They Dropped the Ball, So I Picked it Up - Making the Ultimate Portable Workbench

[@JohnHeisz]

I designed this project a few years ago and it's based on the Workmate idea where you have a built-in vise on the top for clamping. It also has a two-step step ladder and folds for more compact storage. Last but not least, it folds shorter - the lower parts of the legs fold under, making the bench closer to the ground. I consider this to be a working prototype and I may make a final version (without any mistakes) with plans in the future. In the meantime, it has 1001 uses around the house and shop because it's versatile and strong but lightweight. I made it mostly from spruce framing lumber and that has a very good weight to strength ratio.

[@leroymellix5647]

You have combined two tools 1. a short step ladder and articulating vice top seamlessly. Thanks!

[@WilliamTythas]

I know you said it was a mistake to have the front leg pivot because the unit would collapse - could you not use another of those leg stop locks at that joint .. those seemed to work great and be sturdy? AWESOME design .. very useful

[@TheBirdman66]

do you have a video of your drillcpress mod thank john your awesome

[@Djkudos14]

just had a thought about the stationary front legs. I have a little giant ladder and the center pivot is a push in release double peg locking mechanism. I wonder if toggle pin or something mechanical like that could allow the front legs to fold flat? Just thought I suggest something months later like a jack... cheers

[@patrickbrown551]

This man is a true wood worker and he is good at it.

[@qkrotor]

His video production skills aren't too shabby either.

[@b3arwithm3]

Not a woodworker. An engineer full of new ideas

[@ruelsmith]

Yeah, I'm surprised he doesn't have a bigger following. I'm amazed at the ingenuity in some of his designs.

[@patpending8134]

Truly amazing! That's the beauty of KZbin - you see unbelievably talented people you otherwise wouldn't know exist. I could not build that in a million years and if I used the various tools you showed in this video, I'd have no fingers or thumbs left!

[@keithjohnson6765]

I love how you show your woops moments and don't edit them out. Not that missoury loves company, but you are human. It's only wood, and you can adapt and fix it to make it functional all the same. It helps us mere peasants keep our hope up... 😊

[@MrMarkpeggy]

John, you are a very gifted woodworker. Your creations are awesome!

[@johnsaluk4689]

John, your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me. Keep on making!

[@cafecybernz]

8:45 - using sanding pad foam to make a spring mechanism: absolutely genius! Small tiny detail, considering the overall build, but that is why I love John's videos: always learning clever ways to do things cheaply but elegantly.

[@jimthesoundman8641]

9:15 The sanding sponge as a spring is a brilliant idea. Definitely stealing that.

[@JamesDeese]

Your skill as a woodworker is on the same level as the genius you have at reimagining any design for efficiency and strength. I am pretty sure that it often comes out looking like art is no mere coincidence.

[@toms.3977]

I envy your woodworking skills. Since becoming disabled, I can't do it anymore. Thanks for the great channels, John. We like your style.

[@TDuySculptures]

I love the way you detail the process of making this stuff. Great video and amazing woodworking skill!

[@danfromnorth52]

Your designs are so amazing. Better than we could purchase. It’s always fun to see the build process from the beginning without knowing how it’s all going to come together and try and guess. Nice project.

[@2dividedby3equals666]

I remember you talking about it a while ago, I was just thinking about it recently when out of the blue I got the notification! It looks great, thanks for sharing and take care!!

[@daveparrish8851]

Another inspirational homerun. Thanks John

[@DergEnterprises]

A couple of these would make a great gift for the Grandson.

[@huntliba]

Awesome thing! and it is so nice drink coffee and watch you do your stuff! Keep up good work m8!

[@sapelesteve]

Terrific build John! Have not seen a wood project from you in a while, so this was much anticipated! 👍👍🔨🔨

[@leroymellix5647]

Wow you are among the most talented Wood workers I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing!

[@PaulO-mv6ku]

Excellent video - I love your honesty as well as your evident skill and all of the wooden tools you have made.

[@dougc78]

Impressive on several fronts. Good to see you make mistake too, but also good to see how cleverly you over come them. Your designs are pretty ingenious and you make it look easy enough that I could do it…….then reality sets in.

[@ConcreteLand]

😂😂

[@robertkerby2581]

An Amazing design, and build project! You displayed exceptional Craftsmanship! Well done, Sir!

