Workmate/Workbench recommendations please

[ChattingLil]

Hi

I want to get one of these, but don't have any experience of using one apart from my dad's 30 year old Black and Decker workmate. I'm very aware that quality standards and slipped dramatically over the years, so can't really use that one as a comparison.

I've read reviews on the various workmates from Black&Decker/Draper/Wolf, etc, but can't come to a conclusion.

Anyone recommend anything currently available for less than £100?

thanks

 

[Wansworth]

Dont get one with the top made of composite board...mdf.There was an extensive post on this very subject not long ago.It would seem the tops fail in some way and in my case I stood on it and it broke....

 

[vyv_cox]

I've had a Black and Decker workmate for years, still use it occasionally but it's a bit agricultural. Replaced it with a Wolfcraft Master 800 about 8 years ago, considerably better equipment and a nice thing to use. Bit of a pig to store though, it folds but not very tidily. No idea what it costs now.

 

[colvic987]

lots on ebay, might save you some cash on a new one.

 

[FullCircle]

Dont get one with the top made of composite board...mdf.There was an extensive post on this very subject not long ago.It would seem the tops fail in some way and in my case I stood on it and it broke....

+1
I have one of each. The newer MDF topped one is nowhere near as good as my 1980 version.

 

[sarabande]

I posted for some advice on this recently. My MDF work surface warped badly, and the official spares were going to to be £60.

Following forum age advice, I replaced them with 1 inch marine ply for about £15 + work time..

(It's a B and D 425) Not as strong as an earlier version I had years ago, but more flexible with what it can do.