Black & Decker Workmate
- Thread starter abstamaria
- Start date
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I feel like I avoided that when I sold three 200's and a 400 a couple of years ago. But then I... 
spike99250
Well-known member
I saw one at a jobsite this week . I have never seen one before and if it was mentioned on here I apologize for missing it .It was a model 525 . It was a folding dolly with the bench built into it.
Here is one of the earliest U.S. ads for a Workmate, from Popular Mechanics of November 1975. It shows a 79-001 Type 1, the second version to be sold here. I'm looking for ads from a year or so earlier, which would be when the first Workmate (the all-aluminum-frame 79-001 Type E) went on the market in the U.S.
Attachments
I have lurked here a couple years. I have an original 79-001 Type 2 that I bought new back in the 1970's. 1976 Seems to fit right as I had just bought my first home. As I read and learn, it seems my Type 2 may be a little later with some of the Type 3 features. It has always been stored indoors and used carefully. For much of the time I used it I had an octagonal piece of 3/4 plywood with a secure cleat attached to the bottom. I clamped the cleat in the jaws and had a much bigger surface to work on. I dusted this off for pictures, but I believe I could clean it up to even better condition. I would appreciate the help to confirm idiosyncrasies of my "helper".
Attachments
That's definitely a nice one! And still with the original owner!
I see only one feature in the photos that isn't typical for a Type 2: the plastic arms for the vise jaw cranks. These are normally metal for a Type 2. The plastic ones are more typical of a Type 4 (not Type 3). See the attached photo that shows the same label as yours, but with metal crank arms (and plastic knobs).
I see only one feature in the photos that isn't typical for a Type 2: the plastic arms for the vise jaw cranks. These are normally metal for a Type 2. The plastic ones are more typical of a Type 4 (not Type 3). See the attached photo that shows the same label as yours, but with metal crank arms (and plastic knobs).
Attachments
Thanks. Who ever figured they would have such a loyal following. There are a couple other things I thought were more Type 3. First was the plastic knob. I see what you mean about Type 4. Second is the step is 3 strip and 6". Does still have all eight of the adjustable feet that work fine. Including a couple more pictures.
Attachments
Last edited:
The Type 2 can be found with either a 3-rib or 4-rib step. The same is true of the Type 4, so the step is not good for determining type. Similarly, the Type 2 can be found with either the metal (common) or plastic (uncommon) crank handles. I don't notice anything else in your additional photos that's atypical.
You must be getting your info about the Type 3 from the Type Study spreadsheet. The spreadsheet has some useful information, but is wrong about the Type 3. They didn't have a Type 3, but were guessing wrongly that one of their unmarked Workmates was a Type 3.
The Type 3 has a straight top (single layer), a four-rib 7" step, blue-painted frame, a center hole in the jaws, a cast top-attachment bracket and cone-shaped levelers. All of these are wrong in the spreadsheet, because the Workmate they were looking at was not a Type 3.
This is a 79-001 Type 3.
You must be getting your info about the Type 3 from the Type Study spreadsheet. The spreadsheet has some useful information, but is wrong about the Type 3. They didn't have a Type 3, but were guessing wrongly that one of their unmarked Workmates was a Type 3.
The Type 3 has a straight top (single layer), a four-rib 7" step, blue-painted frame, a center hole in the jaws, a cast top-attachment bracket and cone-shaped levelers. All of these are wrong in the spreadsheet, because the Workmate they were looking at was not a Type 3.
This is a 79-001 Type 3.
Attachments
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
I have one with plastic handles that I love... unlimited uses. I would get rid of many many things out in the shop before I parted with the workmate.
coleman10
Well-known member
Okay, so if a guy is Workmate-less and wants to buy his first one, which type/version is it recommended he search for - or should be just buy one off the shelf and call it a day?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
First:
The simpler/smaller WM's can do many things and are reasonably portable (when I had a ful sized truck I even took them camping/hunting and mounted a table top to them; one was a SS top for cleaning game)
the larger ones while they can be folded and stored, can also become an almost permanent fixture if you have the space. I like having two identical units for long work pieces...
