My dad and I both bought Workmates back in the mid 70s. He bought the floor model and I bought the bench top version. We figured we could always borrow each other’s if needed. He used to love to paint, and found a way to have the workmate hold everything for him. Even 9’ x 4’ wooden screens for a porch. I had a more formal cabinet makers shop with lots of stationary power tools and found myself borrowing his floor model a lot. I made a Formica topped 3’x1’ table with a single vertical spine that could be locked in the Workmates jaws at any height that made it the perfect infeed and outfeed table for many tools like a tablesaws, jointers, planers, scrollsaws and drillpresses. The floor model had a definite advantage over the bench model in that you could approach it from all sides and angles to work on whatever it was holding. It also acts as a great base for any bench type tool that you can attach to a vertical spine. My dad’s been gone since the early 90s and man do I miss him! But each time I use the knowledge that he taught me and the tools that he left me I feel like he’s standing there right next to me again. I always do a better job when using one of his tools!
I was doing a lot of plastering on one of the houses we owned and extended. I needed a compact but sturdy plaster table to take the mix and be easier to get onto my hawk. So I did something similar ... Grabbed a piece of 1/2" (15mm) ply about as square as the Workmate was wide. Grabbed four screws and a gash piece of 2x1 wood. Screwed through the board into the 2x1 and did the same ... Opened the jaws and clamped it. Brilliant and perfect height. That was just before my oldest son was born. He's just had his 41st and I still have the same board that I have used MANY times for plastering and other things. Unbelievable really what a "universal" tool like a Workmate can be used for. I even have the Black & Decker saw bracket fitted still and the clip on circular saw table that gets used often too. The saw & attachments are about the same age as the workmate! 😁👍👍🥰
I still have my dad's workmate from a Christmas day about 1975. It has taken a beating over these many years and still continues to have many uses. Great tool.
Dude, I am indebted to you for your videos. A couple of years ago in the midst of the Pandemic, I acquired a really beat up Workmate. It's a MkII. Cleaned it up, added an assembly top (recycled a top that I made 38 years ago to set on top of a dog crate), added a trolley with lockable 2.5 inch casters. The Workmate acts as an out-feed table for my 50 year old Delta Table saw. You ideas have encouraged my exploration of "how abouts" for the workmate. Currently tricking out a WM425 with a dual height trolley and a drop-in machinist vise (middle panel). Bench Bull is in the Wings as the saying goes. Thank you for the inspiring video.
This shop has never had a single F bomb dropped. I’ve had a workmate for ages now too and have done many different mods. It’s as though black and decker built these for the purpose of modding to your own needs. Love it!
Yes, civilized conversation is a rarity these days. “Profanity will offend at least some people but a lack of profanity won’t offend anyone - even the profane.” - Me
Have had mine since 1983. I've used the table top trick with plywood (made several different size tops for different applications). Use mine for clamping, gluing, as a router table bench and much more. Has been my only table/bench at times and is a dandy auxiliary bench when my primary bench and layout table are in use. The fact that it folds up when it needs to go away is a real plus as well, especially with limited shop space!
Fantastic video Marty. Thanks for your calm and clear explanation and demonstrations....and thanks for not infecting this with background music. Bob Ross vibes here....and I only mean that in the best way possible.
Got mine for my 50th birthday, I turned 80 in October. I'm not a big fan of B&D but no one has even come close to beating my 400 workmate, use it often here in the UK, it needs some TLC but I still love it. GREAT IDEAS
I have had a Workmate 225 for over 20 years, I always thought somethings were missing about it, now I’ve realized what those were. I’ll definitely do what you’ve just showed me, especially the rollers and the bench top. Thank you for the great video.
In 1973 I worked with Tony Alchorne a design engineer at B & D, Harmonsworth redesigning the aluminium framed workmate to the steel model still made today. Classic. Wish we'd thought of acessorising with wheels. Good concept.
Your Workmate/Worx comparison is the first video I saw; now I'll watch many others. I have a Workmate 200, and I'd never have thought I'd be able to make it so much more useful. I'm impressed--you've demonstrated that understanding and improving what you have is both cheaper and more satisfying than throwing money at more stuff.
The bench bull! The missing piece in my clamping game! So many possibilities! I imagine, two bench bulls working together, could handle almost anything! Thank you, that was the hidden gem, for me!
I’ve been looking at buying portable workbench for a while. Many new types on the market but after watching this video I’m going to buy a new black and decker workmate. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your designs and instructions for both the WorkMate modifications and the bench bull. I’m working on the set now. I appreciate the spare manner in which you show your work and the level of confidence you have in your ideas.
I've had the same bench for the same amount of time. Been all over the world with me, often as my entire shop. These are great ideas. (Can't believe I didn't think of that melamine top!) Thanks for the upload!
wow, thats great to hear, How can you travel with your bench though? i'm stuck in Asia right now with a collection of tools which i need to send back home...been wondering how i can do that now since all this non-virus nonsense...:-) love your thinking..my tools are a part of me...we have memories together for sure..
@@TheUrantia001 Well, when you move house to another country you typically ship your household goods. It's expensive, of course. (And in some countries the customs officials help themselves to your possessions.)
I've had my Workmate probably for 35 or more years; in that time it has gone from Indiana to Nevada and back to Indiana. I built 4 separate tops for it, one for a router table, one for a small table saw, one that holds a loading press, powder measure, scales, etc. for handloading ammunition, and a top cut to use the workbench as a portable benchrest for sighting in rifles. When not it use, the tops sit on shelves in the garage. It only takes a couple minutes to change from one to another. Can't imagine what I'd do without it.
