Tricked out Black & Decker Workmate and Bench Bull Accessory
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2016
- See how I've customized my Black & Decker Workmate to work better for me in my workshop. Included is an extensive demonstration of the ever versatile Bench Bull.
The dimensions of my top are: 21" x 36" x 1"
Here are some Amazon affiliate links to some items seen in this video:
Bessey KliKlamps: amzn.to/2QfLEwN
The modern version of my Workmate: amzn.to/37z1Hvl
A set of four 3-inch casters of the same type that I used: amzn.to/35jOJQN
Here are the original articles from Yoav Samuel Liberman, which introduce the Bench Bull:
www.popularwoodworking.com/woo...
www.popularwoodworking.com/woo...
www.popularwoodworking.com/woo...
And if you watch my video on Harbor Freight Spring Clamps you can see me using my Bench Bull: • Harbor Freight Spring ... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
My dad and I both bought Workmates back in the mid 70s. He bought the floor model and I bought the bench top version. We figured we could always borrow each other’s if needed. He used to love to paint, and found a way to have the workmate hold everything for him. Even 9’ x 4’ wooden screens for a porch. I had a more formal cabinet makers shop with lots of stationary power tools and found myself borrowing his floor model a lot. I made a Formica topped 3’x1’ table with a single vertical spine that could be locked in the Workmates jaws at any height that made it the perfect infeed and outfeed table for many tools like a tablesaws, jointers, planers, scrollsaws and drillpresses. The floor model had a definite advantage over the bench model in that you could approach it from all sides and angles to work on whatever it was holding. It also acts as a great base for any bench type tool that you can attach to a vertical spine. My dad’s been gone since the early 90s and man do I miss him! But each time I use the knowledge that he taught me and the tools that he left me I feel like he’s standing there right next to me again. I always do a better job when using one of his tools!
I was doing a lot of plastering on one of the houses we owned and extended. I needed a compact but sturdy plaster table to take the mix and be easier to get onto my hawk. So I did something similar ... Grabbed a piece of 1/2" (15mm) ply about as square as the Workmate was wide. Grabbed four screws and a gash piece of 2x1 wood. Screwed through the board into the 2x1 and did the same ... Opened the jaws and clamped it. Brilliant and perfect height.
That was just before my oldest son was born. He's just had his 41st and I still have the same board that I have used MANY times for plastering and other things. Unbelievable really what a "universal" tool like a Workmate can be used for. I even have the Black & Decker saw bracket fitted still and the clip on circular saw table that gets used often too. The saw & attachments are about the same age as the workmate! 😁👍👍🥰
Best video I've ever seen on the Workmate(TM). Got some great ideas and will be making a Bench Bull. Thanks, Marty.
Glad you found it useful :-)
Just got a new workmate and your updates are fantastic. In my lab and workshop, I love having things on wheels so they can be moved about as needed. I don't do much woodworking but the bench bull is a nice addition. Haven't even used my workmate once yet and now I'm looking at improvements for it. Thank you for your video. Keep broadcasting!!
I've had the same bench for the same amount of time. Been all over the world with me, often as my entire shop. These are great ideas. (Can't believe I didn't think of that melamine top!) Thanks for the upload!
wow, thats great to hear, How can you travel with your bench though? i'm stuck in Asia right now with a collection of tools which i need to send back home...been wondering how i can do that now since all this non-virus nonsense...:-) love your thinking..my tools are a part of me...we have memories together for sure..
@@TheUrantia001 Well, when you move house to another country you typically ship your household goods. It's expensive, of course. (And in some countries the customs officials help themselves to your possessions.)
I've had my Workmate probably for 35 or more years; in that time it has gone from Indiana to Nevada and back to Indiana. I built 4 separate tops for it, one for a router table, one for a small table saw, one that holds a loading press, powder measure, scales, etc. for handloading ammunition, and a top cut to use the workbench as a portable benchrest for sighting in rifles. When not it use, the tops sit on shelves in the garage. It only takes a couple minutes to change from one to another. Can't imagine what I'd do without it.
I still have my dad's workmate from a Christmas day about 1975. It has taken a beating over these many years and still continues to have many uses. Great tool.
I own my granddads old 60s workmate, it's taken quite a beating over the 60 some odd years me, dad and granddad have owned it. Handy little bench.
Thanks for sharing your designs and instructions for both the WorkMate modifications and the bench bull.
