Reddit mentions of BLACK+DECKER Workmate Portable Workbench, 350-Pound Capacity (WM125)

Okay, as a 9mm reloader living in an apartment, here's my take.

First off, for everyone saying it won't save you much money: this is flat fucking wrong if you can get brass for free. I do this at the local outdoor range where people just leave their brass, especially after IDPA matches. The membership there is $100/year, so I guess that's my brass cost, but I was a member there before I started reloading and it was worth it.

Buying components in bulk, my ammo costs for 9mm with the particular kind of bullet I like (124gr flat point), powder I like (Clays), and whatever primers were cheap (Winchester in this case), is 11.3c/round. Even buying remanufactured Ultramax or Freedom or whatever you can't touch that price.

For apartment reloading, I use a Lee Classic Turret bolted to a 2x10 that I c-clamp to a tactical TV tray. When it's not set up, the press just sits on a shelf in my closet and it takes a single minute to pull out the "workbench", set it up, clamp the press to it and get cracking. And after loading a thousand or two rounds on it, I can crank out 100 rounds in an hour or so once I get up and going, so it's plenty fast. It's all the one-round-at-a-time focus of a single stage, with the speed and mechanical efficiency of a progressive. I love it.

I bought most of my gear secondhand, so I only have about $300 invested, but it'd probably be more like $400 new for the press, dies, powder measure (as a part of the press), bullet puller, calipers, and tumbler.

As for good load, I'm currently running a 124 grain whatever (currently roundnose, but I'm switching back to flatpoints after this thousand because they punch cleaner holes for competition) over 3.1grains of Clays. It's a pretty sweet round (less snappy than the Titegroup loads I was using) and the Clays powder is loose enough that it'd obviously overflow the case if I tried to doublecharge. I haven't chrono'ed it yet, but it's definitely accurate and feels like it should make 125 powerfactor for IDPA.

I can't believe it took me so long to start reloading, and the earlier you do it the more money you'll save in the long run. You can do it, I promise. PM me if you have any other questions; I'll be glad to help.

Here are things from my wishlist (past and present)

Wera Screwdrivers
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0085NTQJK/

Oscillating blade set:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0109SELWA/

Clamp multimeter:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00NWGZ4XC/

Kreg Jig Jr.:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000J43A7W/

Angled Long Nose Pliers:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSS4S/

Groove Lock Pliers:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000FK1R0W/

11 ft wifi endoscope:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/

non contact voltage tester:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001UAHZAM/

claw nail puller:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0015YPJMY/

Workmate portable work bench:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000077CQ0/

Cable snake fish tape:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000BP7WBO/

9 Outlet metal power bar:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00F8ZQY5M/

Spade drill bit set:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00099E7WE/

36" bubble level:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000UKMWMO/

Gorilla Racks (or equivalent) can be assembled into a workbench; if you purchase a couple of them, you can even get some extra flexibility with assembly and layout. Be sure to the kind with multiple holes, so you can vary the shelving height. Also buy some nuts and bolts to attach units side-by-side. One other thing you'll want to buy is something better for the top surface; use the shelving wood pieces that come with the shelves for the "base" (to align it with the shelving edges), but drill some holes in it and drill/glue a slightly larger piece of 3/4" plywood or something on top. Then polyurethane it to finish it up (alternatively, put a piece of thin steel or aluminum over the top and bend the edges down and screw or glue in place).

Another option if space is tight, and your needs are fairly "light duty" - get one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/WM125-Workmate-350-Pound-Capacity-Portable/dp/B000077CQ0/

Then get a piece of 4' x 4' 3/4" plywood. Open the jaws of the bench up to their widest point and measure it; subtract a 1/2" or so. Cut a piece of plywood out to this width, then center and attach it to the remainder of the plywood with screws and glue. Once that is dry, clamp it into the workbench, then on each "jaw" draw a couple of the "circles" on each plywood side. Then find the center of those circles, and drill thru with a 1/4" drill to the other side. Then on the top side, use a spade bit (say 1" or slightly more) to "widen" up the hole, but only go thru about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way into the wood. Do this for all four holes. Polyurethane the top to finish it.

Get some bolts - flat hex head, or pan-head with phillips or similar - long enough to go thru the top you made, and thru the hole in the bench, plus a bit extra (about an inch); they should be about 1 3/4 to 2" long - 1/4 x 20 - get four of those, four washer to fit into the countersunk holes, four larger fender washers, and four 1/4 x 20 wingnuts.

