Black & Decker Workmate

[JMLangford]

I have one of those that I inherited from my father's tool collection. He used it when making things for his model railroad. Also good for holding things in position for soldering.

Funny you should mention model railroading.....the tool lot that I got this one from, belonged to an 85 yr old gentleman, that was into model railroading!

He was going into an assisted living home....but when I was at his former home, I saw several boxes of engines and rail cars and he also had a lot of nice framed pictures of trains and railroad scenes....

Must have been a lot of these tabletop Workmates sold to model railroaders....

Seems like there is a lot more accessories that go with it...


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[Hexen]

The Hobbycrafter Workmate looks like a cross between the standard benchtop mini Workmate and a Panavise.

 

[JMLangford]

The Hobbycrafter Workmate looks like a cross between the standard benchtop mini Workmate and a Panavise.

Yep....I've got a PanaVise that I've never used.....Bought out a guy selling all his carving chisels and such on Craigslist


It looks like mine is more suited to the carver that would screw the material onto the PanaVise base instead of clamping it in a vise jaws....


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[B17E1943]

I was invited to share this here....

This is a small tabletop Black & Decker WorkMate....


It has an lever on the right side, that when you release the tension, It swivels in a multitude of positions....


Does anyone else have one of these or have seen one before?

That's cute - I like it.

Is it metal/plastic, or?

 

[JMLangford]

That's cute - I like it.

Is it metal/plastic, or?

I believe it's all plastic except for the nut holding the lock lever on....



I think even the two threaded clamp screws are plastic....I'll have to look tomorrow and report back....


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[txlonghorn1989]

Picked this Workmate Portable Work Center & Vise this past weekend at a garage sale. I was needing/wanting another one (vintage one I bought in the fall I gave to my son-in-law) so it was a nice pickup for me. I originally thought this was a knock-off because the blue repainted table top and it's about an inch thick. I haven't looked closely but my impression is the table top may be some kind of veneered MDF. Anyway, I didn't open the workmate to see if it was legit until I got it home. Then I saw the Black & Decker on the frame. As you can see from the pics, to the right of the B&D it is labelled "Workmate Portable Work Center & Vise Dual 29" Model No. 79-001".

I'm wondering how old this might be in the evolution of the Workmate. When I went to open it, IIRC it opened differently than the one I bought last fall which was typical of the workmates I've seen before. This one has a springy piece of metal that you can see in the pics.

Interested to hear what you guys think. If anyone has any questions or needs any other pics let me know. Thanks!

 

[lafester]

Looks like a later model? Check under the Jaws for the type number. I imagine whatever the type is it has been documented in this thread.

Took me forever to get rid of mine with pretty nice wood Jaws for $30.

Love my aluminum ones though and use them all the time.

 

[wolfcj]

This is a type 8. The characteristics include the single layer jaws, the style of label on the H-frame, the steel U-brackets holding the jaws, the four slip-on feet on the legs, and the steel right-angle feet for the lower height. The catch that holds it folded was used on almost all 79-001s, except for the first ones with the all-aluminum "skeleton" frames (Type E) and the final type 9.

 

[wolfcj]

Here is a link to the owner's manual for the 79-001 type 8.
https://servicenet.blackanddecker.com/Products/Detail?isId=true&productNumber=79-001&selectedType=17999

 

[calif phil]

I picked up a used Workmate last week for $40. The farmer said it’s been in the barn for 30-35 years. I have not cleaned it yet, but I think it’s in excellent condition.


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[Outlawmws]

That is in very excellent condition! Great find!

 

[Hexen]

That is in very excellent condition! Great find!

Yes, astonishingly clean for something fresh out of a barn!

 

[Copymutt]

I've got one of the original models. Getting a little worn now but, still comes in Handy. About ten years ago I found for five bucks a bigger one. Kept it in my tractor garage. It's open on one end. Silly me, I left an empty bag of fish pellets on the lumber pile in there. Mr 400# bear used the workmates as a step stool to check out the bag and bent the legs. Got him on game cam. It's all wonky now.
Not covered under warranty I guess.