I've had mine for over 25 years and it seems to be relegated to the back corner of the shop but after seeing your invention I will resurrect it and give it a second career! Thanks for the great ideas!
Phenomenally practical and efficient modifications to a tool that often doesn't get to use all of it's potential. This completely changed how I will be using my workmate. This just earned a "subscribed" from me. Going to watch more of you videos next. Thanks for this eye opening video ! :)
Nice video - no unnecessary chatting like so many people do. Wanted a Workmate for decades. Picked up a used one at the Humane Society Thrift Store today for $17.15. Spent about an hour cleaning and lubricating and it works like a new one even though I suspect it's 20 years old.
I'm 71, I'm a girl, I grew up with a master-carpenter father and I learned so much in this video. I'd like to build some sliding drawers for my kitchen and perhaps put new baseboards throughout my house...I'm thinking I could do it now.
None of us were born with any of this knowledge and experience. All you need is a good head on your shoulders and the right attitude. Sounds like you have both. Just jump in and start doing. You'll make mistakes. We all make mistakes. But you'll learn quickly enough, and what a sense of accomplishment you get after you do your own work. Good luck.
Very well presented , a very useful addition to the workmate . I made the mistake of getting rid of mine when the plastic leg fittings all broke after all the years in a garage workshop . It was a gift for my Dad back in the 70s when I was young . I have not been able to find anything that comes close to the usefulness of the oriental workmate .
So I had one of these which I bought about 25 years ago. It went to my X when I got divorced because I moved into a small rented apartment at the time. Now that I’m back on my feet with a number of different projects who need a good screwing I went out a bought this updated model. As you say the included instructions are totally useless. Absolutely loved your video - especially the “technical” terms you used for the various parts. I’m a guy and not ashamed to say I don’t know the proper terms either. Used to love the show Home Improvements with Tim Allen and I have to say the ladies love a guy with the right tool.
Never thought they'd be worth it , but so many people love them. Got a new one $50. Almost grabed a second! Love the Bull block! Also think a router table would be great!! For an Accessory table I pickup lots of running machines and have several platform bases where the belt slides on. They are dence, flat, and slick! Best part, they are free. Thanks for your tips.❤
It’s impressive to see how you were able to make a tool so versatile and portable. The bench bull is a great idea. I’ve never seen that before. This setup would be great if you had to do work outside of your shop.
I have the older variation of that Workmate that I've had for 42 years!! Boom! Who's going to outbid me? Great tool! Or is it accessory? Dunno but I'm really glad I splashed out on it!
My Dad lent me his old blue workmate when I bought my first fixer-upper forty years ago. For some reason I never got round to giving it back. Had to replace the plastic spring locks on the fold out legs about ten years ago, otherwise still going strong.
Bought mine in ‘76. Was often asked which tool was my favourite - the Workmate by a country mile. Modded two houses, then parked it for 30 years. Dug it out last fall. Found this video today - wow. This might change everything. The Bull is brilliant. Like the wheels. Thick heavy top. I need to think about stability as I want it high enough for me. Great vid. That’ll cost me some sleep.
I love what he's done. His Workmate 400 is way newer than mine, but mine is still working fine for me. That was one of Black & Decker's best designs. I especially love his supports and bench bull. I'm going to have to make those. I am always folding my bench all the way up, so the mobile base won't work for me, but it is really innovative. Nice job. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
I inherited one from my uncle, that must be from the workmate beginning (he always got things when they first came out). I just stuck it in the corner and piled stuff on top, but now I will try to give it a life of dignity. Great video
Thank GOD i find your video...i have a small workbench similar your's and you gave me so many good ideias to improve mine. Thank you sharing your great ideias.
the rolling base, great idea! One of those 'why didn't I think of that?' things! I did make a larger top for mine like you did but used the top of an old computer desk and cut it down, also with a 2x4 in the center for clamping support. Works great when I want to work on my lawn mower
I am a product developer, and I know that something like attaching wheels to make something that is usually not mobile to be mobile can help you beat the market. It is those thoughtful minor improvements that separate one from the rest. Well done👏👏👏
I have one of these Workmates that is in really bad condition and I will be restoring soon. You gave me some really cool ideas I can add to mine after I'm done. Glad I saw your video.
I've always liked my Workmate, but I recognized its limitations. Your video has shown me its potential, especially its roll around capabilities. I hope to incorporate some of your ideas in a future project to upgrade my Workmate.
Thanks for posting this. The melamine trick is gold Jerry! I plan to use a longer thinner piece (3x6) glued onto 1/2 cdx and tie 2 workmate together mounted as you did for a driveway bench.
Seems as though all of us have had a workmate for decade. Appreciate the ideas. I also have a simple T that I use as an outfeed table for my table saw. A lot of neat ideas. Thank you
I picked up a perfectly good 400 here in Denver for 10 bucks just tonight so I was looking at it and was considering some upgrades then I found your video. Excellent upgrades and what a clean shop!
I have mine now for over 38 years and it still works great, other than a bit of rust on its feet area. Time to install caster wheels, thanks for the tip.
When watching your video I was thinking the workmate was too short for me and then you come out with the big H to change the height of the worksurface....great idea thanks for sharing....
Nice job. I’ve had a 225 for about 25 years -and have replaced the top with 2x10’s, and a work shelf below. I too have a rolling dolly for the base. Good solid work station!
Thank you for the excellent video on the Workmate accessories. All were excellent idea and I will probably use many of them. I really like the bench bull.
