Black & Decker Workmate

[Outlawmws]

For the bottom legs, those will do fine. They may not clear for the alternate location under the folded leg.

 

[wolfcj]

Can you try them out in the corners of the frame? I'd like to know if you can adjust them to a position where the hole in the leg clears them when folding/unfolding. Thanks.

 

[ElJefe]

Yes, that's the correct size.

Thanks! I just bought a 20mm Forstner bit. I still have half of a 20"x30" section of plywood. Thinking about doing it all over again so I'll have cleaner holes. It's been a learning process, but now I want to do another one.

 

[ElJefe]

Here are the pics from my 79-001 restore. It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it. Although I might redo the vise jaws. We'll see.

https://www.facebook.com/jeff.widor/media_set?set=a.10157702933039151&type=3

 

[btrnuthatch]

Note: H frame, type 2

Here are some images. Positioned to just clear top of foot. As shown, when leg is extended, foot is pinched. As such, I'll only use these feet in this configuration on one that I have mounted on a wheeled platform never dismounted with legs extended.

Image 1 & 2: with and without ruler
Image 3: part way extended
Image 4: fully extended but no weight applied

Hope that helps.

Can you try them out in the corners of the frame? I'd like to know if you can adjust them to a position where the hole in the leg clears them when folding/unfolding. Thanks.

 

[wolfcj]

This is the screw-in foot that I recommend for the Type 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 on the page about replacement feet at my web site. It works for both height settings, has a non-skid rubber pad, and a load rating of 250 pounds per foot, so hopefully it is quite durable. It's made in the USA. They also have this foot in the metric size that fits the Type E, 3, and 5. My web page also shows some other options. I may add the eBay one to my list for use on the legs only, although it's hard to know how long it will be offered.
Item #20KK21 Leveling Mount, Fixed Stud, 250 lb. Load Capacity, 2-1/4" Height, Clear Zinc

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

At the ReStore, in a dark alcove leaning against a pile of scrap wood, I spied something blue with a piece of wood with distinct familiar round holes in...jaws of a Workmate?

I brushed off the cobwebs and unfolded it and realized it was a blue model 400 with the jaw that can flex 90 degrees. Hadn’t seen one of those before.

The price wasn’t marked so I asked if they’d take $5 for it.

The worker watched me fiddling with it and struggling to fold it back up, and stated it looked like it’s missing a part (the second fixed jaw) and looked banged up and perhaps bent. “How about three?”, he countered.

“Three dollars?”, I clarified, as we were both wearing masks and sounds were muffled.

“No, it’s free. Just take it. No charge.”

Score!

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

Went back today to get some other stuff and found the missing removable jaws!

 

[Outlawmws]

Well done!

 

[danfromsyr]

spotted this CL ad for a SHopBox SB200 in my local Craigslist.
searched in this thread and a shopbox is only mentioned once back onpage 3 so they may be uncommon.

looks in good shape if anyone is around upstate central NY..
https://syracuse.craigslist.org/tls/d/syracuse-black-decker-workmate-shopbox/7157903286.html

Black & Decker workmate shopbox - $20 (Syracuse)

 

[Outlawmws]

I ts mentioned - if not by name - just a page or so back.

But yes, not common; did you get it?

 

[danfromsyr]

ok, I see workbox conversation back a page or 2.. just didn't come up in a search of the thread.

no I didn't go get it, I'm not really sure if I'd find a use(s) for it or it'd be another item underfoot or in the way..

I know there's GJ members in my locality.. so maybe one of you will get it. looks in good shape.

 

[Outlawmws]

If it were closer I'd get it.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Barginhuntingking, nice score. I forgot all about those Masonite trays in the bottom of the Workmates.. Mine was ditched long ago, as was the one on my dad's...… Its amazing that one is still there....

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

Barginhuntingking, nice score. I forgot all about those Masonite trays in the bottom of the Workmates.. Mine was ditched long ago, as was the one on my dad's...… Its amazing that one is still there....

Thanks! This tray is in good condition but not very functional as a shelf as it’s so lightweight and flimsy. I don’t really see the point.

 

[fartymarty]

Re: Black & Decker Workmate

Thanks! This tray is in good condition but not very functional as a shelf as it’s so lightweight and flimsy. I don’t really see the point.

