Original Black and Decker Workmate

[Welderpaul]

I dragged my Grandad's Workmate out today for a quick job. I learnt a few joinery skills standing at this workmate some 30+ years ago

It still works fine, I notice replacement parts can still be sourced so i'll treat it to a couple of new springs for the legs. I remember my Grandad flicking the legs out when he used it so they had probably given up way back when.

 

[DAPPH]

I gave my dads ( the MK 2 ) a new top of 25 mm HDF about 22 years ago , it lasted well till a few months ago our house guest knocked the outside cover off it and the rain got in .... giving it Elephantitis at one end on both jaws .

It's spent the last two months inside the cattery drying out and is almost back to normal , think I'll spray seal it with half a dozen coats of yacht varnish a 25 mm HDF is expensive

 

[Pete.]

I've got two, an early blue Workmate and a slightly later black Black & Decker Workmate. The original is much sturdier, heavier and uses thicker box section.

 

[Welderpaul]

I've got two, an early blue Workmate and a slightly later black Black & Decker Workmate. The original is much sturdier, heavier and uses thicker box section.

I didn't realise they had produced 45+ models

 

[Gragson]

Did up a couple of wm625 bought from a member, they are really good. Bloke in the US, bit nuts, keeps all the model and sub model with part numbers on a spreadsheet on the web, helped me get all the right remanufactured bits I needed.

You finished that garden bench yet?

 

[roofman]

I didn't realise they had produced 45+ models

That's a great site that..now on my desktop, cheers

 

[lotus_esprit_s1]

I rescued this early WM625 a few months ago, then bought brand new heavy duty thicker tops for it, which are so well made it is now a shame to use it!

 

[Welderpaul]

Where is the model number marked on them?

 

[frank horton]

if u can get the metal slipper springs forthe legs......
the plastic are carp///////

 

[Domdom]

wow, I had no idea they made so many models.

 

[rtcosic]

I loaned mine to No 3 son for his house refurbishment. He decided to adopt it.

I bought this from a local charity shop earlier this year. I got a replacement set of leg springs, rubbers, pegs and handles from an on-line source (eBay?). The pegs are rather crude and the handles are plastic, hence one plastic and one original aluminium.

I lightly sanded and varnished the wood and just cleaned the metal parts with thinners.

Where is the model number marked on them?

Mine has it on the underside of the wooden top:

 

[dobbslc]

On Facebook

 

[Porkypine]

Got a couple of old but somewhat later versions, very useful when you need em, the placcy clips that keep the lower legs out are all busted so setting them up us always a pain.
Should get new clips really, tbh wasn't aware you could get them, I'll check evilbay at some point.

 

[DAPPH]

I rescued this early WM625 a few months ago, then bought brand new heavy duty thicker tops for it, which are so well made it is now a shame to use it!View attachment 406044

Router it to let in a top edge steel angle iron all round the edges and counter sink it in from the sides ... it'll give you a really good no nonsense edge for all your work in it.

 

[DAPPH]

if u can get the metal slipper springs forthe legs......
the plastic are carp///////

Lube the plastic ones with Vaseline after wire brushing both rubbing surfaces of legs and the D spring . wipe off the excess and store away out of strong sunlight as the sun degrades the plastic .

 

[Bobupndown]

On Facebook
View attachment 406074

Minor bomb damage only.....

 

[Welderpaul]

Looks like mine is a WM625. Sold between 1975 and 1980 so is around 45 years old. Just bought a couple of new feet and the 3D printer is on the go with some new leg springs.

I remember my Grandad tutting that a leg spring had broken around 30 years ago.
No worries gramps, I'll just nip upstairs and print some replacement ones in plastic. Imagine saying that 30 years ago.

 

[Barking Mat]

I had one, but it disappeared, they were well made.

 

[tom2207]

Bugger ,,, something else I didnt know I needed ,,,

 

[Barking Mat]

Bugger ,,, something else I didnt know I needed ,,,

They're hard to find nowadays.