Workmate 425 or 525 input needed

[Bojack]

I am needing to purchase a portable work surface/tabletop. I have been looking at the B&D WM425 & WM525. Any opinions or suggestions or other brands to consider? The spec says they will handle 450+ pounds. I am tired of working off of the floor, would like to save my back & knees.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Bill

[Tom Slick]

Check out the skil 3100 x bench. it has alot of features for a portable workbench. it is much larger when unfolded than either of those two.

http://www.skiltools.com/en/AllTools...-01&cid=192170

They are a new release so they are a little hard to find right now. as soon as a local store has one I'm buying it.

[frumper64]

How about the one from Home Depot

The Borg sells one with x shaped legs that I have and really like. It it quite light, but really sturdy and strong. It doesn't have the clamping capabilities of the workmates, but I tend to reach for it on a pretty frequent basis

[tedkitch]

Here is a link to the table that was mentioned above. I have one and it is a very good work surface. However, after looking at the link for the Skil 3100 bench I must say that is going on my Christmas list.

[LinuxRandal]

I prefer the 425 style or the 225 style over the 525 or 125. The one I have (craigslist find) is closer to the 225, but an older model number. I found it to be most useful as a portable clamping table or miter saw station. The only real downfall, is only having one, and having to take your stuff out of it for clamping operations. I believe the 425 has three separate top sections, that you remove the middle for clamping operations. I know my fathers $10 garage sale find, model 400, only had two when he received it, and mine also only has two.

As to the Skill workbench, I use my EZ Smart table, or my sawhorses, in that reguard.

[gwyneth]

I believe the 425 has three separate top sections, that you remove the middle for clamping operations.

I have one in the 500 range (550?) and it has three separate top sections. As annoying as they can be, they lend a lot more versatility.

There are tons of plans out there for things that work with workmates--router tables, bench tool platforms, router jointers, etc.

[Pappy]

I was given 2 of these from Sears for Christmas several years ago. Sturdy and easily height adjustable to use clamping, assembly, or infeed/outfeed tables.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...es%2C+Clamping