I use my shelf/tray all the time, it's great for holding all the clamps, punches, and stuff that get used during a project. If mine wasn't there all that stuff would be on the floor and would end up walking on it and kicking it around. No it's not going to hold your anvil, but if you think a workmate is useful now, wait until you get that little missing shelf/tray replaced. Just my 2₵, your work technique may be different.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

I use my shelf/tray all the time, it's great for holding all the clamps, punches, and stuff that get used during a project. If mine wasn't there all that stuff would be on the floor and would end up walking on it and kicking it around. No it's not going to hold your anvil, but if you think a workmate is useful now, wait until you get that little missing shelf/tray replaced. Just my 2₵, your work technique may be different.

Now that you describe it, it makes total sense and seems practical. My first Workmate (model 200) lacked the shelf, so I’m conditioned to not having one. Perhaps I’ll end up making thin plywood shelves for my other workmates?

 

[Outlawmws]

You might want one or two "stiffening bars" glued/screwed on the underside?

 

[captain14]

Now that you describe it, it makes total sense and seems practical. My first Workmate (model 200) lacked the shelf, so I’m conditioned not to have one. Perhaps I’ll end up making thin plywood shelves for my other workmates?

My last Workmate I purchased from CL I added the lower shelf with some scrap plywood and mounted a larger piece of plywood on a 2x4 to increase the top work surface

The orange bag with the parts. Is that marked with the WM labels etc? Or was that a after the fact addition?

 

[wolfcj]

The orange bag with the parts. Is that marked with the WM labels etc? Or was that a after the fact addition?

I noticed that it looks like Black & Decker orange ...

 

[bargainhuntingking]

The orange bag with the parts. Is that marked with the WM labels etc? Or was that a after the fact addition?

It isn’t labeled, but it really looks like something that was designed for the workmate. It could easily be unrelated too. I wonder if a pic will show up in an old WM ad or instruction manual.

 

[wolfcj]

I have quite a few old Workmate ads, catalogs, and manuals, and I've never seen one of those bags before. I suppose it might have been a short-time promotion, but I would expect a promotional item to have the B&D name on it.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Wolfcj would definitely be the authority on this. It looks very cheaply made.

 

[BearsFan315]

Wow, just scanned through and reading this thread...

growing up as a kid my grandfather had these. after the Army he got into cabinet making. i remember helping out an playing in the garage. i used to play with opening add closing the vise section. clamping wood and anything else i could find in there. never thought much of it till now and i realize WHY he owned one. great for all the cabinets, frames, etc he built out of wood. serves as a great second hand and support table. i know he had it in the mid 80's so not sure what model. i remember it folded up and had 2 cranks on it for the vise.

too bad when he passed years ago the kids cleaned out and tossed most of that stuff ?!? i would love to have his tools... any and all of them...

now i want a workmate... looking at the 425 since i have been restoring a 1929 Chevrolet and doing odds and ends around the house, man how handy this thing would be to assist me !! will also scan craigslist and marketplace to see if i can find a nice used one.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Black & Decker Workmate

Bearsfan, one of the most practical uses for me was adding a “table top” piece of scrap board or plywood with a ridge of wood screwed underneath for the jaws to grip to make an additional portable surface to put parts on, etc while working on a project.

This pic illustrates it, but I’d suggest adding a wider ridge of wood (e.g. 2x8) than this 2x2 so that the more open jaws provide more surface area to support the table top.

 

[Outlawmws]

I've done the same for a workbench/assembly area, and I have a rack with "shelves" of bench tools setup the same way only smaller. (cut to the depth and width of the shelving unit) Bench grinders, arbor press, old school miter box, a special plate for my reloading tools. it all works...

 

[captain14]

Re: Black & Decker Workmate

Bearsfan, one of the most practical uses for me was adding a “table top” piece of scrap board or plywood with a ridge of wood screwed underneath for the jaws to grip to make an additional portable surface to put parts on, etc while working on a project.

This pic illustrates it, but I’d suggest adding a wider ridge of wood (e.g. 2x8) than this 2x2 so that the more open jaws provide more surface area to support the table top.

There is a coupe of YouTube videos where somebodies makes a small and large worktop from a damaged sheet of plywood. Makes a great work stand doing jobs around the house. I get tired of bending over to get tools off the ground or floor.

