Besides a fixed table, like my workbench, a small work area needs some movable tables. I recommend at least 2 in addition to any dedicated tables for heavy equipment. I have been pleased with my Black and Decker Workmate 425 tables over the years. More pleased with the old version.
The Workmate bench on the right in the top photo, with a cardboard cover on it, is about 15 years old. It is the better of the two as the metal frame is heavier then a more recent Workmate 425. Even more importantly, the top of the older table is 7/8" composite material that mates to a flat surface when closed. It was made in Canada. The newer version, made in China, has a plywood top that is only 5/8" thick and does not close to a flat surface. If you are familiar with the 425 Workmate the top is made of 3 sections and can be opened with the large orange turn handles on the front. On the right I show the new Workmate 425 top from the side, where one can see the mismatch, and then the old Workmate 425 top. As you can see the old one has lots of use marks but still mates nicely to a flat surface.
This allows for some clamping capability as well as using the surface with just 2 of the 3 sections in place. When I discuss cutting glass I'll come back to this not flat defect as it limits my use of this table. The older version, made in Canada, has not been available for many years. If you ever see one at a garage sale buy it!
I find it interesting that Black and Decker didn't compensate for the thinner top, perhaps their quality control never noticed! If I try to use both tables, to form a long work area, the newer one is 1/4" lower DUH.
The final table type I'll discuss is those needed for heavy pieces of equipment. This will be the topic of my next post. Until then keep trying to pack 10 lbs into a 5 lb sack!
