I've had the chance to use this table a couple of times now. It's fun to whip out in front of people:) I can see what people are talking about when they say the legs are delicate, but they're design to support a "mostly" vertical load, not be torqued from the side or pushed back into place. If you just let the table open or close on it's own and don't force anything, it works great ru-vid.comUgkxyFZUPFEey-PuqsPMxqaykBhgA1LWxFHh Once it's set up, it's pretty solid. My only gripe would probably be related to the clamps provided. They're not the highest quality. They do the job, so no big deal, but they could be better. All in all, pretty cool gadget.
Thanks, the worktop whilst basic is my favourite and most used. I have a load of other Workmate mods, checkout this playlist ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9es8mVs7mj0.html I've also another 'Electrifying' workmate mod in the wings be sure to subscribe to not miss it :-)
Here is a mod I came up with that people might like: take a 4 ft x 2 ft piece of ply and attach below it, centered, a rectangular piece of wood. That 2nd piece gets clamped, thus making a 4x2 foot work table.
@@DIYTinkerer Thanks. It was later developed it into a modular series: the grinder and vice have boards attached to their bottoms, they are stored on a shelf, easily moved and then dropped into the Workmate to create a floor standing grinder or vice. I am sure someone with a wider need for tools could be quite creative: it's helpful in a condo situation.
I have the same model and have had it for 24 plus years and it has proven to be a reliable asset to the shop. Great idea`s come from great mind`s great job.
The Workmate is a seriously useful tool and these mods really make it indispensable. I have extra bench dogs, the lower shelf and the jaws clamp a lift-off board which is the base for my table saw. I'm considering getting another to use as a base for my router table, also on a lift-off base.
Very Well Done! I have a 1977 acquired Workmate which I too have used for everything. A few years ago I replaced the top with a current WM425 3-piece, having to modify/augment of course, but otherwise stock save for a lick of paint. I'll now be borrowing a couple of your ideas. ;-)
I have a thick piece of ply 22mm and screwed a4 x 2 along the centre of it. This fits between the original jaws to give a large flat working area. I have fitted 4 8mm threaded inserts to bolt down my Compound sliding mitre saw. I am amazed that you can still buy replacement parts for a 40 year old Black and Decker tool. Great stuff.
Thanks, I'm glad you like them, I have a number of other workmate mods and more on the way, they will all be available on this playlist ru-vid.com/group/PL3WIBjRzYExe8rur9uJkQzrz0GY4dM428 or you can subscribe :-)
Thanks for the suggestion, I 've been looking at ideas for making it mobile, and have come up with something completely unique, IF it works I'll share it soon!
Thanks for the tips! I have two, a Model #1 and a Model #2. I need to use them as thoroughly as you do. I would like to make a simple storage enclosure to house them both. Just subscribed. Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work. בס״ד
good tips.I did a similar table but just got a piece of 3/4" plywood30" x 24" and screwed a piece of 2x4 down the middle to clap it in the table. My WM is over 40yrs old.Bought it in UK and brought it to Canada in 1979, Can tell the older models, as they have the thick plywood jaws
Great job, I did think on going down that route - and it does have some advantages - such as being flatter - but I like the minimal nature of an insert :-) be sure to check-out my other workmate mods!
That is great iv put some wheels on mine and a peice of rope to steer a washing machine motor linked up and off I go to do my shopping unfortunately I'm in court next week got done speeding lol
Did you know that you can pass pipes through the brackets that support the top boards? You can make an extension to either or both sides this way. For tip #5, I make several options = a mesh hardware cloth that allow sawdust to fall through, or with cutouts for the circular saw or jigsaw or drill. A toolchest can be made for that space also.
hi, i want to use my workmate as a router table for my hitachi 3 1/4 hp router but it is too big to drop through the jaw opening. i used it as a router table for my makita and it works very well. any suggestions from anybody in the diy community would be welcomed. thank you.
