Workmate rescue!

[greenlizard]

The other day I tossed some junk metal into the box at the local dump. I glanced in and spotted a B&D Workmate. After a guilty glance around, into my truck it went! I've never actually asked, but I think it's a no-no to remove stuff from the dumpster. However, I couldn't let this go to waste. An original alloy frame Workmate without damage. It wasn't even folded up so whoever tossed it did not know what it is. A little paint splatter, a little dirt, ruined wood tops but otherwise great condition. This thing is too good to go to the crusher. When the weather warms up a bit I'll power wash it and then decide if it needs a repaint. Will probably make new tops from hardwood, maybe ash. I have an all steel model I bought in 1980 that I can use for a pattern.

 

[fullthrottle24]

Wow, great find. Those alloy ones sell for big bucks on eBay. I hope you can put it to good use instead.

 

[mmack66]

Very nice. It's a shame that folks throw stuff like that away these days.

 

[Thumper]

I've got a newer one that's a *************....

 

[oldtinsmith]

Great find! I've got one just like that,(I bought it new years ago! Guessing about +/- 1970?) and even works as great as it did new!

Doug

 

[Jagmandave]

I've bought two of those alloy ones locally on CL, paid $20 for one and $25 for the other......

But be aware, those are a different height than your later all steel workmate, that's why I wound up buying two of them - when I got the first one home I realized the difference from my steel one so I "had" to get another so I'd have two of the same height.

You can make new boards, but you can buy new factory replacements pretty cheap - $14 for the set IIRC.

Edit: Just looked at Ebay for "aluminum workmate"....yikes, they were asking $399 for one, and $295 for two others......both of mine are nicer than either of those $295 ones!

 

[greenlizard]

You can make new boards, but you can buy new factory replacements pretty cheap - $14 for the set IIRC.

Hmm. I didn't realize the replacement boards were still available. The factory plywood boards are well-made and very strong - better than I could make. I'll look into that. Thanks for the info.

 

[rick carpenter]

You may want to consider using softwood for the tops. It will be a little grippier. And if you fasten any jigs to it or gouge it with a chisel or whatever, it will be cheaper to replace.

 

[Journaler]

Nice find. I've been looking for one of those things for a long time now, congratulations!

 

[senlow]

Cool find. I believe your Workmate was made in the mid to late '70s. Black & Decker switched to the steel base in about '75. They moved from the aluminum frame to steel in about '80. It's amazing how light the all aluminum version is.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Definitely a nice find, and the price was certainly right.

I have an older one of these, not alloy framed but similar vintage. They are awesome pieces and extremely useful. Glad you saved it from the scrap heap.

 

[Jagmandave]

Hmm. I didn't realize the replacement boards were still available. The factory plywood boards are well-made and very strong - better than I could make. I'll look into that. Thanks for the info.

OOps, looks like I was off a bit on the price, more like $50 a set! Sorry bout that.....