Recommend a Portable or Small Work Station

[Stuey]

Okay, so I live in an apartment. I have two power tool stands that can be used as work stations, but they must be disassembled and reassembled between uses. I built a 2x4 workstand, but it sits in the corner as a storage table.

I need a portable work center solution.

I have considered Black & Decker's Workmate, but all the ones I saw are inferior to the one my father has from 10 years ago. I have considered the Skil X-Bench but the basic model is $150.

I considered Task Force foldable saw horses like these for $20 a piece at Lowes, but it doesn't seem portable or sturdy enough. I just need to be able to take a set up in the middle of our second bedroom (computer/tool/junk room) or the living room, or possibly outside in the parking lot.

My hobbies: robotics, computer case modding, simple electronic circuitry tasks (soldering etc), beginner woodworking, some simple plastic and metal fabrication, and possible a few other low-intensive odds and ends. I only need to hold up maybe 50-100 lbs at most typically, but I need enough sturdiness for a 35lb vise I'm restoring, an 18" sheet metal brake, and occasionally a miter saw or 10" drill press.

Help with some ideas! (please)

Edit: How are Clarke products such as this one?

 

[Stuey]

Anybody? The clock is ticking as to how long I've got to order myself some birthday goodies!

 

[eschoendorff]

Those folding work tables always disappoint me. Black and Decker had one way back when that was pretty durable....

If it were me, I'd probably make myself something. Angle iron and heavy duty casters...

 

[Stuey]

Those folding work tables always disappoint me. Black and Decker had one way back when that was pretty durable....

If it were me, I'd probably make myself something. Angle iron and heavy duty casters...

That's the thing, though - I don't have the space or resources to make something durable. Making a simple relatively small 2x4 table turned out too big and too bulky. Plus I don't really have the engineering skills to fashion a stand that would hold better than what is commercially available.

I considered going for Rockler's customizable stands since they have the Router sized set(~24x18") on "sale". BUT their new "sale" prices are the same as their regular prices a few months ago, and about $20-$30 higher than the sale prices of the same period. Plus it seems like a lot of money for essentially angle iron with square punched holes in it.

 

[eschoendorff]

That, and those work stands from Rocklers look a little light for my comfort level... then again, it was a small pic...


Good luck in your quest

 

[Stuey]

Eh, maybe worst case scenario I'll use the Craftsman tool stands I have. Or... after I visit my parents this weekend, my father's (made in Canada) Workmate might mysteriously disappear and reappear in my apartment.

After looking into the Clarke stands online, they seem to be just as junky as B&D.

 

[PoorOwner]

B&D workmate 225 works great for me... done many different products with it, if a top is needed a 2'x4' plywood gets put on top with some C-clamps.

also holds table saw, miter saw etc.

 

[stioc]

Yep, I have the $30 B&D workmate and it's seen it's share of use around the house. It's lightweight and quick to setup. If you're looking for something heavy duty to mount a 5" vise on then it's not for you but if you want a portable table (fancy sawhorse) it's pretty decent for the price. I'd say if you have nothing else right now go for it! If you really dislike it you can return it.

 

[rsanter]

I have one of the folding tables from costco that I use in the garage as a added work surface
use it for lots of stuff like assembly of projects, stand for the chop saw, swap meet table, etc
may also want to get a small/medium sized bottom toolbox. roll it in the corner and stack stuff on it when not needed.

bob

 

[Frank Elson]

My B&D Workmate is 30 years old. It has been abused so much...
So I reckoned I could do with another one. I took one look and walked right out of the shop. I couldn't believe how much the quality has deteriorated.
If you have an elderly relative with an old one, steal it.
I can't, I am the elderly one in our family :-(

 

[jhn9840]

The Craftsman Pro clamping table is not to bad for medium use. Got one as a Christmas gift and so far I am generally pleased. I could not find it on the web site today. I don't know if they have discontinued it or not, the web site is showing a Clarke table.

jhn9840
John

 

[RickP330]

Hope I am not too late, I went through this like a year ago. Please see attached thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11088&highlight=RickP330

Man, that was hard to find, while ago Good luck - still using / enjoyin the C'man pro bench but the top really needs to be replaced and I have been extra careful on the handles although one did start to strip again, I need to find metal replacments when I get a chance.
Regards,
Rick

 

[Stuey]

I actually got lucky this weekend. I saw my parents and my father let me "borrow" his Canadian made B&D Workmate 150.

It's the same size and shape as the 125 version sold everywhere today, but is built like a tank and not a tricycle.

 

[Coach James]

I'd like to get a Workmate 425 model but all out Lowes carries is a 125 that looks flimsy as hell and some POS from Task Force that looks almost as bad. Amazon says it ships it for free so I may go that route. I do a lot of jobs in places where there is no work surface and a 425 would help greatly.

Coach

 

[hamburglar]

Uh oh. They're collector's items.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Cast-Frame...52|39:1|66:2|65:12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318

 

[eschoendorff]

Uh oh. They're collector's items.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Cast-Frame...52|39:1|66:2|65:12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1318

Collector's items???? Who would collect that????

Maybe I'm better off not knowing.....

