One of the worst feelings in the world is showing up at a job site and not having adequate work space to start a job. A problem which leads many professionals to try to improvise some sort of work area by trying to cobble together a bench from materials just laying around. A practice which can lead to an unsafe and inefficient work area. Fortunately, there are portable workbench options which will provide the user with the work space they need. The best portable workbench is easy-to-use, easy-to-carry from one place to another and provides a nice stable work area. Below are ten of the best portable workbench models that I feel are the best options for any working professional.
10. Goplus Folding Bench
Designed with a heavy-duty frame that allows it to hold up to 220-pounds and can easily be folded for quick and discrete storage, this workbench is both strong and portable. This unit has two durable panels that can be adjusted by hand cranks, has a ruler painted on the panel that allows for length, diameter, and angle measuring. It also has non-skid feet which helps keep it from sliding and this unit has several bottom end rail holes that can hold tools for the user’s convenience. All of this means this unit is easy-to-use and good for basic work projects.
9. Performance Tool W51025 Bench
This multipurpose bench has an overall size of 23-7/8-inches by 25-inches by 31-inches and is capable of supporting a 200-pound working load. It has a folding design that allows it to be taken to the job site or easily stored away. This table has a one-handed clamp system that allows the user to set up the jaws of this table independently. The tabletop is printed with a grid, ruler and a protector for added convenience and there’s an area underneath where tools can be stored for easy access. Overall, this is a good bench for use around the home or at the job site.
8. Black & Decker WM425
Designed with a heavy-duty steel that allows this product to hold up to 550-pounds of weight, this 29.2-inch by 8.9-inch by 29.5-inch bench is designed to give a stable work area to anyone using it. It has a one-handed clamp system that allows the unit’s jaws to be adjusted independently and has a vise-to-workbench converter insert. This model also has four swivel legs, an extra block and can be transformed from a workbench into a bench tool stand. This makes it quite useful, regardless of whether it’s being used in the garage or is taken to the job site.
7. Black & Decker WM225 Workmate 225
Although it has a lightweight design that’s easy to take from one location to the next, this workbench has a steel construction that allows it to hold up to 450-pounds of weight. It can be used as a bench tool stand, a sawhorse or a vise and has non-skid rubber feet. It comes with four vise adjustments and measures 30.2-inches by 6.8-inches by 24.1-inches and only weighs 28-pounds. This product has adjustable jaws that provide a great grip and can be folded up for storage. This makes this bench ideal for any number of different work applications.
6. Black & Decker WM1000 Workmate
The Black & Decker WM1000 has a heavy-duty steel frame that’s capable of holding up to 550-pounds of weight and yet remains easy to carry. It can be folded up using just one hand and once opened, it has a free-standing design that’s very stable. This bench has a number of features which make it extremely useful for a variety of jobs. It has a large working area and four adjustable swivel pegs for easy clamping of irregularly shaped materials. And this unit has a built-in safety feature which ensures the unit is secure and won’t move during use.
5. Black & Decker WM125 Workmate 125
Designed to hold up to 350-pounds and to provide the user with a level work surface, the Black & Decker WM125 is made with a durable steel frame and has non-skid feet that keep it from sliding around. It measures 33.3-inches by 5-inches and only weighs around 17.8-pounds. It folds completely flat so it can be placed in the back of a truck or stored away in the garage. It’s easy-to-setup and has a fast clamping system that allows the user to get to work quicker. It’s a simple yet effective bench that makes most jobs easier and can be taken anywhere.
4. X-Tra Hand 2-in-1 Work Platform
This work platform has a patented design that allows it to be used as a stable work surface but can be easily folded up for transport or storage. This table has a 500-pound workload capacity and has a square frame with a utility tray and a ruler. This unit has a welded steel frame, extendable aluminum legs and is equipped with non-skid feet. It also has high-impact polypropylene decking and a built-in handle that makes it easy to pick up and move. Another key feature is its V-groove which is handy for cutting pipe.
3. Keter Folding Work Table
Designed to support up to 1000 pounds on its surface, this work table can be used for all kinds of different projects. It’s 33.46-inches wide by 21.65-inches deep and has a heavy-duty construction that makes it not only durable but safe as well. Despite its ample construction, however, it can still be easily folded to a compact size so it can be stored away or transported to a work site. When it’s going to be used, it can be easily and quickly opened up for use. This bench also comes with two 12-inch clamps and it has a durable polypropylene resin surface.