I was so impressed with the workmate, I purchased its baby brother the benchmate and its bigger sibling the workmate 2000. Both devices complement the original workmate by providing smaller and larger work capacity.
I just discovered your channel. I have two workmates that need a lot of TLC. Thanks to your video, I will be making a lot of improvements to them. Thanks for sharing!
Superb video! I remember when the Workmate first came out 20+ years ago, but have never used one. Lately I have had a few projects around the house, and at my wife's school, and it would have been nice to have. So I started looking at them again, knowing there have been many improvements over the years. I ended up buying a Worx Pegasus instead (which I love), but after seeing YOUR video, I am thinking of getting a Workmate and adding the accessories shown. Love what you've done!!
Hi Marty :-D I am new to your channel today. Liked and subbed :-D I have been doing my *homework* on the Black and Decker Workmate 425. Your video just now sold me on it. I clicked on your video out of curiosity because I am all about *multi-purpose* uses for anything I buy. My main reason for watching your video was to find out if I could put casters on the legs. Well ... not only did you show me that it's possible, you even showed me a *better way.* You have alot of creative ideas and the best part is that they WORK. Thank you for sharing such ingenious inventions in such a thorough and detailed easy to understand video. I am looking forward to many more of your videos. Also...thank you for NOT playing loud hypnotic music in the background with no narration & fast forwarding. Geez... I don't know how anybody can learn anything from those presentations. ugh! Thank you again for sharing :-D
Thanks for sharing. What a versatile setup you created. Would be cool to have a woodshop and skillset. Hats off to you guys keeping these skills going.
Hi Marty, thanks for making this video, there are so many flashy affiliate link woodworking video's around, its so nice to see something with just good simple design and clear concise narration. I found your video while looking for some ideas to convert my Australian version workmate into a router table, but ended up with even more idea's. Will be adding casters and have some new ideas on how to clamp my router table in. I had never heard of a Bench bull, and will be building one for sure. Thanks for all the great ideas, I have subscribed to your channel.
Thank you :-) Yeah, I'm not trying to make a living from woodworking videos, although RUclips does toss a few nickles my way. I just post them for fun. Glad you got a few ideas from this video.
Great idea to put on the accessory top on the workmate! I have been looking for a way to increase and heighten the amount of workspace on it, and will definitely opt for this. Will also go for melamine considering that I would like to use wood glue on it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Very clever use of a proven shop veteran like the workmate. Use of a bench bull with it is brilliant. I have to admit that I'm pretty jealous of all the Veritas equipment you own ... Well done Marty!
Very nice and handy set up! I have been using a workmate 300 for 20 years, I like your ideas, I like the bench bull never seen one of them before I think I want one. Thanks so much.
I have one of the original Workmate benches. I've owned it for years. Now, because of where I live and not having a basement, garage or work shop I've started using it much more often. I never really thought about making adaptations to it to make it more functional. You have come up with some very good ideas. Thanks for sharing them. I really like the larger 1" melamine top.
I have a BD Workmate that I won in a raffle which included a 1/4 pad finishing sander, a heat gun, a circular saw, and 1/4" cordless dril. I still have everything except the dril which had battery problems. Of all these tool, I use the Workmate the most and it does look a little beat up but still very functional.
Marty, I just built a base just like your design, I used locking wheels too. Excellent idea. My base is 3/4" plywood and the sides are 1/2 birch plywood. The floor is elevated to bring the surface of the Workmate 425 to 32". The casters are 3.75" which required 4 inch of elevation since the Workmate sat at 4.25" with the legs folded. Bill
I'll offer an accessory. Sometimes I am working on the end of a long piece of stock, and I need to hold the other end in a certain position. I banged together a 'two-tined fork' that was wide enough to cradle the stock and six feet long. Now the stock is placed in the fork, lifted to the right height, and clamped into to the workmate. It holds the 'other end' where it needs to be. Basically, it's the helper you need on occasion.
I made a rolling base very similar to yours for one of my Workmates, and I love it. I used two fixed casters, because I didn't want the thing pivoting on the casters, but I may change them out for steerable ones, since yours doesn't seem to move around. My steering casters are about the same as yours - heavy duty with a nice toe lock. They're rated for FAR more weight than you can put on a Workmate, but they're super-stable and worth the expense for a better wheel. Your utility top is much nicer, though. (Mine's just a 3/4" piece of old construction plywood, but it works well, as I mostly use it for my router and thickness planer.) I may replace it with a piece like yours, unless the price scares me away.
I love the mobile base - great idea. Thanks so much. Do you have photos of the base, underneath, how you attached the castors, etc.? That would be very helpful. Many thanks!
I never use any of my Workmates in my shop. But it is great to drag one outside occasionally if I need to wire wheel paint off something or a job like that.
Great ideas here Marty, I have 2 workmates that come in pretty handy, love the auxiliary top idea ! See you haven’t posted in a while hope all is well…
Just got a new workmate and your updates are fantastic. In my lab and workshop, I love having things on wheels so they can be moved about as needed. I don't do much woodworking but the bench bull is a nice addition. Haven't even used my workmate once yet and now I'm looking at improvements for it. Thank you for your video. Keep broadcasting!!
I just bought a Workmate 300 this morning at a yard sale. I wasn't looking for one, but it was such a good deal, I decided to pick it and figure out what to do with it later. I have limited workspace in my garage and I could really use a work table and your tabletop addition is the solution I was looking for.
When I first started to dabbling in woodworking, one of my first yard sale purchases was a prototype Workmate made by Black & Decker. I still have that same unit and use it frequently in my shop but will be adding some of your wonderful accessories. Thanks for sharing your ideas and techniques, Marty.