Jim

 

[Outlawmws]

They are rated for 400# (I've built engines, even on the 200's), So I suspect the Bear was >400

 

[Vahispd]

I've been looking for a decent used Workmate for awhile now, and finally found a 79-041 (WM400) for $20. Seller said it has been hanging on the wall in his garage for 20 years. Even included the original instruction manual copyright JUN91. The cranks are metal with plastic knobs.

There are no markings under the jaws, just the sticker on the frame with 9240. Possibly a date code - 40th week of 1992?

Needs new leg clips and the rear jaw is bowed. I dusted it off and lubed all moving parts . Next is to replace both jaws with thicker material, build a caster platform and some accessories.

 

[dizzyspots]

So, started on a simple enough journey. Just looking for a deal on a new Workmate, so I could rebuild an outboard lower unit. Then I found out about vintage WM's, who knew there were such things.

None on local CL or marketplace...ah! Searchtempest leads to many from $18 to $180...none withing 120 miles of me.

The search for the elusive H frame begins...nobody wants to ship...no phone numbers, just email links....then I try local again...I stumble on one posted in an odd category...22 miles away...

original 79-001 Type 2 in full functional, good condition $25 and its mine Planning a general clean up and repaint and will post pictures before and after shortly....thanks for info!!! Cheers Mike

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I still have had ZERO luck finding an aluminum frame for any type of reasonable money.

You guys have all the luck!

Tommy

 

[6PTsocket]

I wish they would make a quality Workmate. The concept is good, but I haven't been able to get past the particle board top and so many plastic parts.

That's the newer ones. My tops are plywood and only the crank knobs are plastic. Mine are heavy steel frame and have always lived inside. The are not rusty.

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[American Iron]

Probably going to hate me but I found the Holy Grail, at least for me. A genuine 79-001 Type E.. A little dirty but complete and folds/stands great. Still has the original rubber feet and label.. Blue handles and even blue wedge blocks. Were the blue wedge blocks original as well.? Not sure?

Found this at a local estate sale towards the end of the second and (last) day of the sale. Didn't even want to go as the last day is usually barren of decent things left.. Wife insisted I go.. You know how it is..

Well there it sat in the basement all by itself surrounded by old boxes of jars. Had a price of $25.00 which I was running up the stairs to go pay but at the checkout the lady running things says, " Oh good someone wants that old stand. How about $5.00?" I was worried that she was joking but she wasn't..
Practically threw the fiver at her and out the door I went wife in tow.. Going to stay in the family. Starting a cleanup tonight..

 

[smokeyburb]

No hate from me, great score!

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[Outlawmws]

Great score and a well earned USUCK!

I'm going to say the blue bench dogs are original for that era/run. I've seen black and the more recent dogs are orange (which I like -easier to find them...)

Did the other two clamps also come with?

 

[lafester]

Those are pretty cool. I've seen a couple aluminum/steel versions since I got mine but never one of those.

 

[Bigbandguy]

I second the suckage. That is a score, especially for 5 bucks !

 

[Hexen]

So, started on a simple enough journey. Just looking for a deal on a new Workmate, so I could rebuild an outboard lower unit. Then I found out about vintage WM's, who knew there were such things.

None on local CL or marketplace...ah! Searchtempest leads to many from $18 to $180...none withing 120 miles of me.

The search for the elusive H frame begins...nobody wants to ship...no phone numbers, just email links....then I try local again...I stumble on one posted in an odd category...22 miles away...

original 79-001 Type 2 in full functional, good condition $25 and its mine Planning a general clean up and repaint and will post pictures before and after shortly....thanks for info!!! Cheers Mike

Welcome to the site.

I hadn't heard of searchtempest.com before, I used some other craigslist search tool years ago but craigslist forced it to shut down, hopefully they've loosened up about that now.

 

[American Iron]

Outlawmws:

Yes, the two shiny clamps came with it as well. Both are Black & Decker Workmate clamps (79-016) that look to date from the late 1980's. Also had the instructions and warranty card for the clamps. I'm still so surprised the Workmate was still at the sale. I was very lucky for sure..

 

[mfharper]

I've still got mine from 30 years ago and just picked up a second one from a friends father that is even older.

 

[meboatermike]

Just used my Black & Decker Workmate 300 today building a platform/table to set my almost 200 lb 5th wheel sliding hitch on. Will be moved out of the truck as soon as the son comes by this weekend I have been using this workmate for a couple decades or more it seems. Works well since I do not have a workshop or garage to work in, it has seen a lot of outdoor use.

