RIP Ron Hickman – creator of Workmate

[BobSch]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...8-2219268.html

[LCHIEN]

Clever device, those workmates.
Never before heard the story of how it was invented. (inventor Hickman cut through his dining room chair used as a support).

[JoeyGee]

I wonder how man of us have cut through something, drilled through something or painted something because we were just too lazy to dig out our Workmates...

[LCHIEN]

I wonder how man of us have cut through something, drilled through something or painted something because we were just too lazy to dig out our Workmates...

probably close to 100% if you include most anyone who has done more than a few repairs/home DIY projects.

[RDavidP]

I wonder how man of us have cut through something, drilled through something or painted something because we were just too lazy to dig out our Workmates...

And how many of us have cut through our Workmates, or atleast part of the way? (Raising his hand)

[luteman]

I have one of the original Workmate models. All steel construction,with thick plywood top, very heavy to lug around,BUT very stable and well worth the effort to use it. Each subsequent iteration seems more flimsy,and less usable. R.I.P Mr.Hickman!

[BobSch]

Mine is one of the early one, too and, yes, I've cut/drilled into it a few times. And then there's the paint...

[Black wallnut]

Great story. Never owned one.

[DrChas]

I have two workmates (by accident, not design. Long story). I like them, and used them for years as my primary work bench. Two ended up being good since I often use them together for large pieces.

[gsmittle]

And how many of us have cut through our Workmates, or atleast part of the way? (Raising his hand)

I inherited my father's early Workmate, complete with saw marks, paint, and scorched places from using a torch too close to the top. I promptly added a few new saw cuts and a couple drill divots, just so it would feel at home.

I remember when he first got it, when I was in college. Still works as well as it did brand-new, and still weighs a TON.

g.