Black & Decker Workmate

[McBrownie]

Looks very nice. Oh ****, now I need a Blue one.

Thanks and yes you do! This one is heavy duty, but it doesn't have the flip up jaw like my 350. The all metal clamping mechanism feels much more solid than the newer plastic ones. I'll have to throw them on a scale to see the weight difference.

 

[stickshift]

B&D was selling the WM225 on ebay for $60 shipped, but sold out now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400859394525?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I think they're clearing these out and changing the models. Curious to see what design changes get incorporated.

 

[adcolor]

I was given one by my then father in law (rip) in the late 80's; a 400 IIRC (definitely NOT the flip top clamp), branded as a Dekuypers (FIL was the liquor buyer at a local chain of grocers -- it was free to him). He wasn't much of a garage guru. It has been a number of things, including a reloading bench, a saw base, a ladder, table saw outfeed/infeed support, etc. etc.

I now have 5. Going this afternoon to pick up another one (I have a $25 purchase limit -- this one is $15).

I like my first one best. It has steel axles and interference fit for the fold lout extension legs. The aluminum ones are ok too, but more cumbersome in the release from folded mechanism. The current/later models with the plastic leg extension latches **** (and at $5 plus are not so cheap as they should be).

The flip top clamp units are a bit rickety, don't like them as much, but nice to have one around when clamping that way is helpful. I do have one of the oddball plastic topped rolling stand type (odd height), and a table top woodworkers vice (for $5 it followed me home).

Great idea, and the regular units are all the same height!

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Adcolor - - - - let's SEE pics of those 5, most especially if they're all old school.

 

[McBrownie]

Time for an action shot. Hard to beat a workmate when you need access from all angles. Snowblower engines, on the other hand, deserve to be beat - with large hammers.

View media item 53825

 

[Zion21]

Has anyone taken the plastic handles and replaced them with aluminum or steel ones?

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I haven't thought of doing that but seems like the way to go. Tell us how it turns out if you decide to do this!

 

[adcolor]

I'll have to figure out how to post pics in this forum. Forgive the typos - this is not working well using my tablet.

I apparently have a disease - I looked around my shop and realized I have 7 Workmates. Wow.

The most recent one is an early model type 2 (alum).

Then two 79-001. A type 7 & type 4. All these units use the old table top mounting. It's an upside down U with mounting flanges. The tops have 2 layers due to the lower layer locking against the mounting bracket when the top is clamping (stress is transferred to the bracket, not the mounting screws). The metal parts are all steel. The threaded mount for the clamps are now plastic. The type 7 looses the adjustable feet for the lower position. The handle arms are now plastic.

Then I have a couple of 300s. They are the same top size as the older 3. They are of the newer top mount for top. Plastic riser blocks that have a post that goes into the top, as well as a bolt that then goes down into the threaded piece that makes it clamp (the machinists here will have the correct term). Also, the HEIGHT CHANGES. Only slightly on the lower position, but about an inch in the raised position. I got AR and fiddled. The folding legs are longer on the older models, raising the height. The top could be ground down off one wanted too make them match. Also, the rubber foot on the newer legs will fit with the old adjustable foot removed. That takes a little height off.

The One with no type number has a push button to release the folding mechanism. It has an over ride lever to allow it to foldwhen in the up position. The button also releases the latch to allow it to unfold. The legs for the extended position have a simple friction tab. No open or closed latch, just whatever position you left them in. I think the best, longest lasting method. The type 9 has the newer weaker metal latch and the unreliable plastic leg latches. It also has metal extensions with rubber feet for the legs folded position (lower position). My other 300 has plastic feet in this position. The type 9 also has C shaped cross braces (where the big label is). All the older units that I have use rectangular tubing. Both the 300s have the front foot twest with tool slots.

The 400s. One has tool slots, the other does not. The depth of the top is more, one side can be tilted up to create a horizontal clamp. The other side can be lifted off and repositioned to change the clamp width in the normal position. I find them a bit rickety, but not usually a problem (especially if you don't use them as scaffolding --right). The length of the top is the same, 29".

Well, lots of 'ado about nothing'. Waiting for my order off handles (225 hardware kit), plastic leg latches, rubber feet. I still forgot a couple of rubber feet. It'll wait for my next order. Now too pick up a couple more and sell off the set that is smaller (older/taller v shorter/newer). Or use the odd ones out to do things like the semi permanent table saw out feed table.