 

[bczygan]

My wife just picked up for me, my 2nd cast aluminum main frame Workmate.

Complete and working but with a couple of rust spots and no stickers.

$30 from a lady who buys storage unit contents.

I recently saw one on CL for over $200.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Here's the one for $245:

https://toledo.craigslist.org/tls/d/vintage-black-decker-workmate/6590787098.html

Bill

 

[the gypsy]

You should ak the seller to post lesser pics and give you a discount. lol

 

[rmalkow2]

And he's not even hiding the rust or calling it patina!

 

[rmalkow2]

Finally, after much searching and watching I found an aluminum frame Workmate and it's an original 79-001 Type E with the all aluminum frame and made in England if I understand the history correctly.
While I can't beat the super price of the one American Iron scored recently I'm more than satisfied. Is is missing the clamping blocks but I never use those anyway. Otherwise it looks to be in mostly unused condition and just really dusty from being stored somewhere for years. Still has the rubber suction cup like feet which amazes me they have survived. It came with the original Instruction Manual printed in England.
Paid a whopping $13 for it at an auction.
I'm very happy with this one and it will be a keeper.

 

[oldmxracer]

Finally, after much searching and watching I found an aluminum frame Workmate and it's an original 79-001 Type E with the all aluminum frame and made in England if I understand the history correctly.
While I can't beat the super price of the one American Iron scored recently I'm more than satisfied. Is is missing the clamping blocks but I never use those anyway. Otherwise it looks to be in mostly unused condition and just really dusty from being stored somewhere for years. Still has the rubber suction cup like feet which amazes me they have survived. It came with the original Instruction Manual printed in England.
Paid a whopping $13 for it at an auction.
I'm very happy with this one and it will be a keeper.

Nice score !

 

[American Iron]

rmalkow2: Congrats on the Type E. Hopefully our luck in finding these will bode well for others to find their own.... Fantastic to see the original instruction booklet too. Great price..

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Finally, after much searching and watching I found an aluminum frame Workmate and it's an original 79-001 Type E with the all aluminum frame and made in England if I understand the history correctly.
While I can't beat the super price of the one American Iron scored recently I'm more than satisfied. Is is missing the clamping blocks but I never use those anyway. Otherwise it looks to be in mostly unused condition and just really dusty from being stored somewhere for years. Still has the rubber suction cup like feet which amazes me they have survived. It came with the original Instruction Manual printed in England.
Paid a whopping $13 for it at an auction.
I'm very happy with this one and it will be a keeper.

Aww, come on!! You guys are just flaunting it in my face!!

You definitely get a "You ****"!

Tommy

 

[rmalkow2]

Haha,
Thanks guys but there was no skill involved just luck of the auction. Surprisingly I was only bid against a couple times then nothing to the finish. Seems the bargains on these are still out there unlike Wilton Bullet vises. Hang in there Tommy one will come to you someday.

Bob

 

[PelicanPines]

Aww, come on!! You guys are just flaunting it in my face!!

You definitely get a "You ****"!

Tommy

I don't have an aluminum one... but I have a vintage Workmate 400... has some black overspray on the top but is in pretty good shape... garage kept, non-smoking. It's yours if you want to drive to the shore to pick it up. I don't use it...

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I picked up this 79-001 type7 the other day. It has real plywood, and seem like I will get some good use out of it.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I don't have an aluminum one... but I have a vintage Workmate 400... has some black overspray on the top but is in pretty good shape... garage kept, non-smoking. It's yours if you want to drive to the shore to pick it up. I don't use it...

Wow. I'm speechless. Although searching for these elusive things is really part of the fun for me, I might just take you up on that in September when we go down to Wildwood Crest for the car show weekend.

Thanks!

Tommy

 

[PelicanPines]

Wow. I'm speechless. Although searching for these elusive things is really part of the fun for me, I might just take you up on that in September when we go down to Wildwood Crest for the car show weekend.

Thanks!

Tommy

It's not the aluminum one... don't get too excited... but it's got a label on it as of this morning... "Belonga Tommy" Already told the wife it will be out of her way in September...

Sorry... no might... it's yours.

Silly... you did search for it... in this forum.