Workmate Table Recommendations

[mikem]

Looking at B&D Workmate225 vs the Craftsman Professional Height Adjustable Clamping Table.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/Product-Details.aspx?ProductID=2657

vs

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00965796000P?vName=Tools&keyword=adjustable+work+stand

Any experience with these related to speaker building?

I am thinking these would help with routing speaker holes and help with general cutting and holding while sanding.

[mattk]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

I don't have either of those models, I do have a 25 year old B&D workmate, the only thing I've needed to do over the years is buy more bench dogs (the plastic stops/inserts). Mine is a table model with a removable center piece, so I can handle things up to a couple feet wide. I've used it for speaker making, and really any time I've needed to hold something while routing. and as a stand for a racquet stringer, to hold doors while painting, and a bunch of other uses. Very good investment.

[tomzarbo]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

There was someone on this board who recently just bought one of those new workbench/clamp thingy's that they advertise on TV, he seemed to really love it. It was a bit more expensive I think, though.

TomZ

I think this was it... Rockwell Jawhorse... scroll down a few.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00989180000%3Fhei%3D150%26wid%3D150%26op_sharpen%3D1&imgrefurl=http://www.bobvila.com/SmartBuys/Stands_and_Material_Support-Hand_Tools_Carpentry-Tools-1.html&usg=__FwErYPSSCBSXhV2bjctU4ueijQI=&h=150&w=150&sz=6&hl=en&start=36&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=e8BYylwhW0wlZM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=96&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dworkbench%2Bclamping%2Bsystem%26start%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4HPIC_enUS329US329%26ndsp%3D21%26tbs%3Disch:1

[pres589]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

I just found what looks like a good condition table like these on Craigslist using Craiglook.com for $45 in my area. At that price it's worth checking out alternative brands (this one is a Wolfcraft, who ever that is).

[jettore]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

I've got a 10 year old Workmate that I use for everything. It has held up well, I just wish it was a little higher. If the Sears one has a higher deck height, that would be nice.

[jonpike]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

I've had for years a B&D table, pretty sure it's that one. Good item, nice that it can fold, very handy... though I usually use it with a larger piece of MDF and 4 clamps to turn it into a wider/longer table. The Sears link didn't work for me though...

I also got the Rockwell Jawhorse for Xmas from the wife, :D have only used it a few times so far, but it's a truly amazing thing! So versatile, I probably have a long while ahead of me learning all the things I can do with it. It's built like a tank, much stronger than the B&D, and folds up into a smaller package.
There's a DVD that comes with it that show many jobs being done, think the videos are available on the website.

I wouldn't say its a complete replacement for the B&D, there are a few things that it might not do as well, and verse visa, but there are probably ways to get around each other's disadvantages if you think about it. Overall, you can do a whole lot more, which makes it worth it's higher price.

Hope that helps...

[Ron_E]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

The Sears unit is made by Wolfcraft (German I think). I just bought my second one. I broke one of the crank handles off and couldn't find a replacement part on the first one. I also had some problems with the handles that adjust the height and tilt the table over the years but those were easy to fix. They're sturdy and handy to have around the shop.

Ron E.

[rogoll]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

There was someone on this board who recently just bought one of those new workbench/clamp thingy's that they advertise on TV, he seemed to really love it. It was a bit more expensive I think, though.

TomZ

I think this was it... Rockwell Jawhorse... scroll down a few.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...26tbs%3Disch:1

I think it was Arlis that got it for Christmas. You can get them at Rockler. I have one of the low end units from B&D and another import unit Lowes was selling around Christmas for $14.00. They are very handy.

[davepellegrene]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

There was someone on this board who recently just bought one of those new workbench/clamp thingy's that they advertise on TV, he seemed to really love it. It was a bit more expensive I think, though.

TomZ

I think this was it... Rockwell Jawhorse... scroll down a few.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...26tbs%3Disch:1

It was Lou C. that got a pair. He really likes them. I thought he paid $80.
Dave

[LouC]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

The Jawhorse is a great tool, but it's $180. Rockwell does offer a mini version of the Workmate as an accessory top. My wife bought the Jawhorse through Amazon, got free shipping and an $80 coupon toward other Rockwell tools. So I got the plywood clamp for the Jawhorse & a 10" miter saw too.

The Jawhorse is heavy, takes quite a bit of floor space, but can do some amazing tasks. (Just routing baffles made it worth the price:D) I've used my Workmate for a lot of years. It had a belt that connected the two hand cranks for tightening. That lasted about 3 months.

If you have patience & limited space, the Workmate is probably a better choice. If money is no object, I'd go Jawhorse with their Workmate table attachment. ($50)

[MidKnight]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

I've owned B&D and I now have a Craftsman.

And the winner by a mile is the Craftsman. They are great, bulletproof and easy to use. The only complaint I have is the plastic "feet" at the bottom of the legs. Miserable. But it is incredibly well built. Highly recommended.

[mikem]

Re: Workmate Table Recommendations

Thanks for the info.

Looks like the B&D will suffice for now for my budget. Probably pick one up on the way hoem from Lowes.