The 300 & 400 models

 

[scooternut]

OK, had to have one thanks to you guys and it makes sense for me and my tinkering. MY first buy I think was a good one based on my research on this thread. My first CL search got me this one for $20. It is an older 300, the wood appears to be the older plywood, is in good condition and is straight. The lower legs seem to be held by friction, not the clips that I see break a lot. The plastic table dogs are there.

Bad, the lower legs are quite rusty. Going to remove that lower assembly to paint initially, then just clean up the rest... or maybe just do it all. Who knows. Looking forward to it, thank you for another great tool recommendation, I think that this one is a winner for me, I just had to be told.

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ ^ . . . do I spy . . . . EMPTY box for Pale Ale cans ?????

Nice score on $20 old school WorkMate.

 

[scooternut]

^ ^ ^ ^ . . . do I spy . . . . EMPTY box for Pale Ale cans ?????

Nice score on $20 old school WorkMate. [emoji106]

I'm just glad that you can only see one!

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[McBrownie]

Well, I never thought I would be a one percenter, but it looks like I might be (at least in the world of workmates). My son was coming home for Thanksgiving, so I gave CL a quick scan for places along his route and what did I find?

Another blue frame, aluminum workmate with aluminum risers.
View media item 55102
Here it is with it's Irish cousin WM 625 Type E02 on the right
View media item 55103
Looks like a WM 79-001 Type E05 and maybe made in Canada (it's hard to see)
View media item 55104
I used "Goof Off" and it takes the white latex splatter right off. A little time and I think I'll be able to clean it up without a repaint. Overall, I like the E05 better because it is a lot lighter, but it still solid. It's nice to have a pair of them the same height.

 

[McBrownie]

Nice find! Looks like both of those have the wood tops that are supported on aluminum blocks rather than the sort of "U-shaped" steel brackets that tend to be seen on most of the early models made for the U.S. market.

Thanks. Yes, they both have the cast aluminum "riser" blocks. I had a chance to use the "new" E05 today and it is much easier to work with than the old Irish made Type E02. A lot lighter and all of the catches and releases work the way they are supposed to. On the older Type E02, they are hit and miss. So when folding it up, it might stay folded up and it might not. The Type E05 is much more secure. I'll have to do some adjusting on the E02, but I think the "new" one will be my go to.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You guys have all the luck! I've been looking for an aluminum Workmate on-and-off for a while. So far, no dice...

Tommy

 

[pablo94sc]

Thanks to you guys I bought one and now need a few more. I had used my parents a few times growing up but mostly liked the novelty of the opening table, but these things are just downright handy. They make great little workbenches, and the fact they can clamp my miter saw is an added bonus. Thank you, but my wallet says plbbtz! Lol

 

[scooternut]

Since we've ruined the CL vise market in my area with over demand, I switched my attention to workmates to find an aluminum one.

I found this one for $20 locally. Of note, no stamping of type number under the jaws, just a stamp on each jaw underside reading "CWS L 11.-9.-15." (that C could be a G). These stamps are inside the U shaped stamped steel risers, no aluminum riser blocks. All of the feet are there, but the upper ones for the lower position all look to have a crack.

Unfortunately, like Blue Frog, one of my aluminum cranks is broken at the knob, bummer.

I think I'll be repainting with the spray dark machine gray like someone posted earlier. It very much matches the brush on smoke gray on the drill press base in the pic.

 

[scooternut]

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[scooternut]

Almost forgot, here is last week's find after the repaint. Turned out great, except I broke one of the plastic "springs" at the top table release button. Stupid mistake



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[Jim Dawson]

Thanks for the idea of a 2'X4' top for the Workmate. I made one yesterday and it is really handy.

 

[37ford4dr]

did he design this work mate also? this has been so well used over the last 30+ years, it has a removable ply wood top clamped in place

 

[GzrGlide]

I bought my first Workmate as a Christmas gift for my dad when I was a young kid. I remember carrying it onto the bus and hauling it home from the bus stop in deep snow. He loved it and had it for many years.

