Black and Decker Workmate 125 vs 225 Comparison and Review

[@avlisk]

I inherited a Workmate a year ago, and never knew it folded up. I've hardly used it because it was bulky to move outside, so, I just piled a bunch of crap on top of it. I just checked and it's a 225, and it folds! I immediately built a top with a cleat just like yours, and folded it up in the corner. I will be using it now instead of my saw horses with a piece of plywood clamped on top. THANKS!

[@james.clinton]

I’m glad it was helpful! I love a good mobile work surface, especially if it’s easy to move! Thanks for watching!

[@rawr2u190]

Oh thank you. That wobble test was very enlightening, since I'm a handtool woodworker.

[@james.clinton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@workingTchr]

I had one from a couple decades ago that had the same shape as the cheaper 125 but the strength of the 225. I had the 225 for a year and never liked the extra step in front. Now I have the 125 and will just have to be careful with it.

[@james.clinton]

For as wobbly as it is the 125 I have has really held up, I still use it all the time! It probably helps that it was just inexpensive enough when I got it I don’t mind using it for just about anything!

[@workingTchr]

@@james.clinton I just finished putting together one from Walmart for $22! Now I see it's back up to 70. Glad to hear it's holding up. Wondering if a cross brace could stabilize it...

[@james.clinton]

I think someone else commented they added a brace and it helped, I'm torn because I like how light it is, if you come up with anything good I'd love to hear about it!

[@workingTchr]

@@james.clinton I'd probably bolt a 1/2" x 1/2" aluminum angle piece on as a diagonal (of course). I think the weight would be negligible. Definitely not a 2x4!

[@JayWye52]

I have a WM 200,now replaced by the 225. I cut a piece of 1/8" hardboard to fit in the bottom,it catches sawdust or small parts dropped, and you can put tools or small workpieces there,and it can lift out when you don't need it. I'm thinking about making 4" longer top boards so that clamps will work along the edges,maybe a wider board for the back do NOT let the top boards (MDF laminates) get wet,they'll warp and come apart.

[@james.clinton]

I'll have to look into putting a piece in the bottom, thanks for the tip!

[@christopherluce3294]

I just got a 200 at an estate sale for 10 bucks. Actually good condition.

[@james.clinton]

Nice find!

[@laneetherington614]

I have 3 wokmates the 125, 225 and a 425. I bought the 225 back in the eighties, It is a workhorse, I saw that someone had put it on wheels on KZbin and followed up with that improvement also mounted a woodworking vice on it. I have an older 125 and a new one I replaced the rivets in the older one and that took out most of the wobble. The 425 is not used much, as I thought it would replace the 225. I have built more regular workbenches for my shop but keep going back to the 225. It still has the original top that came with it had to replace the vice handles several times am interested in how you made your DIY handles and attached them.

[@james.clinton]

The DIY handles worked out ok, I looked at buying spares but with shipping it was more than I paid for the 125! I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’ll have to check out replacing some of the rivets, if it takes out some of the wobble that would be amazing! Thanks for the info!

[@JayWye52]

@@james.clinton use bolts and washers instead of rivets,and you can adjust the tightness. a drop of blue LocTite will keep it where you want it. And bolts are more easily replaced if they wear out. if you have a surplus store nearby,you might even be able to get stainless steel bolts and washers at a low price. but I think Home Depot carries SS hardware.

[@JayWye52]

you can stiffen up that 125 with a board between the legs,screwed in up high,maybe 3-4" wide,give it some "cross-bracing" to eliminate the wobble. Better to do both sets of legs,front and back. drill 3/4" holes in the front one,and you have a place to store your bench dogs when you don't need them.

[@james.clinton]

That's a fantastic idea! I'm definitely gonna do that soon! Having a place to store the dogs will be really handy too!

[@JayWye52]

@@james.clinton it will also give you a place to hang other tools.

[@fintan3563]

220, 221, whatever it takes! 😝😝😝

[@james.clinton]

I'm no Michael Keaton but I do like to a little bit of everything,... 😝