Comments on: Hot or Not? Black & Decker’s Workmate http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:47:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: anon http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1084841 anon Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:49:17 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1084841 can't find the gripmate peg either but the part is : 20mm adaptor bushing #975810 or #975970 for the 3/4" dia adaptor bushing (for the 79-001 type 1 workmate). can’t find the gripmate peg either but the part is : 20mm adaptor bushing #975810 or #975970 for the 3/4″ dia adaptor bushing (for the 79-001 type 1 workmate).

]]> By: Cameron http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1042803 Cameron Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:11:07 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1042803 All my bench tools have a 2x4 mounted on the bottom. I slide 'em off the shelf and drop 'em right on the WM. A quick twist and I'm good to go. All my bench tools have a 2×4 mounted on the bottom. I slide ‘em off the shelf and drop ‘em right on the WM. A quick twist and I’m good to go.

]]> By: Tammy http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1038907 Tammy Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:36:14 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1038907 I bought the workbench a few weeks ago and haven't been able to put it together. The instructions are not clear. There are pieces not shown in the "inventory." The diagrams are not labelled. Names for pieces are changed from one step to another. The pictures aren't big enough to show where the screws go in. The handles aren't going on the way they're supposed to. B&D's website is no help. I can't be the only person not able to follow the guide, can I? Doesn't anyone listen to customers any more? Can anyone help me here? Thanks I bought the workbench a few weeks ago and haven’t been able to put it together. The instructions are not clear. There are pieces not shown in the “inventory.” The diagrams are not labelled. Names for pieces are changed from one step to another. The pictures aren’t big enough to show where the screws go in. The handles aren’t going on the way they’re supposed to. B&D’s website is no help. I can’t be the only person not able to follow the guide, can I? Doesn’t anyone listen to customers any more? Can anyone help me here? Thanks

]]> By: Tim http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1037916 Tim Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:55:06 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-1037916 I am still using the original dual-height workmate that I bought about 35 years ago. It's been regularly used for building work since then. A few years ago I needed a bigger work surface so I bought a cheap (£12) 'fake workmate' to use as a trestle. The 'fake' has broken but last month, at a car boot sale, I found a very old rusty dual-height workmate that matches mine. It cost £5 to buy and after an application of dismantling oil now works almost as good as new. I think these things are almost indestructible except for the rubber feet and the long clip retaining springs that wear out. The early models had heavy duty plywood tables and my neighbor, who worked at the B&D factory, got me some off-cuts from salvage. I used these as door steps and they are still good after 30 years! I am still using the original dual-height workmate that I bought about 35 years ago. It’s been regularly used for building work since then. A few years ago I needed a bigger work surface so I bought a cheap (£12) ‘fake workmate’ to use as a trestle. The ‘fake’ has broken but last month, at a car boot sale, I found a very old rusty dual-height workmate that matches mine. It cost £5 to buy and after an application of dismantling oil now works almost as good as new.
I think these things are almost indestructible except for the rubber feet and the long clip retaining springs that wear out. The early models had heavy duty plywood tables and my neighbor, who worked at the B&D factory, got me some off-cuts from salvage. I used these as door steps and they are still good after 30 years!

]]> By: shana http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-964702 shana Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:21:34 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-964702 I have just purchased a workmate, it doesn't have a manual. I am new at the building projects and feel I will never get all the use from this helpful product if I do not have manual. I plan to make frames with its helps, but would like some help if anyone out there has any ideas. I have just purchased a workmate, it doesn’t have a manual. I am new at the building projects and feel I will never get all the use from this helpful product if I do not have manual.
I plan to make frames with its helps, but would like some help if anyone out there has any ideas.

]]> By: Bill http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-963559 Bill Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:28:36 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-963559 Wow, I can't believe this forum....lol. My son gave me one 19 years ago, just when he was turning one. I love the Workmate. Its been thru all sorts of remodeling the house, wallpaper, it even held my wetsaw during my initiation into ceramic tiling. I lost a rubber foot. I have cut it a few times with a stray circularsaw, but its kind of like the Timex of tools, takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I actually came looking to find new wood replacement tops as my wet saw water had taken its toll on the old tops and they have begun to warp from the moitsture, and found this site. Well, glad I was able to give kudos for this tool too. Wow, I can’t believe this forum….lol. My son gave me one 19 years ago, just when he was turning one. I love the Workmate. Its been thru all sorts of remodeling the house, wallpaper, it even held my wetsaw during my initiation into ceramic tiling.
I lost a rubber foot. I have cut it a few times with a stray circularsaw, but its kind of like the Timex of tools, takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I actually came looking to find new wood replacement tops as my wet saw water had taken its toll on the old tops and they have begun to warp from the moitsture, and found this site. Well, glad I was able to give kudos for this tool too.

