Black & Decker Workmate
- Thread starter abstamaria
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Modern Garage
Well-known member
I can't take my eyes off this. I keep vacillating between slack-jawed fear and uncontrolled giggling at the ingenuity.
Joe
Joe
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I did something similar with a chunk of Ply, but I used a masonry "(grinding) blade for tile cutting - its done 2-4 bathrooms, a kitchen counter, and my entryway.
Picked up another WM on Saturday.
After having learned anout the aluminum framed 79-001 on this thread, I have been perusing FB and CL wondering if I could find one cheap.
I lucked out and for $20 on the drive back from another nice find on a Delta TS (for another thread) picked this one up:
Cheers,
Nashbalto
After having learned anout the aluminum framed 79-001 on this thread, I have been perusing FB and CL wondering if I could find one cheap.
I lucked out and for $20 on the drive back from another nice find on a Delta TS (for another thread) picked this one up:
Cheers,
Nashbalto
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Diffident
Well-known member
I think that's the same one I wanted to go get....it was in my neighborhood...but I got roped into staining a staircase.
Diffident,
If it was in Lancaster County, PA it was me. Sorry man! (sort of
)
The seller's father had a workshop with a bunch of late 60s and 70s (like an estate sale but not advertised) craftsman machines (Taiwan vintage) and hand tools I took pics if you are interested, PM me. I have his contact info.
There was another WM but not a 79-001. It was the small model with no step.
It is probably not your fore(wo)man's fault, since and if like me, promises were made long ago to that fore(wo)man to finish jobs on the project list...
Cheers,
Nashbalto
If it was in Lancaster County, PA it was me. Sorry man! (sort of
)The seller's father had a workshop with a bunch of late 60s and 70s (like an estate sale but not advertised) craftsman machines (Taiwan vintage) and hand tools I took pics if you are interested, PM me. I have his contact info.
There was another WM but not a 79-001. It was the small model with no step.
It is probably not your fore(wo)man's fault, since and if like me, promises were made long ago to that fore(wo)man to finish jobs on the project list...
Cheers,
Nashbalto
Diffident
Well-known member
That wasn't it then, the one I saw on CL was at an estate sale in Rosedale MD. The listing is gone, so I guess I missed out.Diffident,
If it was in Lancaster County, PA it was me. Sorry man! (sort of
The seller's father had a workshop with a bunch of late 60s and 70s (like an estate sale but not advertised) craftsman machines (Taiwan vintage) and hand tools I took pics if you are interested, PM me. I have his contact info.
There was another WM but not a 79-001. It was the small model with no step.
It is probably not your fore(wo)man's fault, since and if like me, promises were made long ago to that fore(wo)man to finish jobs on the project list...
Cheers,
Nashbalto
I just bought a set of Workmate 79-001 parts, and I don't need most of them so I'm willing to give them away to GJ members as a thank you. If something is broken or missing on your 79-001, let me know and I might have it. These are mostly the smaller components, no vise jaws or H-frames, for example.
rlitman
Well-known member
If you have a blue crank handle from a Type E, I could use one. I'd be willing to pay it forward to anyone who needs a foot from a Type E like this:
Black & Decker Workmate
I found an pretty nice example yeterday at an estate sale. I've only been to maybe two estate sales this, and none last year because of the whole covid mess. Anyway, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the box which I had passed by 3 times already and had not noticed. They wanted $20, but...
www.garagejournal.com
No, sorry, I don't have any parts specific to the Type E. I do have a couple of the all-plastic crank handles that started on the late Type 2's and continued through the rest of the Brockville-manufactured 79-001's. Also, I had only one original screw-in foot available, but that's now spoken for.
triesharder
Well-known member
What present day clamps/holddowns are available for workmates today?
If you're asking about current products from Black & Decker, the only thing available is the standard swivel pegs. The 79-011 and 79-016 Gripmate hold-down clamps are still available on eBay and other used sources, as are the 79-018 horizontal clamps.
The Workmate jaws are thin enough and narrow enough that lots of standard woodworking clamps work well for many jobs, much better in fact than they will work on a standard workbench. I would try that first.
The holes in the Workmate jaws are 20mm, so they are a little too large for generic hold-downs that require 3/4" holes, but it wouldn't be too hard to add new 3/4" holes if you want to go that route.
Some owners have installed T-track or routed dovetail grooves in the jaws for workholding.
The Workmate jaws are thin enough and narrow enough that lots of standard woodworking clamps work well for many jobs, much better in fact than they will work on a standard workbench. I would try that first.
The holes in the Workmate jaws are 20mm, so they are a little too large for generic hold-downs that require 3/4" holes, but it wouldn't be too hard to add new 3/4" holes if you want to go that route.
Some owners have installed T-track or routed dovetail grooves in the jaws for workholding.
triesharder
Well-known member
Thanks for the reply.
The t-track is a good idea.
I am surprised that manufacturers (I am looking at you B&D) don't carry a number of accessories/add ons for the workmate.
The t-track is a good idea.