Do you want/need a pivoting jaw so you can also clamp down on a piece as well as the usual vise functions?
If you primarily want it as a temporary bench tool stand, the smaller basic ones are good for that.
For used (nothing wrong with used) do they show up often enough on Crags list or whatever, so you have a good shot at that? - and are they good deals?
I like the older versions with the doubled jaw face edges generally. Having said that I need at least one that is not as all my WM mounting plates for bench tools were setup for the single thickness jaws,
Just some thought and considerations...
- What is the most common thing you will likely do with it?
- What is your space availability both in use anf for storage?
- is weight a factor for you? (some of the larger versions get hesvy)
- do you want it primarily for clamping and as a rest for work; or do you want a large work surface for things?
The simpler/smaller WM's can do many things and are reasonably portable (when I had a ful sized truck I even took them camping/hunting and mounted a table top to them; one was a SS top for cleaning game)
the larger ones while they can be folded and stored, can also become an almost permanent fixture if you have the space. I like having two identical units for long work pieces...
Do you want/need a pivoting jaw so you can also clamp down on a piece as well as the usual vise functions?
If you primarily want it as a temporary bench tool stand, the smaller basic ones are good for that.
For used (nothing wrong with used) do they show up often enough on Crags list or whatever, so you have a good shot at that? - and are they good deals?
I like the older versions with the doubled jaw face edges generally. Having said that I need at least one that is not as all my WM mounting plates for bench tools were setup for the single thickness jaws,
Just some thought and considerations...
Last edited:
coleman10
Well-known member
[*]What is the most common thing you will likely do with it?
Woodworking and temp workspace.
[*]What is your space availability both in use anf for storage?
Needs to be folded up at the end of the day and stored.
[*]is weight a factor for you? (some of the larger versions get hesvy)
Yes and no. Don’t mind if it’s heavy if it’s sturdy. I’m not moving it a great distance, just in and out of the garage.
[*]do you want it primarily for clamping and as a rest for work; or do you want a large work surface for things?
Already have a large work surface so this would be for those times when I need clamping, etc.
*The simpler/smaller WM's can do many things and are reasonably portable.
Sounds like this is what I would need.
*the larger ones while they can be folded and stored, can also become an almost permanent fixture if you have the space. I like having two identical units for long work pieces...
Can’t do permanent, unfortunately. It’s already too crowded in the garage.
*Do you want/need a pivoting jaw so you can also clamp down on a piece as well as the usual vise functions?
Yep.
*If you primarily want it as a temporary bench tool stand, the smaller basic ones are good for that.
Definitely temporary.
So is that a Type 33, version 9 3/4?
Woodworking and temp workspace.
[*]What is your space availability both in use anf for storage?
Needs to be folded up at the end of the day and stored.
[*]is weight a factor for you? (some of the larger versions get hesvy)
Yes and no. Don’t mind if it’s heavy if it’s sturdy. I’m not moving it a great distance, just in and out of the garage.
[*]do you want it primarily for clamping and as a rest for work; or do you want a large work surface for things?
Already have a large work surface so this would be for those times when I need clamping, etc.
*The simpler/smaller WM's can do many things and are reasonably portable.
Sounds like this is what I would need.
*the larger ones while they can be folded and stored, can also become an almost permanent fixture if you have the space. I like having two identical units for long work pieces...
Can’t do permanent, unfortunately. It’s already too crowded in the garage.
*Do you want/need a pivoting jaw so you can also clamp down on a piece as well as the usual vise functions?
Yep.
*If you primarily want it as a temporary bench tool stand, the smaller basic ones are good for that.
Definitely temporary.
So is that a Type 33, version 9 3/4?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'm more families with the older model numbers:
200, 225, (300 325 IIR) were smaller non-pivoting jaws
400 425 and up generally had the pivoting jaw. more heft but doable
5XX and up were MUCH larger and had extension sections all the way to full benches... I think that may have been a 2000 or something?)