Great vid Marty, thanks for sharing! The bench bull + accessories are clever! As great as 1 Workmate is, 2 of them are even better: I made an auxiliary top that is over 6 feet long with a 2x4 bolted to the bottom and I clamp it into both side-by-side workmates for a big, sturdy bench. Recently, I had a local CNC guy make up a 3’ x 6’ customized MFT top that I can use with one or both Workmates, and I am making a 2x4 clamping spine for it that will use some 20mm dowels to press-fit into the MFT holes instead of bolts or screws. An additional great use for the Workmate is as a router table base. For this, I use the bench’s vertical clamping feature to simply clamp my Rockler router table top directly in place.
I got my work mate 4 a present about 25 years ago. I am a Leather Smith and teach leather craft, it comes in very handy 2 repair saddles, which is another use 4 it. GOD'S BLESSINGS AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR.✝️⚾🙃
Some great tips on how to make more use of my workmate. I keep mine folded up to conserve space in my woodshop, but I love how you set it up to glue up carcasses! It allows you to walk all around the cabinet. Thanks Marty. I'm a new subscriber now!
I have had mine for over forty years - brought it to Canada from UK when we emigrated - made some similar add-ons. Will now make some of yours.Great vid
Castors! Why didn't I think of that :-) The spring clips that (used to) hold the folding leg up, broke many years ago. AFAIK they are not available as a spare part (I have tried). The castors will remove the need to fiddle with the folding legs AND make the workmate even more useful by being mobile. Thank you for the tip!!! Your workmate is just a youngster at 27, I think at 42 years old, mine is approaching middle age :-)
Glad you got something out of the video. You certainly have me beat at 42 years. That must be one of the earliest models. Probably built more like a tank ;-)
Good job! As others have mentioned, there are some great ideas here. I never heard of a bench bull before, but I can see it has many uses. I like that melamine top, too.
I have had mine since they came out,Been sitting outdoors most of its life still works well,I used it as a saw bench outdoors for cutting up firewood.Starting to need a new top.I will be using Form ply
Some good ideas....I have a 225 and a 425 which is the model with a tilt up part that can act as a vice, work stop, etc. That one is my favorite. I do have a regular carpenter bench with double wood worker vices, etc. in my small work shop in my downstairs basement but have one of these in the work shop part of my garage where my table saw, band saw, compound miter saw, etc. is located. The 425 is there and the 225 is in my small workshop and used when I need some more bench space or have stuff clamped up for drying and need to work on the next part. You seem to have negated the primary advantage of these though....portability and minimal space for storage. The ability to fold and store against a wall or tossed into a van or truck is their most useful feature. I also drilled some additional dog holes on the table top to give more choices for location. Sometimes they double as out feed extensions for my table saw and planer I also made a large box with sides and ends that clamps on the top as a place to put tools and parts when using my metal lathe and milling machine. Tools like micrometers are expensive and easily damaged if they roll off a flat top table onto the ground.
My dad and I both bought Workmates back in the mid 70s. He bought the floor model and I bought the bench top version. We figured we could always borrow each other’s if needed. He used to love to paint, and found a way to have the workmate hold everything for him. Even 9’ x 4’ wooden screens for a porch. I had a more formal cabinet makers shop with lots of stationary power tools and found myself borrowing his floor model a lot. I made a Formica topped 3’x1’ table with a single vertical spine that could be locked in the Workmates jaws at any height that made it the perfect infeed and outfeed table for many tools like a tablesaws, jointers, planers, scrollsaws and drillpresses. The floor model had a definite advantage over the bench model in that you could approach it from all sides and angles to work on whatever it was holding. It also acts as a great base for any bench type tool that you can attach to a vertical spine. My dad’s been gone since the early 90s and man do I miss him! But each time I use the knowledge that he taught me and the tools that he left me I feel like he’s standing there right next to me again. I always do a better job when using one of his tools!
I was doing a lot of plastering on one of the houses we owned and extended. I needed a compact but sturdy plaster table to take the mix and be easier to get onto my hawk. So I did something similar ... Grabbed a piece of 1/2" (15mm) ply about as square as the Workmate was wide. Grabbed four screws and a gash piece of 2x1 wood. Screwed through the board into the 2x1 and did the same ... Opened the jaws and clamped it. Brilliant and perfect height.
That was just before my oldest son was born. He's just had his 41st and I still have the same board that I have used MANY times for plastering and other things. Unbelievable really what a "universal" tool like a Workmate can be used for. I even have the Black & Decker saw bracket fitted still and the clip on circular saw table that gets used often too. The saw & attachments are about the same age as the workmate! 😁👍👍🥰
I still have my dad's workmate from a Christmas day about 1975. It has taken a beating over these many years and still continues to have many uses. Great tool.
I own my granddads old 60s workmate, it's taken quite a beating over the 60 some odd years me, dad and granddad have owned it. Handy little bench.
Dude, I am indebted to you for your videos. A couple of years ago in the midst of the Pandemic, I acquired a really beat up Workmate. It's a MkII. Cleaned it up, added an assembly top (recycled a top that I made 38 years ago to set on top of a dog crate), added a trolley with lockable 2.5 inch casters. The Workmate acts as an out-feed table for my 50 year old Delta Table saw. You ideas have encouraged my exploration of "how abouts" for the workmate. Currently tricking out a WM425 with a dual height trolley and a drop-in machinist vise (middle panel). Bench Bull is in the Wings as the saying goes. Thank you for the inspiring video.
