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The base is metal and seems quite stable and sturdy, so why they would go with cheap plastic in the vise mechanism seems even more incomprehensible. I chalk that up simply to luck though and it could have easily gone the other way.
My Workmate arrived as scheduled, but when it did the box was heavily damaged. I just received my Black & Decker Workmate WM225 and am disappointed in both the shipping by UPS and the low quality of many of the component parts of the item.
I consider myself extremely lucky that, when I assembled the workmate, all the parts appear to still be present and nothing seems damaged badly. One end of the box was wide open while the opposite end had been crudely taped by someone along the way to reseal it after it apparently had come open.
The rest of the box looked like it had been kicked around the warehouse, with several holes torn in it and the cardboard crumpled. The parts I assembled are mostly plastic in several critical moving parts of the item and it is a foregone conclusion they will not hold up to even moderate use without breaking.
I would not recommend the Black & Decker Workmate series.
it's still in the attic, unopened. My father-in-law, who was an excellent woodworker, gave me two of these workbenches for Christmas sixteen years ago. I decided to use one and put the other away for when the first one wore out. I have used this workbench for so many projects over the years, and the only thing wrong with it is one handle is gone (because my brother accidentally sawed it off when we were cutting some flooring planks); everything else still works great. I'm sure I'll eventually have to bring out the backup unit, but not anytime soon.This workbench is very well made and very sturdy.
When not in use, it folds away to take little space. I've had this Workmate for about five years and it's something I would buy again tomorrow. I've held pieces for painting, used it as a sawhorse and as a simple work table. This stand is sturdy and stable. I use this often as a base for my small compound saw and with two roller rests on each side, I can cut trim and long boards safely. I wish I could find another top panel to insert between the two sections like on the higher models, but that's not necessary, just nice to have. The stand can also be used with the legs folded underneath if you need a lower platform.All things considered, this is a useful and sturdy tool.
I purchased this Workmate bench for my husband who does quite a bit of handyman work around the house. The bench is decent quality that comes partially assembled but is quite easy to put together. Good construction with a solid metal bottom that can hold the weight that is indicated. Overall, I am pleased with this purchase and know this bench will come in handy when needed.
Despite the fact that the locks on three of the "swing out and lock" legs are broken, I still manage to use the bench frequently. Now, I'm looking for a similar product that's made a little better.
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