]]> By: Dwight http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-931573 Dwight Thu, 21 May 2009 17:54:39 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-931573 For DENNY regarding how to unfold a Workmate 400. Refer to the image of the Workmate 425 at the top of this page. On the image, locate the left had screw crank (the one with the orange handle). About 1/2" (again, on the IMAGE, not on an actual workmate) in the 10o'clock direction from there you will see a small black square. This and the corresponding one on the right hand side of the workmate are the release tabs. Now, on to your workmate. Standing in front of the workmate, reach under the front wood jaw and squeeze the release tabs in the upward direction. Put your foot on the lower black shelf and you should be able to lift the workmate table to to its upright position. Works with my 20-yr-old Workmate 400, hope it does with yours too! For DENNY regarding how to unfold a Workmate 400. Refer to the image of the Workmate 425 at the top of this page. On the image, locate the left had screw crank (the one with the orange handle). About 1/2″ (again, on the IMAGE, not on an actual workmate) in the 10o’clock direction from there you will see a small black square. This and the corresponding one on the right hand side of the workmate are the release tabs. Now, on to your workmate. Standing in front of the workmate, reach under the front wood jaw and squeeze the release tabs in the upward direction. Put your foot on the lower black shelf and you should be able to lift the workmate table to to its upright position. Works with my 20-yr-old Workmate 400, hope it does with yours too!

]]> By: Tom Martin http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-929021 Tom Martin Sat, 16 May 2009 19:19:32 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-929021 I just picked one up today at a garage sale for $10 US. Its going to be real handy around the shop for patternmaking and carving since it will hold about anything. I can also use it for planing boards until I get my woodworkers bench finished with dog holes. Can't do much with just a face vise and no hold-downs. It is the cast aluminum H-frame on stamped-steel base with laminated birch ply top model and is stenciled "TYPE 2" under the stationary vice plank. Anybody know what this model is? I just picked one up today at a garage sale for $10 US. Its going to be real handy around the shop for patternmaking and carving since it will hold about anything. I can also use it for planing boards until I get my woodworkers bench finished with dog holes. Can’t do much with just a face vise and no hold-downs.

It is the cast aluminum H-frame on stamped-steel base with laminated birch ply top model and is stenciled “TYPE 2″ under the stationary vice plank. Anybody know what this model is?

]]> By: Denny Crane http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-889191 Denny Crane Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:30:39 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-889191 I too have a Black & Decker workmate 400. Bought it (folded up) at a garage sale -- looks super sturdy -- BUT I can't figure out HOW TO UNFOLD IT. How embarrassing. I can see that it's spring loaded, but that's where my assembly/setup knowledge ends. Can someone help me out? I too have a Black & Decker workmate 400. Bought it (folded up) at a garage sale — looks super sturdy — BUT I can’t figure out HOW TO UNFOLD IT. How embarrassing. I can see that it’s spring loaded, but that’s where my assembly/setup knowledge ends. Can someone help me out?

]]> By: BuddyL http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-851097 BuddyL Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:28:27 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-851097 I have one of the original Workmates, it is at least 30 to 40 years old and has seen a lot of use. My father purchased it new and used it quite extensively and so have I. Heavy - somewhat. Convienent - Absolutely!. Sure beats digging out a couple of sawhorses and a piece of plywood and looking for clamps to fit, it already has everything you need for most tasks. As a table for cutting 4x8 sheets of plywood - forget that! It was never intended for the large jobs. Have to cut a 2 x 4 x 8, no problem. Easy to use, quick to set up, convienent to store. What more can you ask for? Unfortunately the newer models are getting much too expensive. Are the newer models as good as the original? I doubt it. I have one of the original Workmates, it is at least 30 to 40 years old and has seen a lot of use. My father purchased it new and used it quite extensively and so have I. Heavy - somewhat. Convienent - Absolutely!. Sure beats digging out a couple of sawhorses and a piece of plywood and looking for clamps to fit, it already has everything you need for most tasks. As a table for cutting 4×8 sheets of plywood - forget that! It was never intended for the large jobs. Have to cut a 2 x 4 x 8, no problem. Easy to use, quick to set up, convienent to store. What more can you ask for? Unfortunately the newer models are getting much too expensive. Are the newer models as good as the original? I doubt it.

]]> By: sableskin http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-690438 sableskin Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:13:57 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-690438 I have a workmate, and cannot figure out how to unfold it. I have no instructions. Can someone help? I have a workmate, and cannot figure out how to unfold it. I have no instructions. Can someone help?