I got my own a few years ago when we were clearing out my wife's grandmother's house. The thig was tucked into a corner of the basement IN THE ORIGINAL SEALED BOX! Unbelievable. Its been well used since and will be with me for a long time.

 

[jakemac]

Putting my 400 to work today as a motor stand while I swapped motors on my mower. I needed to swap some parts to get the new motor to work on my machine. The workmate was perfect for dropping the spindle through the worktop to keep the motors flat while I worked. It was nice not to have to bend over to work on the motors.

 

[bluestripe67]

OMG! I would be dead in the water without my Workmate. It has helped me so many times, it would confuse an abacus. Dennis

 

[captain14]

Thanks for the idea of a 2'X4' top for the Workmate. I made one yesterday and it is really handy.

What is the 2 by 4 top for the Workmate?

 

[Outlawmws]

2 ft X 4 ft piece of ply with a cleat on the bottom to grip in the WM jaws.

See post 493 above.

 

[captain14]

Ok I thought there was something else involving 2x4's

 

[GzrGlide]

What a find! Can you post a picture or two of it?

 

[bagged89s10]

Does anyone have any handles or a source for replacement handles. I accidentally cracked one off yesterday.

 

[Blue Frog]

Does anyone have any handles or a source for replacement handles. I accidentally cracked one off yesterday.

Google Etoolreplacements - I did and found handles there - plastic, but they work.

Blue Frog

 

[Outlawmws]

If the newer style, B&D carries replacement parts for many of them. On their web site.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

OK, it's Christmas, people. I'm not even going to try to be subtle anymore.

WHO IS GOING TO SELL ME A NICE ALUMINUM FRAME WORKMATE FOR A GOOD PRICE??



Tommy

 

[Blue Frog]

OK, it's Christmas, people. I'm not even going to try to be subtle anymore.

WHO IS GOING TO SELL ME A NICE ALUMINUM FRAME WORKMATE FOR A GOOD PRICE??



Tommy

Are you headed towards Columbus, OH any time soon? Or do you know anyone coming through Columbus and headed your way?

Blue Frog

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Blue Frog, I'll probably never be anywhere near Ohio in the near future, but just the fact that you responded at all makes my heart warm.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Tommy

 

[bagged89s10]

Google Etoolreplacements - I did and found handles there - plastic, but they work.



Blue Frog

They only sell the knob. I need the handle.
black and decker part 943147

 

[bagged89s10]

If the newer style, B&D carries replacement parts for many of them. On their web site.

I have 2 older styles.

 

[bagged89s10]

I found this listed for the newer one I have. I'll give it a shot.

[http://www.ereplacementparts.com/armcrank-p-95679.html/URL] [ATTACH]508086._xfImport[/ATTACH]

 

[Rrumbler]

I got mine when they first came out, must have been 1972, Mrs. Rr gave it to me as a Christmas present. It's still with me, been through hell and low water, looks it's age, but I can still clamp the miter saw or any of a half dozen other things to it an go at it. It's held vises, buffers, grinders, wood projects, welding projects, plumbing projects, been stood upon, sat upon, held cylinder heads during rebuild, and the aforementioned miter saw. The spring clips that hold the folding legs folded or extended have broken off on one side or the other, so I use a bungee cord to hold the legs folded. But it still works, and sits in a place of importance in the garage, where I can get to it whenever I need it. Wouldn't trade it for any other type of portable bench.

 

[coleman10]

Hey, guys. What's the opinion on this one? Local seller has two. $35 for one or two for $50. Model is 79-001. Anything missing?

 

[Outlawmws]

Coleman, looks like the Basic WM 200 series. Nothing fancy, but nothing wrong with them either. if you go look, the most common thing wrong is the plastic leg keeper (keeps the lower legs tucked in storage mode) often break.

Those parts should still be available. Earlier version had a metal spring that gets mashed/kinked, and I don't think those are available, but could be straightened (and lubed so they don't bend/kink again - same for the plastic; lube them they are less likely to break...)

 

[coleman10]

Thanks, guys. Going to see if I can get out there this weekend. Busy with the family. Been itching to get one of these for a long time now.

 

[straightcut]

I blame Garage Journal for this Workmate affliction! I spotted this on craigslist and immediately reached for my phone. Never mind that I have four already...

I do need to buy a Powerball ticket today!