, like the 79-001 that it replaced in the Workmate lineup, and this one was made in Brockville during the first month of production of the 300, in May 1982. It is nearly identical to the 79-001 Type 9 in its design and components. I have one of these for the first time, making a video for my H-frame YouTube channel, and I'm puzzled about something.

There is a small plastic piece next to the top-release button on the right-hand side of the Workmate. This photo shows it when the Workmate is folded.



This photo shows the same piece when the Workmate is unfolded.





There is a label on the top of the Workmate with instructions for using this "lock".



This "lock" appears completely intact, unbroken, and installed properly. The instructions seem to imply that it should lock the Workmate in the upright position, but I can fold and unfold the Workmate over and over without any need to "release lock" before I press the button. I can't tell that the lock does anything at all.


I have the B&D parts diagram for the Type 1, and it does not show a part like this. I don't have an owner's manual for a 300 Type 1, so I don't know if it is mentioned in there. I have another 300 from later in the 1980's with black paint, made in Brazil, and it does not have this part.


So, does anyone have an early Workmate 300 that has a part like this that actually is functioning as a lock? The Workmate would have to have gray paint, not black, to be early enough. Does anyone have an early Workmate 300 that does NOT have this part? While I'm asking, does anyone have the owner's manual for an early Workmate 300?

Thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this.

Does your workmate have the button shown in the diagram? The pictures you posted don't show that... what's on the opposite side from your pictures?

 

[Jgaz]

eventually I'll need to replace the jaw boards on my original Workmate. Thinking something solid wood versus a laminated product? Or perhaps retain the original jaws, but plane off the top surface and glue/clamp on a hardwood layer. Then redrill the holes from the bottom.

Since I moved back to AZ almost 10 years ago my workmate is left setup, outside, on a 10’x20’ pad beside my garage.

I replaced my jaw boards with a product called “star board”. It’s used to make boat cabinets that are constantly exposed to water and sun. Purchased on eBay from a company in Florida.

It machines easily with woodworking tools and has held up very well to AZ sun and some rain over the last six or seven years.
I drilled my dog holes 3/4” to allow use of all my woodworking accessories that need a 3/4” hole.

 

[wolfcj]

Does your workmate have the button shown in the diagram? The pictures you posted don't show that... what's on the opposite side from your pictures?

Yes, the second of my three photos shows the button, right next to the "lock", exactly where it is in the diagram.

 

[budget76]

i wound up selling my WM when I moved a couple of months back. had a nice older steel one with nearly new jaws. but it just sat in the corner collecting dust, I almost never took it out. it was too heavy to be convenient to pull out as a quick work surface, and took up too much space to leave out. I had too many other vises to justify keeping it

they've got their uses for sure, but unfortunately not in my cases

 

[wolfcj]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/black-decker-workmate.92136/page-67#post-10913304

I have a question for anyone who owns an early Workmate 300 (79-033), especially a Type 1.
...

This is an update of my message from two weeks ago and a repeat of my plea to anyone who owns a Workmate 300 (79-033) from the early-to-mid-1980's with gray (not black) painted frame. What I want to know is whether your Workmate has this plastic "lock" piece next to the right-hand latch release button. There must be a few of these in the garages of the Workmate owners here.


Since I posted my original query, I have obtained an owner's manual for this model. It has the same illustration and instructions (such as they are) regarding the lock that appear on the jaw label from the Workmate (see photo in my earlier message), so it didn't really help solve this mystery.

To repeat, the mystery is that the plastic lock piece appears completely intact, unbroken, and installed correctly, yet is completely non-functional. I'm trying to complete my documentation of the Workmate 300, and this is really bugging me. Much thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[48windsor]

Cool story, thanks. Seems like picking up a used Workmate might be the way to go.

I was given one and almost got rid of it. Now Im glad I didnt.
Like many others have stated. Mine is scuffed,has a few oops saw cuts in it.
Handy and sturdy . I use it to hold my chopsaw when not working in shop.

