Learn how to maintain your Workmate 400

[@cathyb2204]

you have inspired me to restore my 400. And I learned a lot about what it can do beyond what I use it for!

[@larrykenner8095]

Thank you for helping me to resurrect my old Workmate 400! Black and Decker really need you as a consultant while they prepare an Heirloom made in USA model. I never really took the time to appreciate this incredible design.

[@WorkMateGuy]

You are most certainly welcome Larry. Thanks for stopping by.

[@mikedolan5433]

@@WorkMateGuy can you post the original table top dimensions? I just picked up 2 WM400's. Tops need replaced. I believe they originally had a removable middle piece? If so, did that middle piece lock in like the back piece or was it just removable? Thanks.

[@OrganicScrumpy]

Made in Canada not USA

[@trollathlete]

Hey, thanks for the tips. Mine just spent the best part of a decade in the basement, and some cleaning, some oil, and a new set of feet, it will be ready for the next 25 years.

[@mikedolan5433]

Marc, where did you find the feet? Looking for the rubber covers.

[@trollathlete]

@@mikedolan5433 Amazon had them, as well as bench dogs

[@charlesparell5597]

I need the orange "blocks" that each of the worm screws fit into. Any idea where to get those for my workmate 400?

[@WorkMateGuy]

The first place I would look is ereplacementparts.com. Cheers.

[@kerekes1952]

I am trying to re-build a 400 that I picked up on the road-side...the holes in the top of the orange worm-gear guides do not seem to be threaded nor do they seem to have a nut in the bottom...do the bolts coming through the bench top just force-thread down into the hole to hold the guide in place? Thanks, Steve

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hi Steve, I might suggest that you do a search for "Workmate 400" diagram" and look at the assembly. This should help you with your current issue and perhaps others you have encountered. Cheers!

[@kerekes1952]

@@WorkMateGuy Thanks! I have done that...the one you show in the video is black and looks threaded ...mine are orange and don't appear to be threaded...did you thread yours by turning the bolt down into the plastic or did they come factory threaded?

[@mikedolan5433]

Did the WM 400 have a removable centerpiece or 3 piece tabletop? Did it lock in like the back piece via the metal studs on the underside? Any idea of the dimensions? Thanks.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Yes, it is a 3 piece top and fits into the slots like the 425. Sorry, I don't have the dimensions for you.

[@WorkMateGuy]

What are you trying to accomplish?

[@andydavis8846]

Hi there, I have a UK version (workmate 2 WM750) with a plywood top. but it is basically the same as the 400. Have you ever found a use for the small rear-most holes in the support rails?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hi Andy, Sorry I have not figured what they are used for. Sometimes manufacturers place holes and such in products that facilitate production which may be the case here. Cheers!

[@billcamenzind5635]

Do you know where I can find a list or description of all the various Workmate models over the years?

[@WorkMateGuy]

kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Workmate-Type-Study/

[@littleshopofsawdust1157]

@@WorkMateGuy that's an awesome site!

[@DarkmanDrew]

I just purchased a used Workmate 200 for $20 and it looked like it was in very good shape. The issue is, when I open the vise at its max the jaw opening is only 4" and then the vise screws fall out. Is this normal? Was it assembled wrong? HELP.

[@WorkMateGuy]

Andrew, hard to tell without actually seeing it. Cheers!

[@DarkmanDrew]

@@WorkMateGuy I figured it out, the bench was assembled incorrectly. The threaded pieces at the end of the vise screws were backwards. I removed them and switched them around. Now it all works as expected.

[@littleshopofsawdust1157]

Does anyone know the precise diameter of the dog holes? The top of my 550 is shot. The previous owner left it out in the weather at some point and the particle board has expanded. I want to replace the top on mine, but I want to take 1x and laminate them together side by side like what is done on a roubo bench. I'll need to drill holes and I want to be sure that I get the size right

[@WorkMateGuy]

If you are going to use your original dogs you can measure them for sure. Otherwise, identify the type of dogs and clamps you might use and size for them. Cheers!

[@samlee2504]

I just acquired a 400 that has some surface (I think) rust. Do I have to sand those areas down to metal and paint?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hmmm... good question. It depends on the amount of rust. If you live in a relatively dry (non-humid) climate and the rust is not too bad or where you might handle the frame it might be un-necessary to repair. If not, then yes, sand to bare metal, prime, and paint. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Cheers!

[@nyetloki]

Use rust conversion fluid for surface rust.

[@jackjkantrowitz50kantrowit12]

What can I do to prevent warping of table made with fiberboard omitting keeping it away from moisture? Would painting the edges be of any value?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hey Jack - Sealing the edges should make a difference. Sealing the exposed wood in the dog holes would help too, but would probably make them too tight for the bench dogs.

[@jackjkantrowitz50kantrowit12]

I thank you for replying. I just have to decide between paint or shellac. Any thoughts on the subject?

[@WorkMateGuy]

Hmmm... my personal preference is to see the wood. So, shellac would be my choice. Cheers!