Portable Work Benches

[Gnr4791]

HellO

Anyone have any guidance on buying a portable workbench? I’m not a pro, just for hobby only and mainly using hand tools and circle saw.

I saw the one in the link below in a video that Paul Sellers has on YouTube and thought it must be good. Thanks.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Workmate-425-30-in-Folding-Portable-Workbench-and-Vise-WM425/202516382?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|google|&mid=sSYfwJVLK|dm_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_195274179091_pkw__pmt__product_202516382_slid_&gclid=CjwKCAiA8bnUBRA-EiwAc0hZk2W68wYLJ1_EsqzP4YuL-zh4l5UWRHEtDVbhhEWdUjQ6AOLjcF0blxoC_jAQAvD_BwE

[gee-dub]

When you just say "hand tools" people here will immediately think hand planes which require a more stable platform for comfortable and successful use.  Could you elaborate on just what hand tools you are thinking about please?

[Gnr4791]

Hand sawing, jigsaw, etc...

[Dave H]

I use saw horses with my sheet goods grid

I put a sheet of plywood or, OSB on top for a work surface where I can sit my portable table saw, chop saw, I even have a piece of plywood that accepts my router base so I can have a portable router table.

when I need to do some pounding, assembly, chiseling or driving nails I work on the surface directly over the saw horse and not in the middle of the grid it breaks down in seconds lays flat in my pickup truck I do carpenter work and I love this set up for versatility and, portability' 

[Graeme1967USMC]

HellO
Anyone have any guidance on buying a portable workbench? I’m not a pro, just for hobby only and mainly using hand tools and circle saw.
I saw the one in the link below in a video that Paul Sellers has on YouTube and thought it must be good. Thanks.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Workmate-425-30-in-Folding-Portable-Workbench-and-Vise-WM425/202516382?cm_mmc=Shopping|THD|google|&mid=sSYfwJVLK|dm_mtid_8903tb925190_pcrid_195274179091_pkw__pmt__product_202516382_slid_&gclid=CjwKCAiA8bnUBRA-EiwAc0hZk2W68wYLJ1_EsqzP4YuL-zh4l5UWRHEtDVbhhEWdUjQ6AOLjcF0blxoC_jAQAvD_BwE

I have had a Workmate for nearly 30 years and use I practically daily. I would definitely recommend one. I use it as a portable work surface, something to hold things being cut, for some light hand tool work, and as a place to mount infrequently used tools. I have a SMALL shop so some tools are stored on a shelf & put in the workmate as needed. (Each is mounted on a piece of plywood with a small bar underneath that can get clamped by the Workmate.) Bench grinder is the main one. For lots of ideas look at YouTube for John Taylor or Marty Backe - they both have lots of creative ideas for Workmates.

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[Immortan D]

I have a Keter portable workbench which is made of plastic. It does come with two clamps that fit into their built-in t-tracks or in the designated holes on the top, so it has great work piece holding options. But I don't recommend it for hand tool usage. Here's a pic from the last time I've used it, you can see the red t-tracks and clamps in the background:

[drzaius]

I've had a Workmate for close to 40 years & it is still something I use regularly around the house & shop. It's not something that would work well for hand planing though. But it is certainly a good place to start.

[DerekMPBS]

I have a couple of Workmates that are 20+ years old that still get used occasionally, but I prefer the Kreg Mobile Project Center.  It is slightly taller, with a bigger work surface, and has a track and slots for clamps.  Plus, you can get two and lock them together to create a larger work surface, or place 2x4's in the supplied brackets and then lay plywood between them to create a much larger surface.  They have steel frames with a poly top and aluminum track, and fold down for storage.  I'm very happy with it so far.