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Model: BLACK+DECKER Workmate Portable Workbench Project Center and Vise | WM425-A
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Ahhh yes... I remember the Woekmates when they had like 15 layer plywood. Lol. Thanks for the memory flashback.
And, I wouldn't say it was Baltic Birch back in those days, but compared to the BB we'd (used to ) get over the past decade, it definitely made it seem like top tier ply was used back then.
Personally... I LOVE bamboo ply. The strength is ridiculous, and it doesn't have the warping and delaminating issues the old plywood tops had. But, if your using power tools and hit the bamboo with a Circ blade or drill bit, then I pray the blades/bits Journey to Valhalla is swift! Haha.
While bamboo is better than plywood in nearly every way, its a hige nightmare working with it. Ughhh... it's too hard a material. And if you don't have dull or wrong type blade when cutting it... well, a lot can happen lol. (Plus you want to wear a respirator, and have excellentdust collection as the dust is like a million microscopic needles in the air.
But as far as a work surface, it's phenomenal. So of I had a choice, I'd take an older workmate body, with the newer workmate bamboo surface.
22 Comments
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank IncompletePerfect
Quote
from Earthwormjim
:
Interesting wood choice, is bamboo a better work surface than the baltic birch plywood they used to use?
Ahhh yes... I remember the Woekmates when they had like 15 layer plywood. Lol. Thanks for the memory flashback.
And, I wouldn't say it was Baltic Birch back in those days, but compared to the BB we'd (used to ) get over the past decade, it definitely made it seem like top tier ply was used back then.
Personally... I LOVE bamboo ply. The strength is ridiculous, and it doesn't have the warping and delaminating issues the old plywood tops had. But, if your using power tools and hit the bamboo with a Circ blade or drill bit, then I pray the blades/bits Journey to Valhalla is swift! Haha.
While bamboo is better than plywood in nearly every way, its a hige nightmare working with it. Ughhh... it's too hard a material. And if you don't have dull or wrong type blade when cutting it... well, a lot can happen lol. (Plus you want to wear a respirator, and have excellentdust collection as the dust is like a million microscopic needles in the air.
But as far as a work surface, it's phenomenal. So of I had a choice, I'd take an older workmate body, with the newer workmate bamboo surface.
Ahhh yes... I remember the Woekmates when they had like 15 layer plywood. Lol. Thanks for the memory flashback.
And, I wouldn't say it was Baltic Birch back in those days, but compared to the BB we'd (used to ) get over the past decade, it definitely made it seem like top tier ply was used back then.
Personally... I LOVE bamboo ply. The strength is ridiculous, and it doesn't have the warping and delaminating issues the old plywood tops had. But, if your using power tools and hit the bamboo with a Circ blade or drill bit, then I pray the blades/bits Journey to Valhalla is swift! Haha.
While bamboo is better than plywood in nearly every way, its a hige nightmare working with it. Ughhh... it's too hard a material. And if you don't have dull or wrong type blade when cutting it... well, a lot can happen lol. (Plus you want to wear a respirator, and have excellentdust collection as the dust is like a million microscopic needles in the air.
But as far as a work surface, it's phenomenal. So of I had a choice, I'd take an older workmate body, with the newer workmate bamboo surface.
Yeah, it might not have been baltic birch, but it was definitely hardwood veneer core plywood which was very nice looking.
Seriously considering picking this up. It's about the same price that used vintage workmates go for around my area, and I like the design changes to the surface top.
My current one is a 79-001 type 6, which is kind of the start of the reduction in quality, but it's lasted 40+ years, so still not that bad.
This is literally a Workmate. You'd think they'd put "Workmate" in the title. You know, for people looking for a Workmate.
Quote
from Earthwormjim
:
Interesting wood choice, is bamboo a better work surface than the baltic birch plywood they used to use?
The bamboo is fine - its very hard, probably harder than birch so less damage to the vice surface when you're clamping something like a threaded metal rod. If there's a weak link on these things its the plastic parts in the clamping mechanism - they're the first things to wear out and they don't don't keep the tops from bowing up when you're clamping something that isn't flat on both sides.
Yeah, it might not have been baltic birch, but it was definitely hardwood veneer core plywood which was very nice looking.
Seriously considering picking this up. It's about the same price that used vintage workmates go for around my area, and I like the design changes to the surface top.
My current one is a 79-001 type 6, which is kind of the start of the reduction in quality, but it's lasted 40+ years, so still not that bad.
It really was brilliant. To be honest, they're not as tough as they once were. But I'm yet to find any other all in one style system that's any good. Kreg, BORA, Toughbuilt, Worx, etc all came out with different versions if "Portable workstations", but they're all disposable, and they only seem to focus on how much load they can hold. And they're almost all plastic, so it has flex, and a lot of wobble/play ... so the B&D workmate, at this price, is a great way to go.
Last edited by IncompletePerfect September 26, 2022 at 01:55 PM.
This is literally a Workmate. You'd think they'd put "Workmate" in the title. You know, for people looking for a Workmate.