I am surprised that manufacturers (I am looking at you B&D) don't carry a number of accessories/add ons for the workmate.
triesharder
Well-known member
Has anyone come up with a do it yourself version of the Gripmate holddown clamps?
rawen2
Well-known member
First, I'll admit that I haven't read through all 55 pages in this thread.
Was looking at the newer Workmate 425 on the Home Depot web site. It's on sale for $95 but it has a lot of 1-star reviews.
Many of the reviews state that the older workmates were built better. Anyone have a model 425 and if so, how is it? I like the 90 degree tilt on the front jaw but I'm a bit worried that it's cheaply built.
What model would be good to look for on Craigslist? I saw this one for $30 but don't have any idea what model it is.
Thanks for any info.
Was looking at the newer Workmate 425 on the Home Depot web site. It's on sale for $95 but it has a lot of 1-star reviews.
BLACK+DECKER Workmate 425 30 in. Folding Portable Workbench and Vise WM425 - The Home Depot
Replace your old work bench with this lightweight Workmate Portable Project Center and Vise from BLACK+DECKER. Offers long lasting durability.
www.homedepot.com
What model would be good to look for on Craigslist? I saw this one for $30 but don't have any idea what model it is.
Thanks for any info.
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Modern Garage
Well-known member
I've had a 425 for quite a while - before they had the single handle release shown on the new one. It's the only one I bought new. Unless they made some substantial changes since mine any claims of "better built" are not true. I've used mine extensively for it's intended purposes and even used it (completely against the directions) as a scaffold when I replaced my kitchen ceiling. It gains a swiveling jaw, adjustable fixed jaw, and a little weight over my 79-001's, but is built just as well. I'd buy another, but cheapskate that I am, I'd try to wait to find one used. If you don't "need" to own the vertical jaw then 79-001's are common and reasonably priced. I've never paid more than $20 for one and most of mine I paid between $1 and $15.
Joe
Joe
rawen2
Well-known member
Thanks Modern Garage. Appreciate the info.
fartymarty
Well-known member
Here are a couple that I've used, neither are as robust as a Grip Mate but they are available.
Craftsman Auto Adjust push peg clamps ----> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M9GLNZ9/?tag=atomicindus08-20 (available on Ebay and also sold by Rockler as Armor brand)
Silverline workbench clamps ---> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LFRUSO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As for what I used my workmate for lately (not that anybody asked).... well nothing very unique or exciting but useful none the less. I used it to hold up a couple of cinder blocks and a motorcycle lift to make a cabinet install lift.
4xdog
Well-known member
Recently scored a 79-001 for notalot. I use my brother's c 1990s model so much in the basement that another one for the garage and outside work made sense.
It's missing one leveling foot (out of the eight). Not critical, and there are alternatives out there, but if anyone has an extra 79-001 Type 1 conical foot for sale, I'd be happy to buy it.
It's missing one leveling foot (out of the eight). Not critical, and there are alternatives out there, but if anyone has an extra 79-001 Type 1 conical foot for sale, I'd be happy to buy it.
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triesharder
Well-known member
thanks for the clamp info..I am surprised that the company doesn't offer a number of accessories considering how many workmates have been sold
You have a relatively rare Type 1, so I'd like to add it to my database. Can you tell me what the 4-digit code number stamped under the jaws is? Thanks.
triesharder
Well-known member
a question for the group...how would you improve a workmate?
I would replace the mdf tops with multilayer plywood.
I would replace the mdf tops with multilayer plywood.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
That's a good start; Good marine ply like the early WMs had. Also double thick jaw face -again like the early ones had.
I like the idea of some std holes for std wood working hold fast clamps.
and outside the WM itself make a bunch of Mounting plates for bench tools you don't want cluttering the actual bench. put a cleat on the bottom, slightly thicker that the WM jaw, and add a cleat "stop" so it cant pull out if the WM jaw come loose or slips.
I have for example:
I like the idea of some std holes for std wood working hold fast clamps.
and outside the WM itself make a bunch of Mounting plates for bench tools you don't want cluttering the actual bench. put a cleat on the bottom, slightly thicker that the WM jaw, and add a cleat "stop" so it cant pull out if the WM jaw come loose or slips.
I have for example:
- Arbor press
- Old cool Miter box
- Miter trimmer
- Bench Grinders
- Reloading "plate" that can mount all my reloading tools
rlitman
Well-known member
I have a benchtop model with a plastic top and aluminum jaw faces. I put in screw in canopy snap bases on the sides and used leather belting with snaps set into the ends to cover the jaw faces for non-marring work.
CJ7VFR
Well-known member
Damn good use of a Workmate, and the other stuff too! You turned a three man job into a job that could be done by one person. Most excellent!As for what I used my workmate for lately (not that anybody asked).... well nothing very unique or exciting but useful none the less. I used it to hold up a couple of cinder blocks and a motorcycle lift to make a cabinet install lift.
And you did it in a safe way too.
Jim
Has anyone seen add-on jaws like these for a Workmate? It's a photo from an estate sale and it's hard to be sure what it's showing.