Best video I've ever seen on the Workmate(TM). Got some great ideas and will be making a Bench Bull. Thanks, Marty.
Glad you found it useful :-)
This shop has never had a single F bomb dropped. I’ve had a workmate for ages now too and have done many different mods. It’s as though black and decker built these for the purpose of modding to your own needs. Love it!
Yes, civilized conversation is a rarity these days.
“Profanity will offend at least some people but a lack of profanity won’t offend anyone - even the profane.” - Me
Have had mine since 1983. I've used the table top trick with plywood (made several different size tops for different applications). Use mine for clamping, gluing, as a router table bench and much more. Has been my only table/bench at times and is a dandy auxiliary bench when my primary bench and layout table are in use. The fact that it folds up when it needs to go away is a real plus as well, especially with limited shop space!
Gary Mittelstadt Ha Gary, your story is exactly like mine! It is one of the most enduring tools in my shop.
Fantastic video Marty. Thanks for your calm and clear explanation and demonstrations....and thanks for not infecting this with background music. Bob Ross vibes here....and I only mean that in the best way possible.
Got mine for my 50th birthday, I turned 80 in October. I'm not a big fan of B&D but no one has even come close to beating my 400 workmate, use it often here in the UK, it needs some TLC but I still love it. GREAT IDEAS
I have had a Workmate 225 for over 20 years, I always thought somethings were missing about it, now I’ve realized what those were. I’ll definitely do what you’ve just showed me, especially the rollers and the bench top. Thank you for the great video.
In 1973 I worked with Tony Alchorne a design engineer at B & D, Harmonsworth redesigning the aluminium framed workmate to the steel model still made today. Classic. Wish we'd thought of acessorising with wheels. Good concept.
Thanks, and interesting little story :-)
Your Workmate/Worx comparison is the first video I saw; now I'll watch many others.
I have a Workmate 200, and I'd never have thought I'd be able to make it so much more useful.
I'm impressed--you've demonstrated that understanding and improving what you have is both cheaper and more satisfying than throwing money at more stuff.
some really good ideas, I wasn't going to buy the workmate but after watching I might just order one, thanks for the video
The bench bull! The missing piece in my clamping game! So many possibilities! I imagine, two bench bulls working together, could handle almost anything! Thank you, that was the hidden gem, for me!
I’ve been looking at buying portable workbench for a while. Many new types on the market but after watching this video I’m going to buy a new black and decker workmate. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your designs and instructions for both the WorkMate modifications and the bench bull.
I’m working on the set now. I appreciate the spare manner in which you show your work and the level of confidence you have in your ideas.
Great video - my Workmate has been my constant companion since 1977 and has now been given a whole new lease of life - thanks!
Great no nonsense accessories and tips without fan fare . . . very refreshing!
Thank you
I've had the same bench for the same amount of time. Been all over the world with me, often as my entire shop. These are great ideas. (Can't believe I didn't think of that melamine top!) Thanks for the upload!
wow, thats great to hear, How can you travel with your bench though? i'm stuck in Asia right now with a collection of tools which i need to send back home...been wondering how i can do that now since all this non-virus nonsense...:-) love your thinking..my tools are a part of me...we have memories together for sure..
@@TheUrantia001 Well, when you move house to another country you typically ship your household goods. It's expensive, of course. (And in some countries the customs officials help themselves to your possessions.)
I've had my Workmate probably for 35 or more years; in that time it has gone from Indiana to Nevada and back to Indiana. I built 4 separate tops for it, one for a router table, one for a small table saw, one that holds a loading press, powder measure, scales, etc. for handloading ammunition, and a top cut to use the workbench as a portable benchrest for sighting in rifles. When not it use, the tops sit on shelves in the garage. It only takes a couple minutes to change from one to another. Can't imagine what I'd do without it.
The workmate is a great tool. It was one of the first ones I had when I first bought a house and I use it extensively.
I've had mine for over 25 years and it seems to be relegated to the back corner of the shop but after seeing your invention I will resurrect it and give it a second career! Thanks for the great ideas!
Good to hear of another one being pulled out of retirement ;-) Thanks.
Phenomenally practical and efficient modifications to a tool that often doesn't get to use all of it's potential. This completely changed how I will be using my workmate. This just earned a "subscribed" from me. Going to watch more of you videos next. Thanks for this eye opening video ! :)
Nice video - no unnecessary chatting like so many people do. Wanted a Workmate for decades. Picked up a used one at the Humane Society Thrift Store today for $17.15. Spent about an hour cleaning and lubricating and it works like a new one even though I suspect it's 20 years old.
I'm 71, I'm a girl, I grew up with a master-carpenter father and I learned so much in this video. I'd like to build some sliding drawers for my kitchen and perhaps put new baseboards throughout my house...I'm thinking I could do it now.
None of us were born with any of this knowledge and experience. All you need is a good head on your shoulders and the right attitude. Sounds like you have both. Just jump in and start doing. You'll make mistakes. We all make mistakes. But you'll learn quickly enough, and what a sense of accomplishment you get after you do your own work. Good luck.
Very well presented , a very useful addition to the workmate . I made the mistake of getting rid of mine when the plastic leg fittings all broke after all the years in a garage workshop . It was a gift for my Dad back in the 70s when I was young .
I have not been able to find anything that comes close to the usefulness of the oriental workmate .
So I had one of these which I bought about 25 years ago. It went to my X when I got divorced because I moved into a small rented apartment at the time. Now that I’m back on my feet with a number of different projects who need a good screwing I went out a bought this updated model. As you say the included instructions are totally useless. Absolutely loved your video - especially the “technical” terms you used for the various parts. I’m a guy and not ashamed to say I don’t know the proper terms either. Used to love the show Home Improvements with Tim Allen and I have to say the ladies love a guy with the right tool.