I’m working on the set now. I appreciate the spare manner in which you show your work and the level of confidence you have in your ideas.
The bench bull! The missing piece in my clamping game! So many possibilities! I imagine, two bench bulls working together, could handle almost anything! Thank you, that was the hidden gem, for me!
I have had a Workmate 225 for over 20 years, I always thought somethings were missing about it, now I’ve realized what those were. I’ll definitely do what you’ve just showed me, especially the rollers and the bench top. Thank you for the great video.
Awesome tips and ideas, I've had mine for over 35 years, and love the versatility of these units.
I’ve had my 300 for 35 years too.
When I first started to dabbling in woodworking, one of my first yard sale purchases was a prototype Workmate made by Black & Decker. I still have that same unit and use it frequently in my shop but will be adding some of your wonderful accessories. Thanks for sharing your ideas and techniques, Marty.
Nice that you have an old unit - they were certainly made better back then. Glad you found some useful ideas from my video.
Good job! Your thought process and implementation of same is great.
Great video - my Workmate has been my constant companion since 1977 and has now been given a whole new lease of life - thanks!
GREAT JOB! A LONG TIME, TIME TESTED TOOL, IMPROVED BY ATTACHMENTS BUILT BY A TRUE CRAFTSMAN! OUTSTANDING!!!!!
Your Workmate/Worx comparison is the first video I saw; now I'll watch many others.
I have a Workmate 200, and I'd never have thought I'd be able to make it so much more useful.
I'm impressed--you've demonstrated that understanding and improving what you have is both cheaper and more satisfying than throwing money at more stuff.
Seems as though all of us have had a workmate for decade. Appreciate the ideas. I also have a simple T that I use as an outfeed table for my table saw.
A lot of neat ideas. Thank you
Thanks for sharing this video, there is new life for my bench mate. I really like the moveable base and work top.
I have had mine since they came out,Been sitting outdoors most of its life still works well,I used it as a saw bench outdoors for cutting up firewood.Starting to need a new top.I will be using Form ply
Have a workmate that I use all the time. Now I know what to do with it. Great video
Hi Marty, thanks for making this video, there are so many flashy affiliate link woodworking video's around, its so nice to see something with just good simple design and clear concise narration. I found your video while looking for some ideas to convert my Australian version workmate into a router table, but ended up with even more idea's. Will be adding casters and have some new ideas on how to clamp my router table in. I had never heard of a Bench bull, and will be building one for sure. Thanks for all the great ideas, I have subscribed to your channel.
Thank you :-) Yeah, I'm not trying to make a living from woodworking videos, although TH-cam does toss a few nickles my way. I just post them for fun. Glad you got a few ideas from this video.
I have one of the original Workmate benches. I've owned it for years. Now, because of where I live and not having a basement, garage or work shop I've started using it much more often. I never really thought about making adaptations to it to make it more functional. You have come up with some very good ideas. Thanks for sharing them. I really like the larger 1" melamine top.
I have had mine for over forty years - brought it to Canada from UK when we emigrated - made some similar add-ons. Will now make some of yours.Great vid
Some great ideas and given me workshop envy as it looks like a clean front room, pictures on the wall included!
I just watched this today (3.3 years later) and I have I believe the 300 model which is very similar. You are so right about the casters they are a big deal, if you own one of these and try to pull it across a shop floor you'll know what I mean. I am also going to check out that bull. I liked this video so much I just subscribed. Thank you for your time.
I just discovered your channel. I have two workmates that need a lot of TLC. Thanks to your video, I will be making a lot of improvements to them. Thanks for sharing!
Have had mine since 1983. I've used the table top trick with plywood (made several different size tops for different applications). Use mine for clamping, gluing, as a router table bench and much more. Has been my only table/bench at times and is a dandy auxiliary bench when my primary bench and layout table are in use. The fact that it folds up when it needs to go away is a real plus as well, especially with limited shop space!
Gary Mittelstadt Ha Gary, your story is exactly like mine! It is one of the most enduring tools in my shop.
I never saw such a thing! I see there are all kinds of custom designs for these Bench Bulls. Very very interesting!
I've always liked my Workmate, but I recognized its limitations. Your video has shown me its potential, especially its roll around capabilities. I hope to incorporate some of your ideas in a future project to upgrade my Workmate.
I've had mine for over 25 years and it seems to be relegated to the back corner of the shop but after seeing your invention I will resurrect it and give it a second career! Thanks for the great ideas!