 

[tatra]

i have that workmate and replaced the adjustable feet with casters...........works great as a mobile bench..........as for the vice, what about mounting to a plate that goes on a pipe and then attaches to a car rim..........then use a cheap two wheeler dolly to move where needed.........you could then fashion something to work as bench between the dolly and the vice stand...............any temporay work bench will be hard pressed to perform adequtely and safely with that amount of weight..............and when outside beating on a project you could fashion something to secure it to whatever is available out side..............another thought would be for outside work is to have a reciever hitch on your vehicle and have the vice, bench or what have mount off that.................btw, did i mention i'm glad i don't live under you?

 

[stioc]

Hey the old-fashioned two saw-horses and a plywood sheet works well so do the plastic folding picnic tables...as long as you don't want to mount a vise on them.

 

[tatra]

Collector's items???? Who would collect that????....................i have been offered many times good cash for mine............the new ones just can't compare to these ones................150 bucks is nowhere near what i was offered but wouldn't matter, i'll never sell it..............besides it was dad's and he made the right decision on this .............

 

[hamburglar]

the new ones just can't compare to these ones................QUOTE]

Hey, come on now. How could an old one compare to the utter magnificence of this:

http://www.tjbookarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/workmate.jpg

 

[tatra]

mine has shiny bits on it.................

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Those folding work tables always disappoint me. Black and Decker had one way back when that was pretty durable....

My dad has an original Black & Decker folding work bench. That thing is as solid as the day he bought it.

 

[Stuey]

mine has shiny bits on it.................

While carrying it up the stairs, I noticed solder splatters. I thought I cleaned all those up when they happened a few years ago. Hehe, whoops.

Ironically, I went to take the trash out today and saw that somebody dumped a similar model Workmate in the trash - one of the newer crappy ones though.

 

[hamburglar]

the new ones just can't compare to these ones................QUOTE]

Hey, come on now. How could an old one compare to the utter magnificence of this:

http://www.tjbookarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/workmate.jpg

LOL. You know, it just occurred to me that that thing looks like a TV tray.

 

[oky-2010]

I have used W-M work benches for 30+years. I have three, two I use (one in garage & one in the basement for in house use). My third one is a fully aluminum(except for vise tops) bench from the early 70's. Somewhat rare so it lives in the attic. Kind of Ron Hickman's ultimate bench before all was changed to stamped steel.
Weight? Mine garage bench easily supports +/- 100#. I also use a table attachment for assembly or for mounting jigs. And, is great with clamps for routing, sawing, etc. Easily found used for $15-40 dollars and typically in workable condition. The vise tops are readily replaceable with 3/4" plywood if need be. B& D has sold between 50-100 million since the license deal with Ron Hickman, deceased, which made hime a very well off home handyman.. My thoughts about portable work benches for work shop projects (wood, mechanical stuff such as for our '54 MG)

 

[BTL-A4]

I use the Dewalt stand: https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-33-in-Folding-Portable-Workbench-DWST11556/301867227

It was $70. Sets up in about 5 seconds, holds lots of weight, allow clamping. Stores away easily.

 

[Bigbandguy]

B&D workmate 225 works great for me... done many different products with it, if a top is needed a 2'x4' plywood gets put on top with some C-clamps.

also holds table saw, miter saw etc.

A 225 can frequently be found on CL for cheap. Instead of the C clamp cut your top to preferred size and then attach a 2 x 4 cleat to the underside right down the middle the long way. When you need a table just clamp the cleat into the workmate jaws and save the c clamps for your project.

 

[SeisMec]

It's old school, but any brand; most any hardware store.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-Compartment-Steel-Folding-Sawhorse-SH106/303652561

Bolt a 3' long, wide (6/8/10/12 inch) 2 by to the top. This one is $23 and supports up to 1,000 lbs.

 

[tyyost]

I use the Dewalt stand: https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-33-in-Folding-Portable-Workbench-DWST11556/301867227

It was $70. Sets up in about 5 seconds, holds lots of weight, allow clamping. Stores away easily.

I second this, so much easier than a door on horses, and it’s solid and stores easy.

Was skeptical about the cost but it’s worth it.

Ty

 

[kythri]

Have you looked at Keter's offerings?

 

[Stephenw]

This question is from 7/31/2008.

 

[kctyphoon]

This question is from 7/31/2008.

Yea - I responded to this earlier, and deleted right after i posted and noticed it was 12 years old.

 

[Parrothead]

This question is from 7/31/2008.

Yea - I responded to this earlier, and deleted right after i posted and noticed it was 12 years old.

Well...the search functions works apparently.

 

[ZRX61]

I was about to suggest a bigger apartment...

 

[jimmyin3D]

Another vote for the Black and Decker workmate. I got both mine from an estate sale the 225 and 550 for abt $20 each, I see them occasionally at garage sales too.

I eventually sold the 550 because it was so large but the 225 has been perfect. Super sturdy, folds away easily. It’s great for small projects here and there.

 

[Stuey]

These days, I'd also recommend the Dewalt folding table, but they're hard to find outside of holiday seasons.

 

[BTL-A4]

These days, I'd also recommend the Dewalt folding table, but they're hard to find outside of holiday seasons.

There are plenty available at my local store in northern LA (Calif.) county. Plenty at a few other SoCal stores as well.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephenw View Post
This question is from 7/31/2008.

I saw this was an old post, but figured anyone searching might find the info useful.