:-)
Never thought they'd be worth it , but so many people love them. Got a new one $50. Almost grabed a second! Love the Bull block! Also think a router table would be great!! For an Accessory table I pickup lots of running machines and have several platform bases where the belt slides on. They are dence, flat, and slick! Best part, they are free. Thanks for your tips.❤
It’s impressive to see how you were able to make a tool so versatile and portable.
The bench bull is a great idea.
I’ve never seen that before.
This setup would be great if you had to do work outside of your shop.
or if you had very limited space
I have the older variation of that Workmate that I've had for 42 years!! Boom! Who's going to outbid me? Great tool! Or is it accessory? Dunno but I'm really glad I splashed out on it!
I have one that might be that old. It was my dad's. It is in a rather dilapidated state in the barn, but still gets used.
My Dad lent me his old blue workmate when I bought my first fixer-upper forty years ago. For some reason I never got round to giving it back. Had to replace the plastic spring locks on the fold out legs about ten years ago, otherwise still going strong.
Bought mine in ‘76. Was often asked which tool was my favourite - the Workmate by a country mile. Modded two houses, then parked it for 30 years. Dug it out last fall. Found this video today - wow. This might change everything. The Bull is brilliant. Like the wheels. Thick heavy top. I need to think about stability as I want it high enough for me.
Great vid. That’ll cost me some sleep.
I love what he's done. His Workmate 400 is way newer than mine, but mine is still working fine for me. That was one of Black & Decker's best designs. I especially love his supports and bench bull. I'm going to have to make those. I am always folding my bench all the way up, so the mobile base won't work for me, but it is really innovative. Nice job. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Thanks for your nice comment!
I inherited one from my uncle, that must be from the workmate beginning (he always got things when they first came out). I just stuck it in the corner and piled stuff on top, but now I will try to give it a life of dignity. Great video
Thank you. Yes, they deserve a little respect ;-)
They're pretty useful.
Thank GOD i find your video...i have a small workbench similar your's and you gave me so many good ideias to improve mine. Thank you sharing your great ideias.
the rolling base, great idea! One of those 'why didn't I think of that?' things! I did make a larger top for mine like you did but used the top of an old computer desk and cut it down, also with a 2x4 in the center for clamping support. Works great when I want to work on my lawn mower
Thanks for the comments :-)
I am a product developer, and I know that something like attaching wheels to make something that is usually not mobile to be mobile can help you beat the market. It is those thoughtful minor improvements that separate one from the rest. Well done👏👏👏
thats right whats better than anything? anything with wheels.
I have one of these Workmates that is in really bad condition and I will be restoring soon. You gave me some really cool ideas I can add to mine after I'm done. Glad I saw your video.
Good luck with your updates to your version
I've always liked my Workmate, but I recognized its limitations. Your video has shown me its potential, especially its roll around capabilities. I hope to incorporate some of your ideas in a future project to upgrade my Workmate.
Thanks for posting this. The melamine trick is gold Jerry!
I plan to use a longer thinner piece (3x6) glued onto 1/2 cdx and tie 2 workmate together mounted as you did for a driveway bench.
Seems as though all of us have had a workmate for decade. Appreciate the ideas. I also have a simple T that I use as an outfeed table for my table saw.
A lot of neat ideas. Thank you
Awesome tips and ideas, I've had mine for over 35 years, and love the versatility of these units.
I’ve had my 300 for 35 years too.
Thanks Marty, the bench bull is now on the build list! Looks very useful.
You'll make use out of it. Very easy to make.
GREAT JOB! A LONG TIME, TIME TESTED TOOL, IMPROVED BY ATTACHMENTS BUILT BY A TRUE CRAFTSMAN! OUTSTANDING!!!!!
I picked up a perfectly good 400 here in Denver for 10 bucks just tonight so I was looking at it and was considering some upgrades then I found your video. Excellent upgrades and what a clean shop!
You got a great deal! Hopefully you can get some good use out of yours. Thanks.
I have mine now for over 38 years and it still works great, other than a bit of rust on its feet area. Time to install caster wheels, thanks for the tip.
When watching your video I was thinking the workmate was too short for me and then you come out with the big H to change the height of the worksurface....great idea thanks for sharing....
Nice job. I’ve had a 225 for about 25 years -and have replaced the top with 2x10’s, and a work shelf below. I too have a rolling dolly for the base. Good solid work station!
Thank you for the excellent video on the Workmate accessories. All were excellent idea and I will probably use many of them. I really like the bench bull.
I was so impressed with the workmate, I purchased its baby brother the benchmate and its bigger sibling the workmate 2000. Both devices complement the original workmate by providing smaller and larger work capacity.
Yeah, I would probably try others if I had more space. I'm stuck with just one.
I just discovered your channel. I have two workmates that need a lot of TLC. Thanks to your video, I will be making a lot of improvements to them. Thanks for sharing!
Superb video!
I remember when the Workmate first came out 20+ years ago, but have never used one. Lately I have had a few projects around the house, and at my wife's school, and it would have been nice to have. So I started looking at them again, knowing there have been many improvements over the years. I ended up buying a Worx Pegasus instead (which I love), but after seeing YOUR video, I am thinking of getting a Workmate and adding the accessories shown. Love what you've done!!
Thank you!
20 years ago......more like 40 !.....at least that is how old mine is.....brilliant device....that and a Leatherman, what else do you need !