Good to hear of another one being pulled out of retirement ;-) Thanks.
my workmate travelled from Calif. to Scotland and back. It is decades old, and has had some plastic parts replaced.
Workmate mods are a great idea. Now I'm considering to get one over the keter folding work bench.
Really appreciate it. I enjoyed the entire video.lots of innovative ideas to make and use for wood working.
had one for years but the klip to hold leg extended broke years ago never have looked for one but will build a base with rollers now and a bench bull also glad I found this site
I love what he's done. His Workmate 400 is way newer than mine, but mine is still working fine for me. That was one of Black & Decker's best designs. I especially love his supports and bench bull. I'm going to have to make those. I am always folding my bench all the way up, so the mobile base won't work for me, but it is really innovative. Nice job. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Thanks for your nice comment!
I have mine now for over 38 years and it still works great, other than a bit of rust on its feet area. Time to install caster wheels, thanks for the tip.
Very clever use of a proven shop veteran like the workmate. Use of a bench bull with it is brilliant. I have to admit that I'm pretty jealous of all the Veritas equipment you own ... Well done Marty!
It’s impressive to see how you were able to make a tool so versatile and portable.
The bench bull is a great idea.
I’ve never seen that before.
This setup would be great if you had to do work outside of your shop.
or if you had very limited space
Great idea to put on the accessory top on the workmate! I have been looking for a way to increase and heighten the amount of workspace on it, and will definitely opt for this. Will also go for melamine considering that I would like to use wood glue on it. Thanks for the inspiration!
This shop has never had a single F bomb dropped. I’ve had a workmate for ages now too and have done many different mods. It’s as though black and decker built these for the purpose of modding to your own needs. Love it!
Yes, civilized conversation is a rarity these days.
“Profanity will offend at least some people but a lack of profanity won’t offend anyone - even the profane.” - Me
Thank you for the excellent video on the Workmate accessories. All were excellent idea and I will probably use many of them. I really like the bench bull.
wow a lot of knowledge in this video. I never thought to use something to make sure the wood is a prefect 90 in the vice when cutting dovetails. and i love the idea of the alternative top on the work mate. thanks for sharing this.
Brilliant, the best invention of B&D
I have mine since 1981
Well...Ron Hickman actually. After lawsuit, B&D ended up paying him a lump of money, and 3% of sales thereafter. (Just as a matter of interest )
:0)
Thank you for the inspirational video!
Thanks Marty, the bench bull is now on the build list! Looks very useful.
You'll make use out of it. Very easy to make.
the rolling base, great idea! One of those 'why didn't I think of that?' things! I did make a larger top for mine like you did but used the top of an old computer desk and cut it down, also with a 2x4 in the center for clamping support. Works great when I want to work on my lawn mower
Thanks for the comments :-)
The Workmate is a great tool. These mods will make it even greater. Thanks Marty,
Nice job. I’ve had a 225 for about 25 years -and have replaced the top with 2x10’s, and a work shelf below. I too have a rolling dolly for the base. Good solid work station!
Some great tips on how to make more use of my workmate. I keep mine folded up to conserve space in my woodshop, but I love how you set it up to glue up carcasses! It allows you to walk all around the cabinet. Thanks Marty. I'm a new subscriber now!
Thanks. I really do use mine all of the time.
Thanks very much for sharing your ideas Marty! 👏👏👏👏
I love the Bench Bull! It seems to really fill a lot of gaps that I’m feeling hard right now! Great video!!
Thanks for posting this. The melamine trick is gold Jerry!
I plan to use a longer thinner piece (3x6) glued onto 1/2 cdx and tie 2 workmate together mounted as you did for a driveway bench.
Thank you Marty, I am very appreciative of you taking the time to show us your workmate and demonstrate its versatility.
I picked up a perfectly good 400 here in Denver for 10 bucks just tonight so I was looking at it and was considering some upgrades then I found your video. Excellent upgrades and what a clean shop!
You got a great deal! Hopefully you can get some good use out of yours. Thanks.
Phenomenally practical and efficient modifications to a tool that often doesn't get to use all of it's potential. This completely changed how I will be using my workmate. This just earned a "subscribed" from me. Going to watch more of you videos next. Thanks for this eye opening video ! :)
I've learnt a lot from this video. Great ideas, Marty. Many thanks and I'm subscribing 👍🏼
I have the older variation of that Workmate that I've had for 42 years!! Boom! Who's going to outbid me? Great tool! Or is it accessory? Dunno but I'm really glad I splashed out on it!