[@larpbusters]

God damn. Been a while since the algorithm pushed any of your content my way, John. I love the drill press table setup! Very cool!

[@WelcomeToTheGooniverse]

This project is so neat. I really want to build this. You always have such great designs, John! Great work!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice work John! Thanks for sharing the build with us!💖👍😎JP

[@patrickmaher9270]

Fantastic build video as usual. Keep up the great work John it's a joy watching you work.

[@carenclemmons5002]

Very nicely improved step ladder/vice. You are so clever. Thanks for completing the great idea.

[@kevinthomson6324]

Home made workmate bench. Have had mine for ever. Like everyone else’s has a few saw cuts and drill holes in the top. But it’s a indispensable tool on so many projects outside the shop.

[@marcbarash6045]

thanks John, glad to see you

[@freshcoatpaintingmore9951]

Really cool. I bought a 2 ft step ladder years ago and I swear it gets used more for a work bench then a ladder.

[@AJB2K3]

Here is a tip when screwing into end grain. Pre drill the hole into the ingrain and fill with a slow set thin CA/Superglue and then screw in. The glue seeps into the grain and thickens/strengthens the grain around the screw threads preventing tear out.

[@Absfor30]

Fantastic wooden version of the workmate. maybe with some future revision it'll fold flatter, but as a working prototype it's outstanding!

[@saoralba5114]

Such a pleasure watching your stuff come together . Doff my cap

[@donaldmumaw]

Awesome! Great video!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@chrishowarth6623]

A genius at work. Love these tutorials

[@rafvdp6391]

Really like the inlay for the solid surface! Nice video John and great thumbnail 👍

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks!

[@Paul8033]

What a really useful piece!

[@Paprman2000]

This is really cool John ! Thanks for the inspiration !

[@louisfkoorts5590]

Thanks John. I have enjoyed this.

[@luissojo6885]

Amigo, Usted es un gran maestro, su trabajo más perfecto no puede ser, gracias por presentarlo y trato de ver hasta los que tienen mucho tiempo

[@greglamphier4430]

This was really cool.. the ending was pretty nostalgic too… my old man has a workmate in the basement that he still uses.

[@philipallard8026]

Very clever as always.

[@philliparudolph9595]

really nice build and adaptation of the original B&D design, I'm lucky enough to HAVE an old Workmate inherited from my Dad (yes I'm OLD) and I'm going to add some of your adaptations to it. THANKS

[@ivansbacon]

I was looking forward to seeing how it folded down to be shorter. That was the most intriguing for me.

[@joewhitney4097]

Great build John. Very handy. Thanks for sharing.

[@jlizzoli]

Great job ! It's a pleasure see your videos making tools of wood !

[@RobinLewisMakes]

A vise workbench and saw horse in one, such a great idea!

[@jeffforbes3772]

Totally awesome...as expected from a John Heisz project! Thanks for sharing.

[@3dPrintCreator]

Again a video I watched all the way to the end. Loved it.

[@TheKidFromYTown]

This is one great idea! 👍

[@rawr2u190]

Such a handy design

[@bdcopper]

the original workmates were a great product, but have declined over the years. This looks more robust and solid that was like the original. I would certainly build one of these and have lots of use for them in my shop, well done John. Excellent work as usual.

[@edwardkottmyer3093]

Love to have some of these around

[@joelshults6874]

That is a cool project. Looks incredibly useful.

[@garryverniest5893]

Very nice, a Back & Decker Workmate.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Love everything about this. I have been using an old Black & Decker one for years. Ex left it out in the rain and ruined the tops though. Might have to bui8ld a new one.

[@stephenshipley1066]

A new top is not a massive project. They do go if they get wet and there are several KZbin videos about replacing them.

[@wahidiksanudin7948]

Ide anda selalu dinanti para hobi kayu termasuk dari Indonesia🇮🇩 salam

[@homemadetools]

Nice little workbench. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week 😎

[@danielhayes9274]

Amazing Shop

[@davestinyworkshop]

Awesome, so much better than a rusty old workmate!

[@정미자-z5v]

사장님은 정말 대단하십니다 기술적 영상 잘보고 갑니다

[@c.a.g.1977]

I didn't read the video's title before watching it and was under the assumption John was making a simple step stool, so I was thinking: Man, this is one elaborate stool!

[@ConcreteLand]

I need to do this on my homemade table saw. Then over to my homemade jointer and finally over to my homemade bandsaw. I don’t want to be a better woodworker, I want to be John.