Hi Marty :-D
I am new to your channel today. Liked and subbed :-D I have been doing my *homework* on the Black and Decker Workmate 425. Your video just now sold me on it. I clicked on your video out of curiosity because I am all about *multi-purpose* uses for anything I buy. My main reason for watching your video was to find out if I could put casters on the legs. Well ... not only did you show me that it's possible, you even showed me a *better way.* You have alot of creative ideas and the best part is that they WORK. Thank you for sharing such ingenious inventions in such a thorough and detailed easy to understand video. I am looking forward to many more of your videos. Also...thank you for NOT playing loud hypnotic music in the background with no narration & fast forwarding. Geez... I don't know how anybody can learn anything from those presentations. ugh!
Thank you again for sharing :-D
Thanks Kathleen for that very nice comment. I'm glad you found something useful in this video, and the format suits your preferred viewing style :-)
I never saw such a thing! I see there are all kinds of custom designs for these Bench Bulls. Very very interesting!
Thanks for sharing. What a versatile setup you created. Would be cool to have a woodshop and skillset. Hats off to you guys keeping these skills going.
my workmate travelled from Calif. to Scotland and back. It is decades old, and has had some plastic parts replaced.
Hi Marty, thanks for making this video, there are so many flashy affiliate link woodworking video's around, its so nice to see something with just good simple design and clear concise narration. I found your video while looking for some ideas to convert my Australian version workmate into a router table, but ended up with even more idea's. Will be adding casters and have some new ideas on how to clamp my router table in. I had never heard of a Bench bull, and will be building one for sure. Thanks for all the great ideas, I have subscribed to your channel.
Thank you :-) Yeah, I'm not trying to make a living from woodworking videos, although RUclips does toss a few nickles my way. I just post them for fun. Glad you got a few ideas from this video.
Great idea to put on the accessory top on the workmate! I have been looking for a way to increase and heighten the amount of workspace on it, and will definitely opt for this. Will also go for melamine considering that I would like to use wood glue on it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Very clever use of a proven shop veteran like the workmate. Use of a bench bull with it is brilliant. I have to admit that I'm pretty jealous of all the Veritas equipment you own ... Well done Marty!
Very nice and handy set up! I have been using a workmate 300 for 20 years, I like your ideas, I like the bench bull never seen one of them before I think I want one. Thanks so much.
Glad you liked it. Certainly do build yourself a version of the bench bull.
I love the Bench Bull! It seems to really fill a lot of gaps that I’m feeling hard right now! Great video!!
I have one of the original Workmate benches. I've owned it for years. Now, because of where I live and not having a basement, garage or work shop I've started using it much more often. I never really thought about making adaptations to it to make it more functional. You have come up with some very good ideas. Thanks for sharing them. I really like the larger 1" melamine top.
I have a BD Workmate that I won in a raffle which included a 1/4 pad finishing sander, a heat gun, a circular saw, and 1/4" cordless dril. I still have everything except the dril which had battery problems.
Of all these tool, I use the Workmate the most and it does look a little beat up but still very functional.
Marty,
I just built a base just like your design, I used locking wheels too. Excellent idea. My base is 3/4" plywood and the sides are 1/2 birch plywood. The floor is elevated to bring the surface of the Workmate 425 to 32". The casters are 3.75" which required 4 inch of elevation since the Workmate sat at 4.25" with the legs folded.
Bill
Cool. Sounds about like mine. I hope you enjoy your new base as much as I do mine.
It is a clone but finished with polycrylic. My Workmate is the 425 model. Next up is the bench bull and the melanine type of work surface.
Have a workmate that I use all the time. Now I know what to do with it. Great video
I'll offer an accessory. Sometimes I am working on the end of a long piece of stock, and I need to hold the other end in a certain position. I banged together a 'two-tined fork' that was wide enough to cradle the stock and six feet long. Now the stock is placed in the fork, lifted to the right height, and clamped into to the workmate. It holds the 'other end' where it needs to be. Basically, it's the helper you need on occasion.
Tricked out black and decker wow really clever ideas never seen those clamps that fit in the holes of the block before
I made a rolling base very similar to yours for one of my Workmates, and I love it. I used two fixed casters, because I didn't want the thing pivoting on the casters, but I may change them out for steerable ones, since yours doesn't seem to move around. My steering casters are about the same as yours - heavy duty with a nice toe lock. They're rated for FAR more weight than you can put on a Workmate, but they're super-stable and worth the expense for a better wheel. Your utility top is much nicer, though. (Mine's just a 3/4" piece of old construction plywood, but it works well, as I mostly use it for my router and thickness planer.) I may replace it with a piece like yours, unless the price scares me away.
Brilliantly smart idea.
I love the mobile base - great idea. Thanks so much.
Do you have photos of the base, underneath, how you attached the castors, etc.? That would be very helpful.
Many thanks!
My back is asking me why I've only just seen this! I'm now thinking it's worth fixing up my old workmate rather than scrapping it. Thanks Marty!
I never use any of my Workmates in my shop. But it is great to drag one outside occasionally if I need to wire wheel paint off something or a job like that.
Great ideas here Marty, I have 2 workmates that come in pretty handy, love the auxiliary top idea ! See you haven’t posted in a while hope all is well…
Just got a new workmate and your updates are fantastic. In my lab and workshop, I love having things on wheels so they can be moved about as needed. I don't do much woodworking but the bench bull is a nice addition. Haven't even used my workmate once yet and now I'm looking at improvements for it. Thank you for your video. Keep broadcasting!!
very helpful and creative use of this bench,. thank you.