Outlawmws is correct about making job specific tops to tools. All kinds of YouTube videos.

 

[captain14]

Wolfcj would definitely be the authority on this. It looks very cheaply made.

With all the talented members we have here on GJ, someone may have just made the bag to fit all the loose parts.

Just like the thread what mods have you done to your HF US General 5 drawer tool cart? 189 pages and still going strong.

 

[67CarGuy]

Re: Black & Decker Workmate

This pic illustrates it, but I’d suggest adding a wider ridge of wood (e.g. 2x8) than this 2x2 so that the more open jaws provide more surface area to support the table top.

I've got a newer Workmate, and I wish mine looked like this! The newer square tubes are thin-walled, and I've put several dents in them tightening down the wingnuts that hold it open.
That being said, the design is still incredibly functional, and if I can't have a "full-size" bench, I'll take whatever I can get with the Workmate. Great idea adding the custom top - I'm gonna use that!

 

[wolfcj]

Black & Decker was "on top" of this idea from the beginning. All of the instruction manuals for the Workmate 79-001 suggested that owners add auxiliary tops like these. They included diagrams for a general purpose tabletop (recommended size 2 feet by 6 feet), and a power tool mounting board. The idea may very well have originated before Black & Decker, from Ron Hickman when he was developing the original Workmate Mk1.

 

[BearsFan315]

thanks guys, saw a 425 locally for $20 but was gone before i could get there to get it. i like hte 90 flip top for holding. think i would use it a lot.

also saw this one locally here they are asking $50, trying to see what model it is... using the flowchart looks to be either a Type 2 or Type 4

 

[wolfcj]

Looks like a Type 2 to me, but the picture is pretty small. The Type 2 characteristics that I think I see are: four screw-in feet on the legs, unpainted upper frame parts, aluminum vise handle arms, and the remnants of a Type-2-style label on the jaws. Did you notice that the plastic vise handle is missing on the left-side?

 

[BearsFan315]

Looks like a Type 2 to me, but the picture is pretty small. The Type 2 characteristics that I think I see are: four screw-in feet on the legs, unpainted upper frame parts, aluminum vise handle arms, and the remnants of a Type-2-style label on the jaws. Did you notice that the plastic vise handle is missing on the left-side?

thanks i was in the right parking lot

yeah noticed that, not sure what else is wrong with it or need attention. not sure if worth $50, what a good price for one of these ?

***** i missed that 425 for $20 would been a steal, looked to be in good shape from the pictures.

 

[BearsFan315]

ok, this is a 425 for sale, what type, and worth $30 ??

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd say well worth 30 if not broken in some in-obvious place.

 

[captain14]

Great deal if nothing is broken or damaged. Show us pictures in your shop in action please.

 

[wolfcj]

As far as I know, the Type numbers of the post-1982 Workmates such as the 425 are not documented anywhere.

 

[wolfcj]

Six months ago when I started my H-frame web site devoted to the Workmate 79-001, one of the key parts was the Type Study spreadsheet summarizing the differences between the ten Types of the 79-001. I numbered the first release of the spreadsheet as version .85, because I knew it was incomplete and almost certainly had some errors in it. Since then the spreadsheet has progressed through about ten revisions.

I am happy to say that the site has now reached a milestone with the release of version 1.00 of the Type Study spreadsheet! After spending many hours on this, I now have the confidence to say that the spreadsheet is a complete and accurate reference for the characteristics of all ten Types of the 79-001. Of course, it's hard to ever say something like this is finished. I already know of one minor detail that is still missing in one of the columns, so the spreadsheet may at some point have to be updated to 1.01, etc.

And, meanwhile, the web site itself is continuing to expand. I have numerous additions throughout the site either already in the works or planned, including one very special one.

So I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread, posting their experiences, observations, and photos, and answering my questions. My site would have been impossible without the people here as a resource.

 

[btrnuthatch]

wolfcj -- I greatly appreciate all your efforts and devotion to aggregating all the info into the quality and accessibility of your spreadsheet and flowchart. It would have taken me many frustrating hours to ACCURATELY learn about the types I have.

Many thanks!

 

[ptgarcia]

Yeah, nicely done on the web page.