[@ConcreteLand]

Commented to soon to see the homemade drill press. 😂😂

[@KipdoesStuff]

@@ConcreteLand he also made the compasses

[@ConcreteLand]

Belt sander.

[@CraftedbyRay]

Great video!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks!

[@troyqueen9503]

Hello from Vancouver Island 🌴

[@janhedberg9316]

Very, very nice!

[@stenly83]

Love all your videos and commentary!!! I'd also love to see what the final thing is first in the video and then you start making it

[@alifirfandi]

Amazing idea!

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

You are amazing! RWB ❤🎉

[@paulschwartz6074]

Just awesome. I marvel at your ingenuity and skills. I'm waiting for the day you make a car out of wood. Maybe a Makers Mob collaboration?!

[@IntoTheWildernessWeGo]

Love it John! Awesome to see your creativity at work. 👌

[@MCsCreations]

Brilliant, John! Fantastic work!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@thelichisdeath]

welcome back John! i hope you never do that silly audio nonsense again!😅 that one is classic woodworking, and done right... thanks for the video, and best regards!

[@54mgtf22]

Hi John. Love your work 👍

[@69kaveman]

Great build, you do such amazing work.

[@gsftom]

This is awesome!

[@emilevoyer123]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

[@JS-ct5jn]

You'd be a cool guy to have as a neighbor. Nice build.

[@seansysig]

Beastly Workmate

[@taxivideo]

Idée géniale et très belle réalisation !!!

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

Seems to me that would be something even more useful in pairs. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattwlane]

Plans!🙋 This would be perfect for my small workshop!

[@charleswilson8915]

Great work John, I need to make one. My Workmate does well but doesn't fold up as easily. 😊

[@dougprentice1363]

I forgot about that mini compass. I need one.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Pretty sure their are free plans at his website.

[@BrettRebman]

That drill press table will always be the neatest shit I’ve ever seen 🙏

[@Galerak1]

Basically a Black&Decker Workmate made out of wood. Looks absolutely amazing though, and probably worked out cheaper 😁 Great project. 👍

Congratulation 😊...saudações de Londrina City, Paraná state...Brasil

[@armandosreis]

Very cool project. I was expecting it to fold better. It's still a bit bulky when folded. Unless you store it hanging from the wall there's not much space saving when folded. But don't get me wrong. I liked the idea, and I might even "borrow" the concept. It looks much sturdier than the flimsy cheap metal workbench alternatives out there.

[@dpmeyer4867]

nice work

[@ceidhof]

Amazing build. I have a "workmate" by Bosch (PWB 600). One nice feature (that'd also be easy to add) is that it has builtin storage for the bench dogs. There is also a tiny tray which I've used to keep a few screws from falling on the ground while working outside. Might not make the best KZbin content now that you have the video out, but can imagine that these could be useful additions for you as well.

[@angelpch9449]

Thank You sir

[@EngineerMikeF]

I've always been a fan of the Workmate, beautiful adaptation. I didn't see the plans on ur website soooooo... maybe soon?

[@robertberger8642]

Nice!

[@joetoner8848]

I hope you offer up plans f/this. I will purchase. Great video either way!

[@GregsGarage]

The vice top is the bee's knees!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@csehszlovakze]

I see an air cleaner video of yours in the related videos, so I thought I'd ask here, do you have any shop HVAC recommendations? a consistent climate would be as good for me as for the lumber, but I don't want it destroyed by sawdust in a few months or something, so residential obviously isn't an option. EU available would be obviously preferred, thanks!

[@RCake]

Hello John, wow... this really is a great project. Probably just a bit above my level of precision - if I built this, it would end up real shaky. Still, very cool, and a person needs to have goals 😅

[@ewout2211]

Absolutely love your projects and ideas John. Always inspiring to watch. I bought your table fence plans and built it. I would now like to replace my table saw table top with something that provides less friction. What material do you use?

[@LariFariYoutube]

I remeber back in the days, when B&D brought the "workmate" on the market.. It was very poor in build quality and therefor a useless piece of sh.. But yours look very robust and well made.. Hats off, my friend from canada.. you reinvented the wheel.. ;) well done, as usual.. Greets from Austria.

[@nickoakley69]

John, I know your a woodworking genius and all that, but I can't help thinking this is over engineered

[@cappsjmc2003]

Do u have plans on this sir