It appears to be a 79-001 with its wooden jaws intact, but with large plastic(?) accessory jaws mounted on top. They have holes for the bench dogs and they appear to be fitted exactly to the Workmate. It also looks as though they have additional capabilities.
It appears to be a 79-001 with its wooden jaws intact, but with large plastic(?) accessory jaws mounted on top. They have holes for the bench dogs and they appear to be fitted exactly to the Workmate. It also looks as though they have additional capabilities.
I continue to add to H-frame, my Workmate website.
There is a completely new section about the Workmates that were sold in the UK and Europe at the same time that the 79-001 was sold in North America. The models included are the WM225, WM325, WM525, and WM625. The coverage isn't as complete as that for the 79-001, but I hope it will help the many visitors I'm getting from other countries. You can find that here:
https://h-frame.weebly.com/uk--european-workmates.html
The Accessories page now also includes two of the vintage UK Workmate attachments that I have managed to buy, the WM110 clamping extension arms and WM120 aluminum vise cladding.
https://h-frame.weebly.com/accessories.html
The Documents page has some additions as well, now up to 89 items including several that relate to the UK market.
https://h-frame.weebly.com/documents.html
And my data collection has reached a milestone, I just added the 500th entry to my spreadsheet of Workmates with documented date codes. That seems to be enough!
There is a completely new section about the Workmates that were sold in the UK and Europe at the same time that the 79-001 was sold in North America. The models included are the WM225, WM325, WM525, and WM625. The coverage isn't as complete as that for the 79-001, but I hope it will help the many visitors I'm getting from other countries. You can find that here:
https://h-frame.weebly.com/uk--european-workmates.html
The Accessories page now also includes two of the vintage UK Workmate attachments that I have managed to buy, the WM110 clamping extension arms and WM120 aluminum vise cladding.
https://h-frame.weebly.com/accessories.html
The Documents page has some additions as well, now up to 89 items including several that relate to the UK market.
https://h-frame.weebly.com/documents.html
And my data collection has reached a milestone, I just added the 500th entry to my spreadsheet of Workmates with documented date codes. That seems to be enough!
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
All plywood is multilayered.....otherwise it's not plywood, it's something else! Lol
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
RE: welding on a Workmate, took a 3' X 3' piece of 1/8" steel plate (was laying around in the shop) welded a piece of 2" x 2" piece of scrap angle to the bottom of it. Just like the 2x4 table top, clamp the steel plate in the WM and I have a welding table for small jobs in the shop. I've had my WM for over 30 years of abuse and it still keeps chugging along. A right handy piece of equipment. No, I haven't yet set the top on fire or even scorched it but I'm not doing any heavy duty welding on it either.
txlonghorn1989
Well-known member
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- Feb 27, 2017
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Slow Those don't look like the usual Workmate feet. What are those and can you tell us who make them?
That's a 79-001 Type 2 made between October '75 and June '76. If the jaws were shown, the time frame could be narrowed down further, since they changed in February '76.
The feet don't show very well, but from what's visible they look correct for that Workmate. They do look as though the rubber pads have some damage. The four additional feet for sawhorse height are missing, but they would have been identical to the ones on the legs.
The feet don't show very well, but from what's visible they look correct for that Workmate. They do look as though the rubber pads have some damage. The four additional feet for sawhorse height are missing, but they would have been identical to the ones on the legs.
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Here's some more pics...
I was thinking I would cannibalize this one as I need some handles for a different one. Sell the rest off or reuse the h frames in a project.
I was thinking I would cannibalize this one as I need some handles for a different one. Sell the rest off or reuse the h frames in a project.
bora492
Well-known member
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
I have one on my bench. I got it in the original box new and unused. It gets used a LOT
nadogail
Well-known member
I have never owned a real Workmate, I did have a Knock Off that served me well until I burnt it up as I was trying to learn Arc Welding.
A real Workmate is on my list.
A real Workmate is on my list.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Bora, Nice find! IMO that drop leaf is perfect for mounting board installed bench tools. take something leek bench grinder, mount it to a piece of ply, make a cleat, on the bottom for the WM to grip, and add a larger "safety" in case it vibrates loose. if made a standard width you can have a book case for the plate (becomes a shelf for storage) and then it only limited to the tools you so mount.
Bench Grinder(s), chop/miter saws, arbor press, vise(s),the sky is the limit!
I'd grab one if I saw it.
Bench Grinder(s), chop/miter saws, arbor press, vise(s),the sky is the limit!
I'd grab one if I saw it.
It's interesting to compare the North American 79-021 drop leaf to the larger UK model wallmount Workmate of that period that serves a somewhat similar purpose. I have run across photos of these a few times, but I don't recall its model number. Instead of folding downward as the dropleaf does, it folds upward. It looks as though the fact that its legs rest on the floor would make it stronger, suitable for heavier work than the dropleaf. Of course it also wouldn't be mountable on the side of a workbench or table like the dropleaf is.