Chuck the top into the workbench; tighten it up. Drop thru the holes a bolt with a washer, then on the other side, back each up with a fender washer and snug it down with a wingnut. And there you go.

This kind of bench is light duty (or you can get one of the "heavier duty" Workmates if your budget allows for it), but very versatile. For instance, you could make a variety of "tops" to mount tools on that can be chucked into place (or make a "universal" top for several smaller tools) - things like a miter saw, router table, small table saw, scroll saw, grinder, small drill press, etc. You could even potentially make an aluminum top for welding on (welding steel won't stick to the aluminum - or make a steel top if you want). Again, this is only light-duty stuff, but it's portable, lightweight, folds up, etc.

Be sure to pick up additional clamp dogs for the Workmate, and a "repair parts" assortment; these will be handy to keep the main workbench in shape. Also one other tip (kinda OT): If you ever needed to split a piece of transmission hose lengthwise, the Workmate bench has the answer! The jaws have a v-groove, so you can chuck a length of the hose in the groove, then use a box-cutter razor, guided along the edge of the jaw, to cut the tubing down the side in a very straight line. You can probably do this up to about 1" diameter tubing; anything larger would flex too much. I had to do this to custom make some u-bolt "padding" for use on a vehicle roof-rack to protect the cross bars.

If you needed something a bit more heavy duty than the Workmate, Harbor Freight sells a low-cost welding table, that you could make your own custom wood tops to bolt down onto the table (when you weren't welding on it, of course). The table folds up, but it doesn't have any vice-like jaw system, so keep that in mind. It's also much heavier than a Workmate, being made of heavier gauge steel.

This is my apartment work bench. Plus it folds up and I can stow it in my closet. Doesn't take up much space.

Used this list for a couple posts, its about $200ish in all to get you started. This list uses chisels in lieu of say a router plane for dados and doesn't have an option for grooves but that's later down the road. I've got a big enthusiast list as well if you'd be interested.


> Crosscut/Ripsaw: Irwin Double Sided Pullsaw https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-Tools-Double-Edge-9-5-Inch-213103/dp/B0001GLEZ8
> Joinery Saw - I think this is the one Japanese saw I own? works okay https://www.amazon.com/Z-saw-Dozuki-Z-Saw/dp/B001DSY7G6/ref=pd_sbs_469_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001DSY7G6&pd_rd_r=RBVEGF6TKKCZHVCH7WSH&pd_rd_w=16INj&pd_rd_wg=gFI50&psc=1&refRID=RBVEGF6TKKCZHVCH7WSH
> Chisels https://www.amazon.com/Narex-Republic-Woodworking-Chisels-863010/dp/B00GPC74ZQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1499302108&sr=1-1&keywords=narex+chisels
> Marking Gauge https://www.amazon.com/Crown-135-Marking-Gauge-Beech/dp/B00EC9AOZQ/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZBYMV8TF850C6M5JDGDG
> Bevel Gauge https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XC2NYKS?psc=1
> Mallet - I'd personally make one or buy a used one (of heavier wood, good grain and quality construction.) Amazon has some though. https://www.amazon.com/Narex-gram-Beech-Carving-Mallet/dp/B00L7BQL54/ref=sr_1_11?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1499302341&sr=1-11&keywords=mallet
> Combination square -does the work of several sizes of squares for the price of one - https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-Combination-Square-Metal-Body-1794469/dp/B005XUHIBG/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1499302407&sr=1-2&keywords=square
> A No 4 or 5 sized plane - I buy old Stanley's/Bailey's because they're great, and usually cheap for bench planes - Flea Market/Antique stores/ebay -$20 ish --- Amazon also sells new (I give no guarantee on quality however) - https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-12-404-Adjustable-2-Inch-Cutter/dp/B000FK3WI2/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1499302507&sr=1-1&keywords=stanley+plane
> "Workbench" - temporary thing to hold pieces while you make dovetails - https://www.amazon.com/WM125-Workmate-350-Pound-Capacity-Portable/dp/B000077CQ0/ref=pd_cart_vw_2_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CA9X21QD5D7QAXKMGE6S
> Woodscrew clamp, used to clamp peice to workbench while chiseling waste - https://www.amazon.com/ATE-Pro-USA-30143-Handscrew/dp/B0006A4A5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499303583&sr=8-1&keywords=wood+screw+clamp
>
> Other than clamps, glue, mortice gauge, etc, this is good enough to get you started making carcass (dovetailed) pieces of furniture, like a shoe cubby or bookshelf. (Currently making a chimney bookshelf for myself)
>
> Thats around $200 for getting you started. Add a mortise chisel and mortise gauge and you can start mortise and tenon work. Invest in pipe clamps when you reach a glue up point.