 

[fullthrottle24]

This is an update of my message from two weeks ago and a repeat of my plea to anyone who owns a Workmate 300 (79-033) from the early-to-mid-1980's with gray (not black) painted frame. What I want to know is whether your Workmate has this plastic "lock" piece next to the right-hand latch release button. There must be a few of these in the garages of the Workmate owners here.


Since I posted my original query, I have obtained an owner's manual for this model. It has the same illustration and instructions (such as they are) regarding the lock that appear on the jaw label from the Workmate (see photo in my earlier message), so it didn't really help solve this mystery.

To repeat, the mystery is that the plastic lock piece appears completely intact, unbroken, and installed correctly, yet is completely non-functional. I'm trying to complete my documentation of the Workmate 300, and this is really bugging me. Much thanks to anyone who can help.

Is it that possible that the button piece seats up a little higher in the hole and then the release tab can move down into the channel thus blocking the channel?

 

[Outlawmws]

Is that a button, or a twist knob?

 

[fartymarty]

Is that a button, or a twist knob?

Despite the drawing showing what appears to be a knurl on the button in the second drawing, the instructions and the photos would indicate that it is a button.

 

[wolfcj]

Yes, I refer to this mechanism as the "pinball-button" latch, because you stand in front of the Workmate and press the two buttons on the sides as if you were playing a pinball machine. This mechanism was introduced on the final variation of the 79-001—the Type 9—and was carried over to the Workmate 300. The only difference I can see on the 300 is the addition of the non-functional plastic lock piece that I'm asking about. I think it has to be a safety device to keep the top from collapsing, but on this particular 300, it doesn't do anything.

I would suggest a quick look at my YouTube video about the 79-001 Type 9, where I demonstrate how the pinball-button mechanism works. Skip the history at the start and jump ahead to about 6:25 in the video. The 300 works exactly the same way, with no need to ever touch the plastic lock piece that they added.

 

[f121]

Workmate Workbox has been getting a workout recently:


I inherited this from my grandfather, who I suspect received it as a gift from his eldest son, but didn’t ever use it. I couldn’t bring myself to skip it when we cleared his shop, but haven’t really used it since. Turns out it’s really handy for indoor framing jobs.

 

[gleman]

Workmate Workbox has been getting a workout recently:


I inherited this from my grandfather, who I suspect received it as a gift from his eldest son, but didn’t ever use it. I couldn’t bring myself to skip it when we cleared his shop, but haven’t really used it since. Turns out it’s really handy for indoor framing jobs.

I bought one for my Dad too!

I got it back, unused, about 12 years later. I like it and it gets regular usage.

 

[wolfcj]

The WorkBox WM450 is a UK model that was sold in the U.S. in the late 1990's as the ShopBox. Looks like it's in great condition!

 

[Oldsmobile]

Here's an...unusual...Workmate on craigslist. It's either really cool or an abomination. I haven't decided yet which way I lean.

 

[Outlawmws]

It's either really cool or an abomination. I

I vote Cool! I've seen treadles off Sewing machines repurposed, planning one out myself, but this is a first!

 

[Jgaz]

Here's an...unusual...Workmate on craigslist. It's either really cool or an abomination. I haven't decided yet which way I lean.

I think I’d like what looks like the added height over a stock Workmate

 

[fartymarty]

Here's an...unusual...Workmate on craigslist. It's either really cool or an abomination. I haven't decided yet which way I lean.

I think I'm going with an abomination.

Yes, the extra height and weight are nice if you don't need yours to fold up anymore for storage...but even with the extra weight I don't think it's looking all that stable. I guess perhaps I use mine more aggressively when planing or sawing. I'm sure the sewing machine base would work fine for cutting some molding or picture framing or other light duty that wouldn't cause the whole thing to topple over. That sewing machine base could be put to better uses IMO.

 

[wolfcj]

Well, it's an attention-getter, but that's the best I can say. I would call it a Frankenstein creation—just putting together two things that happened to be around, with not much thought or planning about how they would function together. Both the Workmate top and the sewing machine base have better uses.