200, 225, (300 325 IIR) were smaller non-pivoting jaws
400 425 and up generally had the pivoting jaw. more heft but doable
5XX and up were MUCH larger and had extension sections all the way to full benches... I think that may have been a 2000 or something?)
You're right, my Type 2 also has an unpainted upper frame and unstained top. That's another way his is like a Type 4. Can you post a few pictures of yours?
The Type that immediately followed the all-aluminum Type E was the Type 1, which was followed pretty quickly by the Type 2. I would have thought you would have received a Type 1 after being on the waiting list.
Last edited:
lolaetype
Well-known member
Mine has seen a constant 34 years of use. A couple of years ago I cut new top pieces from 1" plywood, duplicating all the holes. More because the originals were getting quite ugly, not because they weren't serviceable. I coated it with multiple layers of urethane to protect the wood from moisture. I also replaced two of the plastic pieces that lock the lower legs in the closed position.
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Just looked.. mine is a Type II.
Man the cast Al models go for big bucks on Ebay. Lucked into mine local for $20, but it's no garage queen.
Man the cast Al models go for big bucks on Ebay. Lucked into mine local for $20, but it's no garage queen.
You said yours has plastic handles. Are both the knobs and the arms plastic or are the arms made of metal?
Sorry .... thought the Type 1 was all AL. Mine could be a Type 1.
I will take a picture
I have used it since it was new and the top is finally shot -- as are the feet. It was on every one of my projects -- sometimes outside with a tarp over it.
It's like an old friend !
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Entire handle is plastic.
Is it marked as a Type 2? And does it have the gray painted upper frame parts that the wooden jaws mount to?
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Yes and yes.
So yours sounds exactly like the one in the photos posted by jlmerie yesterday.
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Looks the same with the exception of the plated metal bar on his (visible in first pic)... on mine it is painted same as everything else. And his is in sweet condition!
The 1975 advertisement that I posted on 12/30, message #1329, shows a Type 1. The most readily visible characteristic feature is the five dog holes (rather than four) along the edges of the jaws where they meet. You can also see the solid rectangular cast aluminum blocks that connect the wooden jaws to the upper frame. A little harder to see is the cone-shaped rubber feet. None of those would be found on a Type 2.
Update: Since I posted this draft in February, I have improved and completed the flowchart. The updated version of this flowchart is at my website H-frame: dedicated to the vintage Black & Decker Workmate 79-001
I'm leaving this original posting here, but I would strongly recommend using the flowchart and complete Type Study at the website.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have created a sort of flowchart to determine what the Type designation is for any particular Workmate Model 79-001. This has been a common question from owners on this thread
So I'm asking the owners here to try out this first draft on their Workmates and let me know how well it works. I have two main questions (1) Is it understandable, so you can apply it reliably? and (2) Does it give the right result? Thanks.
Note that this applies only to the 79-001 models, the first Workmates sold in the U.S. The 79-001 included 10 different "Type" designations, sold from 1974 to 1982. The flowchart below will not work for later models, nor for any models not sold in the U.S. And, of course, it will not be applicable if a Workmate has been modified in certain ways (painted, new jaws).
I prepared nine photographs that illustrate all nine questions, but the forum will only allow me to attach seven. So, for posting this, the first photo illustrates both the first and second questions, and the fourth photo illustrates both questions 5 and 6.
[1] Aluminum H-frames? [Yes]---> continue, or [No]---> go to [6]
[2] All-aluminum "skeleton" frame? [Yes]---> Type E, or [No]---> continue
[3] All steel parts of frame are plated (unpainted)? [Yes]---> Type 1, or [No]---> continue
[4] All steel parts of frame are painted blue? [Yes]---> Type 3, or [No]---> continue
[5] Plastic rear-jaw carrier nut? [Yes]---> Type 4, or [No]---> Type 2
[6] Double-layer top? [Yes]---> Type 4, or [No]---> continue
[7] Plastic latch lever? [Yes]---> Type 6, or [No]---> continue
[8] Solid steel right-angle foot for lower height? [Yes]---> continue, or [No]---> Type 7
[9] Steel U-brackets attaching jaws to top of frame? [Yes]---> Type 8, or [No]---> Type 9
Note: The Type 5 is not included in this first draft.
