portable work space

[delef]

I am in a living situation where I do not have a separate space for carving. I need to purchase (i decided not to build) a portable work bench/desk. I am looking for something that is not very pricey. I saw the Black & Decker Work Mate 445. Anyone use these? Any other suggestions?

[Claude]

I couldn't find the 445 online; I found the 225 (which I have) and a 425. My 225 folds up compactly, yet is quite sturdy when set up. I routinely clamp pieces of wood in it when I'm using my belt sander to smooth the surfaces. I don't have a woodcarving vise, but I've heard of carvers mounting one in the table top holes of the workmate. If you change your mind about building your own, here's a folding one: Ultimate Space Saving Bench - The Woodworkers Institute

Claude

[Eddy-Smiles]

I also don't have a real place to carve and alternate between my den in bad weather and a bench out in front of the house in fair weather. In the house I simply work off a wooden TV table that I bought at Wal-Mart for $20.00 or so. When I'm done Im done I fold it up and put it in a corner. I keep my tools in a Stanley Mobile work Center that I can drag along with me to carving workshops, seminars or on trips. I tried to find a Work mate 445 online to see what it looks like but I couldn't find that model. I'm guessing that it's just a heavier duty Workmate with probably a small storage container underneath. Unless you're planning on mallet work that workmate may prove to be a little heavy and cumbersome to drag around, especially if you plan to bring it into the house. I have an older model workmate myself and wouldn't think of bringing it in.

[delef]

Sorry... I meant the 425. Do you think this is too heavy to be lugging back and forth? I liked it because it had all those holes and comes with some grip pegs to hold work in place. I wish I could build my own, but I am not very good with building.

[Claude]

I carry mine around the house as necessary for various chores. I'm 66 years old and have a bad back, but I can still carry it easily and safely. I also use clamps of various sorts to clamp wood to the top of the 425 when I don't think the plastic pegs will hold well (for example, when using my Skil saw to cut a piece off the end of a large board).

Claude

[Eddy-Smiles]

I got ya beat Claude! I'm 66-years old and have bad hips, bad knees and bad ankles! Hee! Hee! I've used that darn thing for everything from a saw horse to a compound miter saw platform to a router stand but like I said, I use it outside.

Delef... If you've got the resources I'd build that carving bench suggested by Claude. It's both functional and practical and might even make a neat conversational piece of furniture to have in the corner when your not using it.

[delef]

Anyone know an actual store I can buy it in??? not online. You know, a store. Places we go into to buy stuff...where there are actual human beings to help you. My goodness, I cant find this thing anywhere but online.

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Claude

I couldn't find the 445 online; I found the 225 (which I have) and a 425. My 225 folds up compactly, yet is quite sturdy when set up. I routinely clamp pieces of wood in it when I'm using my belt sander to smooth the surfaces. I don't have a woodcarving vise, but I've heard of carvers mounting one in the table top holes of the workmate. If you change your mind about building your own, here's a folding one: Ultimate Space Saving Bench - The Woodworkers Institute

Claude

That folding bench is ultra cool! Well beyond my woodworking skills though. Make a good benchrest too.

[Old Codger]

Delef...I fully understand where you're coming from regarding ordering on line...I was lucky to find a local Ace Hardware Store who ordered it for me and had it in the very next day...talk about service!!! I love the 425 and have had several over the years...the newest ones use a 'bamboo' table top rather than a hardwood table top but they seem to work well just the same... I'm currently using it as a carving horse until I can build one... The new ones seem to fold up a little better but the screw vises aren't as heavy or as well made (what else is...) but I think you'd like it just the same...nice tool and I won't give this one away to my kids as I have before! Ha! Enjoy and safe carving to you!
Kenn

[carverswoodshop]

hi i often find a tv tray to work the best ore target has some neat small fold up tables and chairs,, and when i am at my folks and want to carve, i us a large carrying tray to catch all the chips on the table much easier to clean up,, a small battery operated sweeper comes in handy to pick up the chips that miss the tray and land on the floor, i use mostly a knife when i carve, also i use a big soft cooler to hold my tools and also use it as a chip catcher when i am outside to carve and dont want all the chips flying around the deck,, i sure you will find what will work best for you
good luck, and have fun carving,,
arleen
http://www.carverwoodshop.blogspot.com
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