I have one that might be that old. It was my dad's. It is in a rather dilapidated state in the barn, but still gets used.
My Dad lent me his old blue workmate when I bought my first fixer-upper forty years ago. For some reason I never got round to giving it back. Had to replace the plastic spring locks on the fold out legs about ten years ago, otherwise still going strong.
Bought mine in ‘76. Was often asked which tool was my favourite - the Workmate by a country mile. Modded two houses, then parked it for 30 years. Dug it out last fall. Found this video today - wow. This might change everything. The Bull is brilliant. Like the wheels. Thick heavy top. I need to think about stability as I want it high enough for me.
Great vid. That’ll cost me some sleep.
I'm 71, I'm a girl, I grew up with a master-carpenter father and I learned so much in this video. I'd like to build some sliding drawers for my kitchen and perhaps put new baseboards throughout my house...I'm thinking I could do it now.
None of us were born with any of this knowledge and experience. All you need is a good head on your shoulders and the right attitude. Sounds like you have both. Just jump in and start doing. You'll make mistakes. We all make mistakes. But you'll learn quickly enough, and what a sense of accomplishment you get after you do your own work. Good luck.
Absolutely brilliant
A true craftsmen upgrade
I just bought a Workmate 300 this morning at a yard sale. I wasn't looking for one, but it was such a good deal, I decided to pick it and figure out what to do with it later. I have limited workspace in my garage and I could really use a work table and your tabletop addition is the solution I was looking for.
Superb video!
I remember when the Workmate first came out 20+ years ago, but have never used one. Lately I have had a few projects around the house, and at my wife's school, and it would have been nice to have. So I started looking at them again, knowing there have been many improvements over the years. I ended up buying a Worx Pegasus instead (which I love), but after seeing YOUR video, I am thinking of getting a Workmate and adding the accessories shown. Love what you've done!!
Thank you!
20 years ago......more like 40 !.....at least that is how old mine is.....brilliant device....that and a Leatherman, what else do you need !
Excellent video. Lots of great information . I will be using all of these ideas for sure. Thanks for sharing your great ideas. Best wishes.
I had never heard of the bench bull before. I really solves a lot of challenges. Now on my short list of things I need to make. Thanks for sharing Marty!
Hey Guy. The bench bull is relatively new to me too, but I really like it. I've used it for some dovetail work and it really relieved the strain on my lower back - not having to bend over, etc. I may make a wider version for use with 3-6" material.
I have one of these Workmates that is in really bad condition and I will be restoring soon. You gave me some really cool ideas I can add to mine after I'm done. Glad I saw your video.
Good luck with your updates to your version
Dude, I am indebted to you for your videos. A couple of years ago in the midst of the Pandemic, I acquired a really beat up Workmate. It's a MkII. Cleaned it up, added an assembly top (recycled a top that I made 38 years ago to set on top of a dog crate), added a trolley with lockable 2.5 inch casters. The Workmate acts as an out-feed table for my 50 year old Delta Table saw. You ideas have encouraged my exploration of "how abouts" for the workmate. Currently tricking out a WM425 with a dual height trolley and a drop-in machinist vise (middle panel). Bench Bull is in the Wings as the saying goes. Thank you for the inspiring video.
Those are awesome ideas and i will be adopting more than one! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks :-)
Thanks! I will certainly copy some of your ideas. Very clever Workmate improvements 👍👍👍
Thanks. Not original to me, but maybe I'm first to make a detailed video on the subject. Copy away ;-)
I really like this video. It gives me some good ideas to get me going on my workmate. the all white boards melt together in this video.
The workmate is a great tool. It was one of the first ones I had when I first bought a house and I use it extensively.
This is very useful content. Thank you, Marty for sharing.
I also purchased the workmate when it was first avalible. I use it oftern in my shop. Thanks for the upgrade ideas...
Yeah, I'm surprised more people don't still use the Workmate. Thanks for the comment.
Loved it Marty. I will implement these things. Many thanks.
Thank you :-)
Just got the same workmate in a garage sale really cheap. Now I'll put good use to it.
When watching your video I was thinking the workmate was too short for me and then you come out with the big H to change the height of the worksurface....great idea thanks for sharing....
This was a great and informative video. Thank you.