]]> By: duggy dugg http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-638353 duggy dugg Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:53:59 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-638353 got a workmate 300 for $10 from a company no longer needing it ; one rubber foot missing ; still works like a charm ; got several projects out of the way with it ; great catalyst for moving stalled projects forward and "doing it now " projects ; this may be my tipping point in getting the garage etc organized ! got a workmate 300 for $10 from a company no longer needing it ;
one rubber foot missing ; still works like a charm ; got several projects out of the way with it ; great catalyst for moving stalled projects forward and “doing it now ” projects ; this may be my tipping point in getting the garage etc organized !

]]> By: Jannarama http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-282795 Jannarama Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:39:04 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-282795 I have a Workmate and the product book (My mom was so organized!)...the product book is "Form No. 975396-01 10/75" written on the back, printed in Canada. Yes, October, 1975! I got the Workmate from my mom a couple years ago after my father passed away. I thought it was a cool thing back then when I was a kid, and NOW that I've got kids, I still think it's a cool thing! I am looking for another 'gripmate' peg for the two Gripmate clamps I have for the Workmate. You can see an image here: http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j287/jhp63/Tools/P1000291.jpg of what I am needing. I have NO idea what model number this Workmate is. I can't find one written on the WM itself, and the Instruction book doesn't have a model number written either. I just know the pictures in the booklet HAVE to be from the mid '70's!! I have a Workmate and the product book (My mom was so organized!)…the product book is “Form No. 975396-01 10/75″ written on the back, printed in Canada. Yes, October, 1975!

I got the Workmate from my mom a couple years ago after my father passed away. I thought it was a cool thing back then when I was a kid, and NOW that I’ve got kids, I still think it’s a cool thing!

I am looking for another ‘gripmate’ peg for the two Gripmate clamps I have for the Workmate. You can see an image here: http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j287/jhp63/Tools/P1000291.jpg
of what I am needing.

I have NO idea what model number this Workmate is. I can’t find one written on the WM itself, and the Instruction book doesn’t have a model number written either. I just know the pictures in the booklet HAVE to be from the mid ’70’s!!

]]> By: James http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-196380 James Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:09:51 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-196380 Have a WM 400 about 20 years old. It has a few (extra) holes and paint, but continues to give good service. heavy, yes. solid, yes. I love it and can't understand why they don't make a magnesium version. Unless it's because everyone already has one. I have to keep all my tools in a single shed 7'x4', such is urban bliss. This bench has just gotten more valuable every year. I'm looking for additional table top clamps now. See ya. Have a WM 400 about 20 years old. It has a few (extra) holes and paint, but continues to give good service. heavy, yes. solid, yes. I love it and can’t understand why they don’t make a magnesium version. Unless it’s because everyone already has one. I have to keep all my tools in a single shed 7′x4′, such is urban bliss. This bench has just gotten more valuable every year. I’m looking for additional table top clamps now. See ya.

]]> By: david http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-162384 david Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:14:25 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-162384 The first and original Workmate had a diecast magnesium base. My friend's father had one of them and it was impressive in its day. I've looked for years for a used one, but have not found one (one was on eBay a few years back and I missed it.) I have a steel Wrokmate that is about 25 years old and I wouldn't trade it for any of the new ones. It has a 5/4 laminated wood deck albeit a bit too narrow, but rugged. The first and original Workmate had a diecast magnesium base. My friend’s father had one of them and it was impressive in its day. I’ve looked for years for a used one, but have not found one (one was on eBay a few years back and I missed it.) I have a steel Wrokmate that is about 25 years old and I wouldn’t trade it for any of the new ones. It has a 5/4 laminated wood deck albeit a bit too narrow, but rugged.

]]> By: Kurt Schwind http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-118735 Kurt Schwind Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:13:30 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-118735 So Larry, what parts are you looking for? I'm just curious what you've had break. So Larry, what parts are you looking for? I’m just curious what you’ve had break.

]]> By: perruptor http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-118704 perruptor Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:27:46 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-118704 Actually, there's a link at the top of this thread that can get you to WM 300 parts. Here's the parts page for the "Type 10": http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/cgi-bin/schematic.cgi/blackdecker/79-033_TYPE_10 There are also pages for types 1, 2, 9, and 13. Actually, there’s a link at the top of this thread that can get you to WM 300 parts. Here’s the parts page for the “Type 10″:
http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/cgi-bin/schematic.cgi/blackdecker/79-033_TYPE_10
There are also pages for types 1, 2, 9, and 13.

