Creative Woodworks & crafts 2003-08, страница 34

Subjects Who couldn't use an extra hand?

by Wes Demarest

Talk is cheap

Several years ago I was in the middle of a project and really needed an extra set of hands to hold an odd-shaped compart-mented box I was working on for which my bench vise didn't quite work. I instantly thought of a Black & Decker Workmate-. One of those would be perfect for the job at hand! Off I went to my local tool supplier, but as luck would have it. the only one they had in stock was an imported version. The associate explained that it was "as good, if not better" than the Black & Decker®, and also "cheaper". I took his word for it. made the purchase, and went back to my shop, smiling all the way.

As with most tools and equipment, some assembly of my lucky purchase was required. It soon became very obvious in the light of my shop that "cheaper" was the operative word in this scenario, which blew "better" right out the window. 1 won't bore you with more of my disappointment other than to say that I still have the thing and 1 still hate it.

Nothing like the real thing, baby

1 recently acquired the Workmate" 375, the latest version of the Black & Decker Workmate². Maybe my luck has finally changed for the better. Though the Workmate- 375 also required assembly, all that is needed was a 10mm wrench and a No. 2 Phillips head screwdriver.

The heart of the assembly is rhe pivot bolts and link bars. Just squeeze the release handle and it opens smoothly. Once opened, it remains locked without any tendency to wobble.

I opened the box and was immediately impressed with the

quality of the parts as 1 laid them on my bench. Now, if only all ihe parts are actually in the box and they fit properly. I'll be really impressed. Guess what? Even I could understand the directions and assembled it in no time at all without cut ting myself on any sharp edges. I think this is the first thing I put together lately that hasn't been christened with a bit of my blood.

14 • Creative Woodworks S. Crafts August 2003

The heart of the assembly. The pivot bolt and link bar.

Workmate"* 375 a stable and work sur-

When 1 first noticed feet arrangement. I thai if there would any problem ii ould be with the assembly slid-on the floor while use. Not so- it stays unless you are nding on some-, but I don't it was intended for heavy pounding. Nailing birdhouses and the like will not be a problem.

Tf you look at the bottom of the legs, you will notice wheels and a red pad. When the unit is in place, the wheels are not in contact with the floor or ground so there is a solid, four-point rest when in use. lis wheels are a great asset when you move it and, like its predecessors, it stands flat against a wall when not in use. The work surface is plastic, not a wood composite, and should hold up under damp working conditions and saw blade nicks.

The Workmate® stands 29" tall in the open position, has a closed work surface of 14-1/2" x 23" that opens 4-1/2". The top has holes provided for pegs that swivel, allowing for the gripping of large flat surfaces, and has a working capacity of 350 lbs. All in all, 1 think it is well engineered, solidly built and should provide a number of years of service.