Great video. I’ve just replaced a few parts on my unit that’s 35 years old. I may try some of these things.
That bench bull is pretty cool. Thanks.
I just bought a Workmate 300 this morning at a yard sale. I wasn't looking for one, but it was such a good deal, I decided to pick it and figure out what to do with it later. I have limited workspace in my garage and I could really use a work table and your tabletop addition is the solution I was looking for.
I really like this video. It gives me some good ideas to get me going on my workmate. the all white boards melt together in this video.
Brilliant, the best invention of B&D
I have mine since 1981
Well...Ron Hickman actually. After lawsuit, B&D ended up paying him a lump of money, and 3% of sales thereafter. (Just as a matter of interest )
:0)
The Workmate is a great tool. These mods will make it even greater. Thanks Marty,
When I first started to dabbling in woodworking, one of my first yard sale purchases was a prototype Workmate made by Black & Decker. I still have that same unit and use it frequently in my shop but will be adding some of your wonderful accessories. Thanks for sharing your ideas and techniques, Marty.
Nice that you have an old unit - they were certainly made better back then. Glad you found some useful ideas from my video.
Very nice! Much better than trying to find a place for the folded-up Workmate!
Great vid Marty, thanks for sharing! The bench bull + accessories are clever!
As great as 1 Workmate is, 2 of them are even better: I made an auxiliary top that is over 6 feet long with a 2x4 bolted to the bottom and I clamp it into both side-by-side workmates for a big, sturdy bench. Recently, I had a local CNC guy make up a 3’ x 6’ customized MFT top that I can use with one or both Workmates, and I am making a 2x4 clamping spine for it that will use some 20mm dowels to press-fit into the MFT holes instead of bolts or screws.
An additional great use for the Workmate is as a router table base. For this, I use the bench’s vertical clamping feature to simply clamp my Rockler router table top directly in place.
Marty very good Ideas and the Bench Bull awesome... Thanks for sharing
I got my work mate 4 a present about 25 years ago. I am a Leather Smith and teach leather craft, it comes in very handy 2 repair saddles, which is another use 4 it. GOD'S BLESSINGS AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR.✝️⚾🙃
Some great tips on how to make more use of my workmate. I keep mine folded up to conserve space in my woodshop, but I love how you set it up to glue up carcasses! It allows you to walk all around the cabinet. Thanks Marty. I'm a new subscriber now!
Thanks. I really do use mine all of the time.
My 35 year old Workmate is not as pristine, but it's still giving me great service and I couldn't work without it.
Thank you Marty, I am very appreciative of you taking the time to show us your workmate and demonstrate its versatility.
Love how you are trying to rip that board right in front of the nice table saw. I get your point though. Great idea with the accessories!
:-)
That's what I was thinking when he said he wanted to rip a board. I was like there's a table saw right behind you.
Great Work Mate Bench Bull 🔨
I have had mine for over forty years - brought it to Canada from UK when we emigrated - made some similar add-ons. Will now make some of yours.Great vid
I also purchased the workmate when it was first avalible. I use it oftern in my shop. Thanks for the upgrade ideas...
Yeah, I'm surprised more people don't still use the Workmate. Thanks for the comment.
Castors! Why didn't I think of that :-) The spring clips that (used to) hold the folding leg up, broke many years ago. AFAIK they are not available as a spare part (I have tried). The castors will remove the need to fiddle with the folding legs AND make the workmate even more useful by being mobile. Thank you for the tip!!!
Your workmate is just a youngster at 27, I think at 42 years old, mine is approaching middle age :-)
Glad you got something out of the video. You certainly have me beat at 42 years. That must be one of the earliest models. Probably built more like a tank ;-)
Some great ideas and given me workshop envy as it looks like a clean front room, pictures on the wall included!
Good job! As others have mentioned, there are some great ideas here. I never heard of a bench bull before, but I can see it has many uses. I like that melamine top, too.
Hiriser 15 I had never heard of one either, until this video, so, THANKS MARTY!
I have had mine since they came out,Been sitting outdoors most of its life still works well,I used it as a saw bench outdoors for cutting up firewood.Starting to need a new top.I will be using Form ply
Thanks! Got some good ideas for my workshop 👍
I have a large bench 1.3Metres x .6 metres mounted on big castors and it really makes doing things a lot easier
Just got the same workmate in a garage sale really cheap. Now I'll put good use to it.
Thanks! I will certainly copy some of your ideas. Very clever Workmate improvements 👍👍👍
Thanks. Not original to me, but maybe I'm first to make a detailed video on the subject. Copy away ;-)
Many great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Some good ideas....I have a 225 and a 425 which is the model with a tilt up part that can act as a vice, work stop, etc. That one is my favorite. I do have a regular carpenter bench with double wood worker vices, etc. in my small work shop in my downstairs basement but have one of these in the work shop part of my garage where my table saw, band saw, compound miter saw, etc. is located. The 425 is there and the 225 is in my small workshop and used when I need some more bench space or have stuff clamped up for drying and need to work on the next part. You seem to have negated the primary advantage of these though....portability and minimal space for storage. The ability to fold and store against a wall or tossed into a van or truck is their most useful feature. I also drilled some additional dog holes on the table top to give more choices for location. Sometimes they double as out feed extensions for my table saw and planer
I also made a large box with sides and ends that clamps on the top as a place to put tools and parts when using my metal lathe and milling machine. Tools like micrometers are expensive and easily damaged if they roll off a flat top table onto the ground.
Wow great ideas, thanks for sharing Marty
Thanks
A fantastic video. John from the UK.