2. Kreg Mobile Project Center (KWS1000)
This mobile project center is not just a workbench but is also a clamping station, sawhorse, and assembly table as well. It can be set up quickly and easily and when the user is finished with work, it can be folded up just as quickly. Its open tables can hold up to 350-pounds of weight and it has a hole pattern that accepts bench dogs and other types of similar accessories. This allows it to be used for not only construction projects but for a variety of different tasks including carpentry work. This unit also has built-in storage trays that can hold parts and hardware easily and keep it at hand.
1. Worx Pegasus Multi-Function Table (WX051)
This product can be used as either a work table and a sawhorse, depending on the user’s needs. When it’s used as a work table, it can support up to 300-pounds of materials and when it’s used as a sawhorse it can hold up to 1,000 pounds of materials. It can be converted from one form to another quite quickly and can also be quickly folded up. Two quick clamps and four clamp dogs also come with this unit, which allows it to be used for all kinds of different projects. These features make this table a good one to use out in the garage or take to a job site.
Portable Workbench Guide
When you need to take your work on the road or are just moving onto a new area of your DIY, a portable workbench is a significant investment. This can make life a lot easier and help to build your reputation if it is for work, or it can slow you down. Whatever you need a portable workbench for, making sure you buy a quality product the first time is important.
This is easier said than done though and to find the right one you need to look into what makes the reputable products so good. The following buyer’s guide will help you make an informed decision.
What To Look For In A Portable Workbench
Strength
The amount of weight a portable workbench can hold will affect the jobs you can use it for. The greater the amount of load it can take, the more stable it is going to be. When you need to know how dependable your workbench is going to be, the carrying capacity is going to be a big factor so the bigger the better.
Weight
To call itself portable, a workbench needs to be light enough for you to move it from place to place. The easier this is the better as you will probably be doing a lot of the carrying by yourself. If you are using it on a worksite this might be less important as you can always call a colleague to hold the other end but most can offer a mix of stability whilst being pretty light.
Non-Slip Feet
Because a workbench is a place for sharp objects and power tools, you want to be able to rely on its stability. A lot of this will be down to one simple factor – the feet. A quality portable workbench will have non-slip feet so even if you are sawing through a 2×4 on one end, it doesn’t move.
Worksurface
The size of the are you need to work on should be a top consideration here. Some are too compact for a lot of people so don’t go too small if you have a variety of jobs in mind.
Height
An adjustable portable workbench is important as some jobs will mean you need the height to change. Usually, the legs will have some room to move up and down which means it can also be used by different people.
Assembly
A portable workbench should be simple to assemble and none of the top products should give you a headache in this area. However, some models need a bit more time set aside to assemble them so if you want something that is pretty much good to go from the moment it arrives, avoid certain brands.
Warranty
As with any DIY product, a portable workbench will be out through some strain and although you expect it to be able to stand up to the task, this isn’t always the case.
To protect your purchase, it is always best to try and find a product that comes with a warranty of at least a year. You can find a lot more, but it’s a start.
Clamping
The better portable workbenches will offer a place where you can hold items firmly. If you need somewhere to saw from, or drill into wood then this is something you should look for.
Foldability
One of the best features when buying a portable workbench is the fact that they fold down into a compact size and take up hardly any room when propped against a wall. Some will be light enough to hang so they are always out of the way but if you can’t fold it down it’s not as portable is it?
Value
Most products in the niche offer good value but if your budget doesn’t stretch so far, you can still find a decent product that will serve you well. A lot of the time you only have to sacrifce some of the smaller benefits such as storage or clamping but the portability and convenience will still be there.
Does My Portable Workbench Need Accessories?
We’re not looking for much here and if you’re looking for a portable workbench that doesn’t cost a lot, it is something you can do without but some products give you a little extra. Mostly, the accessories come in the form of small storage compartments for screws and the likes with places to hang tools from.
Conclusion
A portable workbench can make DIY more convenient and free up some space in your garage. Whatever you need it for, if you stick to the above, the one you buy should last for many years and projects.
