BLACK+DECKER Portable Workbench, Workmate Folding Workbench, 550 lb. Capacity with Clamps for Woodworking (WM425-A)

I did not ever own an "original" workmate so I cannot speak to the quality when compared to the 1980's models. i can say however that this thing is AWESOME and plenty sturdy for my needs. I use it for everything from projects around the house, to a tailgating table at football games, even a portable outdoor kitchen counter when I took a Turkey to Thanksgiving and my Dad's wife did not want me to carve it indoors. It easily folds and slides into my trunk and i am tempted to just store it there since I find so many uses for it. I am a shooter and I take it with me to the outdoor range. When I get there I just unfold it and have an instant shooters bench. I have noticed other guys buying one or trying to fashion one. If the cost of an item is how much you paid for it divided by how much you use it, this thing is one of the best purchases I have ever made. Again, it is PLENTY sturdy and easily holds the 500lb weight advertised. I guess it could suddenly fall apart tomorrow but I don't see that ever happening. I will agree assembly was a PITA but that is a one time thing. I wish I had purchased one years ago.

I wanted a “Workmate”. My dad had one back in the day, and I was stoked to find them still available. Slight issues putting together, but thanks to other reviews for pointers. The connection between the two winding handles is over elaborate and unnecessary, but I can see how it may assist some users. It seems to be well made, and is extremely versatile. The 425-A is much better value than the 825 Deluxe; they are basically the same but the 425 has more interchangeable “boards” on top and is way less than half the price.

Hey got my Workmate today and I'm really happy I did! I don't do a ((LOT)) of woodwork but when I do finally get on a project, I need TOP-SHELF GEAR to be on hand and ready to go. I don't have TENS OF THOUSANDS to invest in a PREMIUM HOME WORKSHOP, so I get by with something REALLY COOL over here, and REALLY HANDY over there. I needed this bench more than a hog needs slop lol.. Because when I used my router or sander, I never had anything to properly hold the wood steady - till now!! I'm so excited to FINALLY be able to clamp a piece of wood down and just go to work on it - (Be careful not to sand or cut in to the plastic "dogs/posts" holding your work. As long as that doesn't happen you can't beat this for versatility, practicality & usability. The only reason I didn't give it 5-stars was because it's a tad small, and was a little tough to put together. There's 2 pins that have to be hammered into place, and MANNnnnn.... That took some WORK to get those things banged into place and "FLUSH" with the handled. You better hope you don't bend or damage them during hammering because once they get INTO position just a bit, you'll NEVER get them back out. After battling those pins to get them into position, the rest was easy. The instructions are fairly vague and you have to really figure it out on your own. This IS NOT for beginner-level builders because you really do have to figure most of it out as you go - fortunately there's not many pieces for it. Regardless, I DID also stop at the hardware store and pick up 6 washers - I don't understand why they didn't include washers and it likely doesn't matter but (I don't like bolts digging into wood). So ultimately - It would also be cool if it had a height adjustment, better directions, and if it was BIGGER! Basically... Black & Decker needs a FULL-SIZED WORKBENCH with drawers, peg board on the wall and a vice on the side. With THE WORKMATE as an item-companion, WOOWWW!! Now THAT woulda been cool!!! 😉 Other than that, It's actually REALLY well made, solid as a rock, and I'm looking forward to using it and putting it through the paces. 😍

It was easy to setup, is lightweight and practical. Works well for small spaces! I use it to hold a blasting cabinet/tile saw. Perfect for my needs.

I like this workbench so well, that I have two of them. I bought my first one about 30 years ago, and I'm still using it. Very sturdy and versatile. I love the clamping function and the removal top sections. The workbench can be a challenge to setup and take down, but it folds to a very compact size.

Great

Terrific workbench. Bought it for my son so he has a place to build and create without destroying my wooden floors. It sits in his bedroom and he loves it! Delivery was also super fast which is an added bonus.

Very good product Sturdy. Works well Good value for money. Took a little bit of sorting out when it arrived but not a big problem. Easy to use. Very well designed

Great work bench to do my little dad projects with haha.

Genial mesa de trabajo, ruda y muy utilitaria.