Folding work bench recommendation

[Greenlawnracing]

Man you can go down a rabbit hole on these!

I've decided to dabble in woodworking after a 30 year hiatus, very minor small stuff here and there when time allows. I currently have a hand built workbench that folds out of the wall, which is really just used to place tools while working on my bicycles and cars.

I have a three car garage, but it is builder spec with three cars. I just worked on this cubby to hold my new miter saw and whatever else I can squeeze in there. The workbench will need to fit in this cubby easily.

I was going to make my first project the creation of a folding work bench, but then realized there are many on the market that will be lighter, easier to store, and better.

I originally saw that the Toughbuilt sawhorse can be used as a saw horse with a table top, which lead me to discover that a Bora Centipede would likely serve my needs better.

I then made the mistake of Googling, which made me realize there are 90000 different options.

So:

Small and easy to store
Quick to grab and set up for a 30 minute project
Will be used for woodworking and placing tools while doing other projects

Anything you love that I should consider, or buy the Bora from my favorite retailer?

 

[LeonardY]

I use a couple of old workmates and a board. Most of the time just one. I can have it ready to go in about 5 minutes.
I also have these.

Eastwood 1500 Lb Metal Saw Horse

Holds 1500lbs when you need it, folds and stores anywhere when you don’t

www.eastwood.com

I would check out the Bora centipede before I bought it. It doesn't look that sturdy. It may hold 2000lbs but try cutting a board with a hand saw and see how it holds up.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I bought a Kreg portable work Table ltst year and I like it better than my Wolfcraft portable work table, but I would say my Wolfcraft table is more portable. I think Kreg may have discontinued it, but I believe you can still find them for sale from other selles.

 

[nadogail]

You might find something better than a Workmate, but I doubt it.

 

[duneslider]

So like 10+ years ago I made a camping table that sits on saw horses. It is just 7/16 osb about 24" wide and 8' long with a 2x4 boarder underneath that sits on some cheap plastic sawhorses. I made it with scraps I had to use at a scout camp. I have ended up using it since then as a workbench in the garage. It has actually been great for my needs.

I have since cut it shorter to just be about 4 feet long since I now live in a house with enough room that I have some dedicated workspace. Sure, it was never the "best" work bench but it sure works good for most stuff I did and I still use the short one as a portable/moveable work bench all the time. I don't htink you have to go crazy to have a workable surface.

 

[rancherbill]

Man you can go down a rabbit hole on these!

I've decided to dabble in woodworking after a 30 year hiatus, .......

I was going to make my first project the creation of a folding work bench, but then realized there are many on the market that will be lighter, easier to store, and better.

Are you going to dabble or buy?

What I would do in order of preference:

-Black and Decker Workmate (new or used they are always available)

- these cheap flimsy POS sawhorse. They are hand and supe small when folded and they go on sale for $15-20.

General PDP Template

www.canadiantire.ca

-Aluminun sawhorse. If you go to any worksite you will always see them - carpenter, painters, drywaller, electrician etc. They come with different numbers of steps. Get one 36 inches high

 

[mv213]

My neighbor has a Worx Pegasus that I covet. It’s really nice, and they are well reviewed. Worx Pegasus on Amazon

 

[Greenlawnracing]

My neighbor has a Worx Pegasus that I covet. It’s really nice, and they are well reviewed. Worx Pegasus on Amazon

I discovered that one yesterday while reading reviews! What do you think about that vs the Workmate?

 

[shoot summ]

I discovered that one yesterday while reading reviews! What do you think about that vs the Workmate?

Looks a lot like the Kreg table but it is all plastic.

I have the Kreg table and like it, but it is heavy and doesn't really have a good way to move it around.

I really like the Keter folding tables, easy up and down, light, and a good sized working surface.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JU6SFP2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Looks a lot like the Kreg table but it is all plastic.

I have the Kreg table and like it, but it is heavy and doesn't really have a good way to move it around.

I really like the Keter folding tables, easy up and down, light, and a good sized working surface.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JU6SFP2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Hey that looks super easy to move/strong!

If I was to say "probably stronger/sturdier than the Worx, but the Worx has more clamping options"......would you agree with my assessment?

(still new at all of this, so unfortunately not enough of a veteran to know if I'm looking for the right features)

 

[shoot summ]

Hey that looks super easy to move/strong!

If I was to say "probably stronger/sturdier than the Worx, but the Worx has more clamping options"......would you agree with my assessment?

(still new at all of this, so unfortunately not enough of a veteran to know if I'm looking for the right features)

The Keter is really strong and stable when you make certain the center brace is folded up correctly. It doesn't have much from a clamping perspective though. The Kreg(similar to Worx but mostly steel) is super sturdy, and tons of clamping options. My biggest complaint is there is no great way to pick it up and move it, and it is pretty heavy at 52lbs versus the Worx 25lbs.

 

[kbeefy]

I have 2 Keeters and really like them. Their clamping is limited to the 2 tracks they have built into them, no dogs like the Worx.
They are very easy to move and set up/break down, and very sturdy.

I've never seen the Worx, thats pretty slick. $300 for 2 is getting pretty spendy.

I have a centipede and almost never use it. It's in the same spot I put it over a year ago.
To use the centipede you really need a work surface to put on it, it's too flimsy to work directly on.
I bought it to rip plywood on and almost always use sawhorses instead.

 

[mv213]

I discovered that one yesterday while reading reviews! What do you think about that vs the Workmate?

It’s more versatile than the Workmate. It’s really sturdy for plastic. I think it’s worth the money. Lots of reviews online with honest pros and cons.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Thanks everyone! The Worx Will be here tomorrow

 

[rharman]

I have two of the Keter's and you could not make me part with them. Use them all the time. They are rock solid.

For some clamping situations, you might need to make a box (or H) frame to get a better horizontal surface for the clamps.

 

[mv213]

Thanks everyone! The Worx Will be here tomorrow

Let us know how you like it.

 

[John in OH]

I would have recommended the Workmate as I've had one for 30 years and like it for quick jobs. But the Worx Pegasus looks like a good alternate. Give us a update after you've used it for awhile.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

So I unboxed it last night, and initial impressions are pretty good. Zero assembly required, although one would argue you likely should find another forum if that is an issue.

Doesn't have a handle to transport like some of the others, but a minor issue.

One thing I could use some guidance on - does anyone have experience or recommendations as to how you would hang it on the wall? No super place to insert a hook, only thing I could think of was creating a bracket that goes close to the bottom of it.