The bamboo is fine - its very hard, probably harder than birch so less damage to the vice surface when you're clamping something like a threaded metal rod. If there's a weak link on these things its the plastic parts in the clamping mechanism - they're the first things to wear out and they don't don't keep the tops from bowing up when you're clamping something that isn't flat on both sides.
Yeah.. the plastic is garbage. As are the C clips they use. If you buy the 425 listed, it's worth it to modify it, and dump the plastic for a better material.
Anyone know why the usually less expensive 225 model has better Amazon review ratings than this 425? Specifically 4.5 stars vs 4.4 stars, and much higher detailed ratings for Versatility, Sturdiness, and Ease of Folding. Any ideas why?
Last edited by obiyan September 26, 2022 at 06:38 PM.
Anyone know why the usually less expensive 225 model has better Amazon review ratings than this 425? Specifically 4.5 stars vs 4.4 stars, and much higher detailed ratings for Versatility, Sturdiness, and Ease of Folding. Any ideas why?
4.5 and 4.4 are practically identical review scores.
The 425 appears to have poorly written assembly instructions, which seems to be the main complaint.
This one or the worx Pegasus refurbished that's available on eBay? I am newbie to woodwork and garage doesn't have much space to store so looking for a small foldable one.
These Chinese-made ones aren't as good as the Canadian-made versions from the 70s & 80s but these work tables are still spectacularly useful and a great deal at this price. I'm purchasing one to give to my FIL as a Christmas present.
Last edited by yeti79 September 27, 2022 at 12:20 PM.
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And, I wouldn't say it was Baltic Birch back in those days, but compared to the BB we'd (used to ) get over the past decade, it definitely made it seem like top tier ply was used back then.
Personally... I LOVE bamboo ply. The strength is ridiculous, and it doesn't have the warping and delaminating issues the old plywood tops had. But, if your using power tools and hit the bamboo with a Circ blade or drill bit, then I pray the blades/bits Journey to Valhalla is swift! Haha.
While bamboo is better than plywood in nearly every way, its a hige nightmare working with it. Ughhh... it's too hard a material. And if you don't have dull or wrong type blade when cutting it... well, a lot can happen lol. (Plus you want to wear a respirator, and have excellentdust collection as the dust is like a million microscopic needles in the air.
But as far as a work surface, it's phenomenal. So of I had a choice, I'd take an older workmate body, with the newer workmate bamboo surface.
22 Comments
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank IncompletePerfect
And, I wouldn't say it was Baltic Birch back in those days, but compared to the BB we'd (used to ) get over the past decade, it definitely made it seem like top tier ply was used back then.
Personally... I LOVE bamboo ply. The strength is ridiculous, and it doesn't have the warping and delaminating issues the old plywood tops had. But, if your using power tools and hit the bamboo with a Circ blade or drill bit, then I pray the blades/bits Journey to Valhalla is swift! Haha.
While bamboo is better than plywood in nearly every way, its a hige nightmare working with it. Ughhh... it's too hard a material. And if you don't have dull or wrong type blade when cutting it... well, a lot can happen lol. (Plus you want to wear a respirator, and have excellentdust collection as the dust is like a million microscopic needles in the air.
But as far as a work surface, it's phenomenal. So of I had a choice, I'd take an older workmate body, with the newer workmate bamboo surface.
And, I wouldn't say it was Baltic Birch back in those days, but compared to the BB we'd (used to ) get over the past decade, it definitely made it seem like top tier ply was used back then.
Personally... I LOVE bamboo ply. The strength is ridiculous, and it doesn't have the warping and delaminating issues the old plywood tops had. But, if your using power tools and hit the bamboo with a Circ blade or drill bit, then I pray the blades/bits Journey to Valhalla is swift! Haha.
While bamboo is better than plywood in nearly every way, its a hige nightmare working with it. Ughhh... it's too hard a material. And if you don't have dull or wrong type blade when cutting it... well, a lot can happen lol. (Plus you want to wear a respirator, and have excellentdust collection as the dust is like a million microscopic needles in the air.
But as far as a work surface, it's phenomenal. So of I had a choice, I'd take an older workmate body, with the newer workmate bamboo surface.
Seriously considering picking this up. It's about the same price that used vintage workmates go for around my area, and I like the design changes to the surface top.
My current one is a 79-001 type 6, which is kind of the start of the reduction in quality, but it's lasted 40+ years, so still not that bad.
https://h-frame.weebly.co
Such a genius design by Ron Hickman. [wikipedia.org]
Seriously considering picking this up. It's about the same price that used vintage workmates go for around my area, and I like the design changes to the surface top.
My current one is a 79-001 type 6, which is kind of the start of the reduction in quality, but it's lasted 40+ years, so still not that bad.
https://h-frame.weebly.co
Such a genius design by Ron Hickman. [wikipedia.org]
The bamboo is fine - its very hard, probably harder than birch so less damage to the vice surface when you're clamping something like a threaded metal rod. If there's a weak link on these things its the plastic parts in the clamping mechanism - they're the first things to wear out and they don't don't keep the tops from bowing up when you're clamping something that isn't flat on both sides.
https://smile.amazon.co
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The 425 appears to have poorly written assembly instructions, which seems to be the main complaint.
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