Thank GOD i find your video...i have a small workbench similar your's and you gave me so many good ideias to improve mine. Thank you sharing your great ideias.
Good job! As others have mentioned, there are some great ideas here. I never heard of a bench bull before, but I can see it has many uses. I like that melamine top, too.
Hiriser 15 I had never heard of one either, until this video, so, THANKS MARTY!
Nice video - no unnecessary chatting like so many people do. Wanted a Workmate for decades. Picked up a used one at the Humane Society Thrift Store today for $17.15. Spent about an hour cleaning and lubricating and it works like a new one even though I suspect it's 20 years old.
Nice. Used to whip up all kinds of fixtures for WM. Thanks.
I have a BD Workmate that I won in a raffle which included a 1/4 pad finishing sander, a heat gun, a circular saw, and 1/4" cordless dril. I still have everything except the dril which had battery problems.
Of all these tool, I use the Workmate the most and it does look a little beat up but still very functional.
Great no nonsense accessories and tips without fan fare . . . very refreshing!
Thank you
well done, it gives me to think about making jigs andputting wheels on my workmate as well
I made a rolling base very similar to yours for one of my Workmates, and I love it. I used two fixed casters, because I didn't want the thing pivoting on the casters, but I may change them out for steerable ones, since yours doesn't seem to move around. My steering casters are about the same as yours - heavy duty with a nice toe lock. They're rated for FAR more weight than you can put on a Workmate, but they're super-stable and worth the expense for a better wheel. Your utility top is much nicer, though. (Mine's just a 3/4" piece of old construction plywood, but it works well, as I mostly use it for my router and thickness planer.) I may replace it with a piece like yours, unless the price scares me away.
I inherited one from my uncle, that must be from the workmate beginning (he always got things when they first came out). I just stuck it in the corner and piled stuff on top, but now I will try to give it a life of dignity. Great video
Thank you. Yes, they deserve a little respect ;-)
They're pretty useful.
Glad I watched this video. I have my Dad's Workmate. It's old and I have to be careful with it, it's heavy and all metal. It has injured my legs several times. Ha! Thanks for sharing the great ideas!
Marty very good Ideas and the Bench Bull awesome... Thanks for sharing
Very well presented , a very useful addition to the workmate . I made the mistake of getting rid of mine when the plastic leg fittings all broke after all the years in a garage workshop . It was a gift for my Dad back in the 70s when I was young .
I have not been able to find anything that comes close to the usefulness of the oriental workmate .
Wow great ideas, thanks for sharing Marty
Thanks
Fantastic video Marty. Thanks for your calm and clear explanation and demonstrations....and thanks for not infecting this with background music. Bob Ross vibes here....and I only mean that in the best way possible.
Some great ideas there. I think ALL workbenches can be improved and adapted to do all sorts of things. I wore the top out over about 30 years of my original workmate. - but I still have the plastic lugs that fitted to the top! Good (and unusual) to see some hand saws being used too!
Marty -
I saw your post on Instagram - thanks for giving this more detailed explanation.
Thanks. Yeah, Instagram does have it's limitations.
Great Work Mate Bench Bull 🔨
some really good ideas, I wasn't going to buy the workmate but after watching I might just order one, thanks for the video
Thanks for sharing. I think you put new life into those portable workbenches, thanks
Thank you. I've been getting more use out of my Workmate recently with these updates.
Yes, I'm a big fan of Paul Sellers and subscribe to his paid training service. Thanks.
Wow! one of your most informative videos. Why have I not seen the Bench Bull? -after looking at just about every wood work video on the web. Today I will Have One.
Thanks
Doc
Mebane NC
We're always learning something new, which makes woodworking fun. Thanks for your nice comment.
Thanks for sharing your skills, I will try some of those out. I just need a nice day, my drive is my workshop👍
Bloody brilliant...now that's innovative. Well done. 🙂
Thank you for the nice compliment.
Tricked out black and decker wow really clever ideas never seen those clamps that fit in the holes of the block before
Thanks! Got some good ideas for my workshop 👍
Good ideas!!! I need to try them. Thanks!!
In 1973 I worked with Tony Alchorne a design engineer at B & D, Harmonsworth redesigning the aluminium framed workmate to the steel model still made today. Classic. Wish we'd thought of acessorising with wheels. Good concept.
Thanks, and interesting little story :-)
The Workmate is what you make it. Great ideas! I still have a MitreMate for my Workmate. Maybe I should take it out of the box now ;-)