I'm leaving this original posting here, but I would strongly recommend using the flowchart and complete Type Study at the website.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have created a sort of flowchart to determine what the Type designation is for any particular Workmate Model 79-001. This has been a common question from owners on this thread
So I'm asking the owners here to try out this first draft on their Workmates and let me know how well it works. I have two main questions (1) Is it understandable, so you can apply it reliably? and (2) Does it give the right result? Thanks.
Note that this applies only to the 79-001 models, the first Workmates sold in the U.S. The 79-001 included 10 different "Type" designations, sold from 1974 to 1982. The flowchart below will not work for later models, nor for any models not sold in the U.S. And, of course, it will not be applicable if a Workmate has been modified in certain ways (painted, new jaws).
I prepared nine photographs that illustrate all nine questions, but the forum will only allow me to attach seven. So, for posting this, the first photo illustrates both the first and second questions, and the fourth photo illustrates both questions 5 and 6.
[1] Aluminum H-frames? [Yes]---> continue, or [No]---> go to [6]
[2] All-aluminum "skeleton" frame? [Yes]---> Type E, or [No]---> continue
[3] All steel parts of frame are plated (unpainted)? [Yes]---> Type 1, or [No]---> continue
[4] All steel parts of frame are painted blue? [Yes]---> Type 3, or [No]---> continue
[5] Plastic rear-jaw carrier nut? [Yes]---> Type 4, or [No]---> Type 2
[6] Double-layer top? [Yes]---> Type 4, or [No]---> continue
[7] Plastic latch lever? [Yes]---> Type 6, or [No]---> continue
[8] Solid steel right-angle foot for lower height? [Yes]---> continue, or [No]---> Type 7
[9] Steel U-brackets attaching jaws to top of frame? [Yes]---> Type 8, or [No]---> Type 9
Note: The Type 5 is not included in this first draft.
Attachments
Last edited:
In addition to the flowchart above, I will also be creating two new documents:
1) A new spreadsheet showing in detail the characteristics of each Type. This will be a major update of the spreadsheet from the Bay Area Galoots in 2008, reflecting the new information uncovered since their pioneering work was done.
2) A text document covering all the Types with photos and additional information that doesn't fit well in a spreadsheet format.
How soon they will be ready remains to be seen.
UPDATE: This project of mine has escalated into H-frame: dedicated to the vintage Black & Decker Workmate 79-001. It has more than most will ever want to know about them!
1) A new spreadsheet showing in detail the characteristics of each Type. This will be a major update of the spreadsheet from the Bay Area Galoots in 2008, reflecting the new information uncovered since their pioneering work was done.
2) A text document covering all the Types with photos and additional information that doesn't fit well in a spreadsheet format.
How soon they will be ready remains to be seen.
UPDATE: This project of mine has escalated into H-frame: dedicated to the vintage Black & Decker Workmate 79-001. It has more than most will ever want to know about them!
Last edited:
Outlawmws
Well-known member
My Results:
Type E - However NO type markings on the bottom of the (original) jaws?
Type 2 - 702-68 (Marked) All metal carrier hardware -confirmed
Unmarked. Steel H frame; (original) single layer ply top; Steel latch; No Plastic or Steel corners? for lower (needs screw in feet? is that "Steel"? ; Steel U brackets, so Type 8?
Type 2 - (this one is near NOS) All metal carrier hardware -confirmed
Type E - However NO type markings on the bottom of the (original) jaws?
Type 2 - 702-68 (Marked) All metal carrier hardware -confirmed
Unmarked. Steel H frame; (original) single layer ply top; Steel latch; No Plastic or Steel corners? for lower (needs screw in feet? is that "Steel"? ; Steel U brackets, so Type 8?