]]> By: perruptor http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-118702 perruptor Sun, 16 Sep 2007 22:22:25 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-118702 Larry, if you're looking for the clamp jaws, here: http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/CategoryOverview.aspx?cPath=1496.1500.2228 If you need another part, contact B&D. Larry, if you’re looking for the clamp jaws, here:
http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/CategoryOverview.aspx?cPath=1496.1500.2228
If you need another part, contact B&D.

]]> By: Larry http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-116610 Larry Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:22:36 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-116610 Where do I find parts for a workmate 300? Where do I find parts for a workmate 300?

]]> By: perruptor http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-114865 perruptor Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:08:16 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-114865 I have an old one I inherited from my dad. It's no trouble to set up - takes about twenty seconds. No problems with the feet. Most recently, I used it to snap plexiglas along scored lines. It was great for that - just put the 'glas down between the clamping boards so the score lines up with the top of the table, clamp it, and snap. Very straight edges. I have an old one I inherited from my dad. It’s no trouble to set up - takes about twenty seconds. No problems with the feet.

Most recently, I used it to snap plexiglas along scored lines. It was great for that - just put the ‘glas down between the clamping boards so the score lines up with the top of the table, clamp it, and snap. Very straight edges.

]]> By: Cometchaser http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-108452 Cometchaser Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:08:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-108452 I LUV my workmate (the one pictured.) I purchased it quite some time ago for around $60 new and have used it for just about every project I do. I've used it to mount my 8" BD table saw, drill press, router table, etc., by drilling mounting holes for each and lableing them with marker. I used to own the BD folding saw horses which I purchased for about $30/pair but stupidly sold them at a garage sale when I moved cross country. I can't say enough about some of the innovative BD products. I LUV my workmate (the one pictured.) I purchased it quite some time ago for around $60 new and have used it for just about every project I do. I’ve used it to mount my 8″ BD table saw, drill press, router table, etc., by drilling mounting holes for each and lableing them with marker. I used to own the BD folding saw horses which I purchased for about $30/pair but stupidly sold them at a garage sale when I moved cross country. I can’t say enough about some of the innovative BD products.

]]> By: Grimshot http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-89491 Grimshot Sat, 07 Jul 2007 05:24:37 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-89491 More of hate-love relationship for me... I like the idea of it, but it's so friggin heavy, no handles or carrying places to tote it, the clamping system is pretty Mickey Mouse, the three-piece of table always seem to break in the wrong place and the holes for the plastic dogs are NEVER in the right place.... Still, it's a great height, once you get it set up; I've used it for miter saw base, too. More of hate-love relationship for me… I like the idea of it, but it’s so friggin heavy, no handles or carrying places to tote it, the clamping system is pretty Mickey Mouse, the three-piece of table always seem to break in the wrong place and the holes for the plastic dogs are NEVER in the right place…. Still, it’s a great height, once you get it set up; I’ve used it for miter saw base, too.

]]> By: Big Dave http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-86249 Big Dave Sat, 30 Jun 2007 07:52:33 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-86249 I got my workmate 200 from my wife's dad. I was still new in the box, after sitting in one of his storage buildings for who knows how long. I have used this for just about everything one can imagine, most recently, a portable reloading bench. It's heavy and stable enough to withstand full length case resizing of even the largest belted magnums, but portable enough to take to the range. I have had no probles with the feet, or any other part of this magnificent tool. I wish I had two of them! I got my workmate 200 from my wife’s dad. I was still new in the box, after sitting in one of his storage buildings for who knows how long. I have used this for just about everything one can imagine, most recently, a portable reloading bench. It’s heavy and stable enough to withstand full length case resizing of even the largest belted magnums, but portable enough to take to the range. I have had no probles with the feet, or any other part of this magnificent tool. I wish I had two of them!

]]> By: Teacher http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-81673 Teacher Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:18:18 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-81673 I'd like to get one but the only thing our Lowes sells now is some crummy pos from task Force. I looked at one in the store and it looks like the metal is the thickness of an aluminum can. I’d like to get one but the only thing our Lowes sells now is some crummy pos from task Force. I looked at one in the store and it looks like the metal is the thickness of an aluminum can.

]]> By: Travis http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/05/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-81667 Travis Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:07:23 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/04/hot-or-not-black-deckers-workmate/#comment-81667 I have one of these (though, with the MDF and laminant table top). Mostly, I'm happy with it. It fits well in my garage where I have to play Tetris with all the tools. I'd say my biggest beef of all is the fact that it's probably about 5-6 inches too short for me so I end up stooping down a bit to work on my projects. I have one of these (though, with the MDF and laminant table top). Mostly, I’m happy with it. It fits well in my garage where I have to play Tetris with all the tools. I’d say my biggest beef of all is the fact that it’s probably about 5-6 inches too short for me so I end up stooping down a bit to work on my projects.

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