Hey everyone! I'm diving into woodworking as a hobby and starting with small projects like storage boxes and shelves. I'm particularly drawn to traditional joinery methods, like mortise and tenon. I'm in search of a sturdy, folding/portable work table that can support both power tools (especially my router) and hand tools (like chisels and saws). Ideally, it should be compact and easy to store, with a budget of under $150, though I'm open to spending a bit more for the right choice. Here are some tools I'll be using: a Makita router (1-1/4 HP) with a plunge base, a power drill, sander, and possibly a circular saw in the future, along with various hand tools. I'm currently considering the Black+Decker Workmate, Keter Folding Work Table, VEVOR tables, and Bora Centipede Workbench. I'm eager to hear about your experiences—what's worked best for you when mounting routers and doing hand-tool work? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
I’d recommend the Worx Pegasus tables if you're looking to buy. They've got dog holes which are super versatile when you grab some clamps. Just a heads up though, the edges don’t clamp well since it's a bit flimsy. The Bora table is also a solid choice because it has a good MDF surface, and you can easily replace the top if it gets damaged. Plus, you could even make an additional top using your router!
I’ve been using the ToughBuilt portable workbench for a couple of years, and it's awesome! It's really sturdy, fits your budget, and folds flat for easy transport. I've seen similar options from Klein and Dewalt too, so if ToughBuilt isn’t available, those are worth checking out as well.
Nice! I’ll definitely consider Klein if ToughBuilt isn't an option.
I've had my Workmate for 25 years, and it gets the job done! It's sturdy enough for my planer, although I did have to replace the top once after leaving it out in the rain. Just remember to check the model since some reviews say the newer ones aren't built the same way as the old ones.
What model do you have? I’ve read some mixed reviews on the newer versions.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely check the Bora table out.