Black and Decker workmate 400
I have had one of these for over 40 years. Easy to erect and fold, light and portable, very stable given its weight. Much better than the modern B&D version which is rubbish.
Bought this one recently for £3 on FB Marketplace. My son will put it in a house he is renovating.
Before and after picture below. Glued up the bits of de laminated jaws, fitted the plastic inserts under the jaws correctly, replaced the bent long bolt jammed in with a proper nut and bolt, cut some wooden feet and straightened some of the braces. Works fine and am now thinking about a long term use as I still have the one I bought 40 years ago.
Before
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After
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My recollection is first seeing them advertised mid seventies and thought they were a bit of a gimmick, probably was a tv advert. Then I saw a carpenter using one and could see they were useful so decided to buy one. Chose the 400 model as it was cheaper, now prefer it over the larger ones which I find too big, awkward and heavy to move and store, but they are better when erected.I remember the original B & D Workmate being launched, I am sure they featured on TV in an advert, Early 70's I think but not totally sure as memory wearing out a little these days.
Really nice to see you fixing your sons one and you are right it will probably last another 40 years at least. Great Job.
It is easy to erect and dismantle, no fiddly clips or locking screws, just open up, and push cross brace down to lock. Lift cross brace and fold to close. Simple. Easily takes my weight. They are light so portable but are not a workbench substitute, for chopping out joints etc the bigger heavier ones with a step you can put weight on would be better.Nice I haven't got that model is it robust unlike the rubbish big shed copies??
Dust what dust!!!I've spent the last week in 2 projects. Making planters for the garden and using up a lot of horrible scrap pallet and construction timber.
Pictures will follow.
And remaking my diy overhead dust collection.
Principle of the previous one was OK but I failed to take into account the effect of splitting the 1x 125mm duct in to 2x 125mm ducts which lead to both over and under blade extraction lacking suction ability.
So having invested in some 80mm ducting and flex ducting I now have what appears to be a much better solution.View attachment 134628View attachment 134624View attachment 134625View attachment 134626View attachment 134627
Don't hate on the duct taping!
Dust what dust!!!
Cool crown guard is it independent from the table saw? Might have to make one!
That looks a little pro than mine.I did it slightly differently watching a slow motion vid it showed most of the dust going forward from the gullet of the blade :View attachment 134649
They look great. What finishes have you used please?I’m in the workshop only intermittently this year as I am doing a big heritage building refurb. But the last week or so the lime plasterer was in my way so I got to be in the joinery making a few incidentals for the same customer. See below. Made a whole lot of mouldings to match his existing ones as well but they aren’t really worthy of a photograph.View attachment 134716
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