Type 2 - (this one is near NOS) All metal carrier hardware -confirmed
Last edited:
Outlaw,
Thanks loads!
Type E - It's not uncommon to find no markings on the jaws. Not sure why they were inconsistent about it, but if they had been consistent there would be no need for a flowchart!
Unmarked. This result tells me I may need to clarify the instructions. Question [8] is illustrated in the sixth photo. From your comments, I'm pretty sure yours does not have these feet, so it's a Type 7.
There's two possible problems here. One is that the photo isn't very good, and I haven't found a better one. Second, is my terminology "Steel corner foot". The B&D part diagrams for Types 8 and 9 call this one just "Corner foot". At one point I had "angle-iron" foot, but I wasn't happy with that. Can you suggest a better term for the style of foot shown in that photo? (I was trying not to be too verbose.)
Thanks loads!
Type E - It's not uncommon to find no markings on the jaws. Not sure why they were inconsistent about it, but if they had been consistent there would be no need for a flowchart!
Unmarked. This result tells me I may need to clarify the instructions. Question [8] is illustrated in the sixth photo. From your comments, I'm pretty sure yours does not have these feet, so it's a Type 7.
There's two possible problems here. One is that the photo isn't very good, and I haven't found a better one. Second, is my terminology "Steel corner foot". The B&D part diagrams for Types 8 and 9 call this one just "Corner foot". At one point I had "angle-iron" foot, but I wasn't happy with that. Can you suggest a better term for the style of foot shown in that photo? (I was trying not to be too verbose.)
Last edited:
sgoldste01
Member
Hi all,
Brand new to the forum, to research the vintage Workmate I just bought for $25: WM625 Type E 02 "Republic of Ireland", which appears to be all original and in good shape for its age.
One foot is missing, and the rubber on most of the others is worn through. So if there's a good source for replacements, I'd like to know about it.
I'd provide pics, but can't until I have more posts under my belt.
Brand new to the forum, to research the vintage Workmate I just bought for $25: WM625 Type E 02 "Republic of Ireland", which appears to be all original and in good shape for its age.
One foot is missing, and the rubber on most of the others is worn through. So if there's a good source for replacements, I'd like to know about it.
I'd provide pics, but can't until I have more posts under my belt.
Congratulations; that's a great price.
This is the blue Workmate, and you must be reading that marking from the rear edge of the foot rest, right?
Missing and worn feet is perhaps the most common part issue, and, unfortunately original replacements are not available.
If your threads are 5/16-18, Lee Valley has some that would work.
https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/hardware/feet/glides/40041-levelling-glides
Last edited:
sgoldste01
Member
Hi Wolfcj,
Yes, it's blue, and I read the stamping from the rear edge of the footrest.
Thanks for the link to the feet!
Yes, it's blue, and I read the stamping from the rear edge of the footrest.
Thanks for the link to the feet!
After further thought, I think I may have steered you wrong. I think the thread you need for the feet on that model is metric, M8 x 1.25. Check before you buy anything.
sgoldste01
Member
OK, I'll bring an original foot into Home Depot and test out the threads.
Also, In addition to Lee Valley, I'm seeing plenty of options on Amazon. And who knows what I might find while I'm at Home Depot....
sgoldste01
Member
Here's another non-OEM thought:
I'd like to make this Workmate a rolling tool stand. I've seen people make a wooden tray on locking casters to accomplish this. But those are usually the more modern Workmates with the non-adjustable feet.
If I could find rugged locking casters with the correct threaded posts, why couldn't I just bolt those directly onto this Workmate's legs without building the wooden tray?
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H91NHHT/?tag=atomicindus08-20
sgoldste01
Member
Oh, and now that I've created enough posts to allow links, here are pictures of my WM acquisition from last night. I've removed the original worn-out feet, and have duct tape installed temporarily until I find a new solution for the feet.
