Replies

1. 
   wdrite | Feb 25, 2006 06:31pm | #1

   I haven't tried it with a workmate but I have a vise on the side of my bench made from two 3/4 inch pipe clamps .  I think I got it from an early issue  of FWW.  I have used it for several years and have had no problems.  It is easy to work with and was cheap.

1. 
   SawDusted | Feb 25, 2006 06:42pm | #2

   Thanks, that does seems like a lower-tech version of what I have in mind. I saw that article too.

2. 
   mikegagne | Mar 06, 2006 08:44am | #3

   I hated the workmate that I inherited from a friend...til I used it once. Now I really like it for some things and recently made a new top with improved jaws. I used 13 ply birch scraps with a birch underjaw pretty much duplicated from the original but beefier. aloha, mike

3. 
   BG | Mar 06, 2006 02:56pm | #4

   SawDusted,
   Two problems with the Workmate; threads are too fine(turn forever) and it's pretty useful for finishing(quick setup and breakdown, can support a lot).
   You might want to consider a couple of the screws they use for veneering press for an end vise(kinda like the Veritas). They are not cheap but work quite well for holding odd shaped stuff, have good capacity, and (with the screws on the corners of the workbench)can accomodate wide boards for dovetails and the like. I used them to make the small workbench that was featured in FWW and it's great for so many things.

4. 
   garmtn | Mar 07, 2006 03:56pm | #5

   Don't write off your work-mate yet.  I replaced part of my top with plywood instead of press board.  I also have a bunch of "bench-top" power tools.  By make a "frame" out of 2x2, with a piece underneath, I've now increased the versatility of my work-mate and made my bench tools easier and safer to use.  I've got a table saw, and miter saw that I use in my workmate.

5. 
   mufti | Mar 08, 2006 11:21pm | #6

               I use a pat. pending pre B&D workmate from when the inventor was doing his own marketing! Very thick top and no dog holes, I would send it to you but I can hardly lift it. Seriously I value it greatly and use  it regularly. Try thick jaws, they work well at holding stock truely vertical. 

1. 
   DonC | Mar 15, 2006 08:44pm | #7

   I have an old Worlmate and it was their most expensive model. I lvoe it.

   By the way. If you turn the workmate upside down, you can support plywood for cutting with saber and/or hand circular saw.

   Don

1. 
   mufti | Mar 16, 2006 12:15am | #8

                 Thanks but mine is very unstable that way, the jaws were narrower then! Who were Black or Decker anyway?