Get a foldable workbench like this:

https://www.amazon.com/WM125-Workmate-350-Pound-Capacity-Portable/dp/B000077CQ0/ref=pd_lpo_469_bs_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S88A53MHW0K5XHFJ99JG

And then also get another 1 inch piece of plywood to reinforce the press and the top of the work bench.

Works surprisingly well.

I'm completely new to woodworking, too. I did a workbench for my first project.

I bought this cheap B&D Workmate, and built this simple workbench. Got the cheap lumber from Home Depot. The solid core door that serves as the workbench surface is heavy, probably >50lbs.

All I used was a circular saw, drill and a couple clamps. I did it in a day and a half. I know some could do it in like an hour or two, but I literally don't/didn't know how to do anything more than hang a picture on the wall before I built this bench. I was actually very surprised at how easy it was and how well it came together. It actually looks like a real table/workbench! LOL

Tactical TV tray seems to be a good option.

I bought these starter punches from Amazon. For $8.50, it's a no-brainer.

To replace muzzle devices, I use a Black and Decker Workmate folding workbench I bought for $15 and a short chunk of 2x4 that I drilled a 3/4" hole through and then cut in half (with the grain) through the hole to make a impromptu barrel vise out of the workbench. Worked great.

thanks for the responce. i will be storing all my tools indoors so im not too concerned about rust. the drill press i saw was not that big so i could put inside, but you make a good point that i really dont need it currently. i was looking into a dowling jig, and a circular saw as well. whats your thoughts about the folding work benches they sell, like this: https://www.amazon.ca/WM125-Workmate-Portable-350-Pound-Capacity/dp/B000077CQ0/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1542555148&sr=8-3&keywords=folding+workbench

i have a fold up pastic table but im conerned its not a pracital solution. its about 2ft by 1 1/2ft

I have been using a Black and Decker Workmate for about 6 months now. Cheap and mobile. I added a 3/4" piece of plywood to the top to make it more rigid. Probably under $50 and I have 2 presses loaded to it.

I did all the woodworking and finishing outside. I got a Black & Decker Workmate, which I would not recommend. It is pretty unstable when it comes to using power tools. There are a few tutorials and plans around for small 2x4 workbenches, and even some that are collapsible. I might build one of those before my next guitar project. The other downside to the Workmate is that it is pretty low, so I had to bend over a lot. I'm not a giant, either.

For tools, I got a basic Black and Decker router, drill, sander, and jigsaw. If you get the jigsaw, I recommend upgrading the blade for just a few bucks. I bought only the router bits I absolutely needed. I didn't do this until late in the project, but I built a router table with some plywood scrap. It made routing a million times easier with the crummy workbench. All of those tools and the workbench are easily stashed in a closet. For spraying, I used products from the Reranch, which required no air compressor or anything. Zero storage space needed.

Finally, I did the outside work in our back parking area. I did the spraying in our screened porch to avoid wind. I swept up some of the sawdust, and some of it just ended up in the grass. I did power tool work on weekends or early evenings on weekdays. None of the neighbors ever complained.

Tools - Here are a few tools I would suggest getting. They are all relatively cheap, portable, and with a little creativity, they can do almost anything.
-drill
-router
-chop saw
-oscillating sander

Hand tools are a great way to go in an apartment. They are very portable and don't make a lot of noise. They do usually require more skill than power tools though.

Wood - Home Depot is an okay place to get wood. The one near me has oak, maple, poplar, and pine. There prices are about average. I would suggest starting on small projects like boxes and stuff so you don't need to bring home an 8' piece of wood. You can also order smaller pieces online from places like Rockler. The price will depend on the species. If you buy it in a store, you want to avoid pieces with big knots or cracks in them. These are weak points in the wood. You should also avoid winds and bows in the wood. Sight down the edge of the board to see how straight it is.

Work Bench - They sell portable benches that collapse down and are very cheap. Check this one out. collapsible bench . These are great, the one problem with them is they do not weight a lot, so if your doing anything that puts force in any direction but down you have to worry about tipping. Some of the nicer benches probably weight a little more.