Woodwork Wizard
Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2013
- Messages
- 431
Black and Decker workmate I haven't used for years, so I removed the legs and turned it upside down. 2 of the 20mm holes on the fixed jaw lined up perfectly with the Festool MFT 96mm grid pattern, so there's two M20 bolts that hold it firmly to the 8'x4' bench. There's a piece of MDF in front of the moving jaw and several dogs that form a 90*. The piece of MDF not only makes the clamping surface much wider but also allows full travel of the threads without interference from the steel brackets. The travel of the moving jaw is 100mm so perfect for a 96mm grid.
The B&D workmate is undamaged and could easily be reassembled, but if this turns out to be as useful as I anticipate I'll cut the steel sections down so they are a lower profile.
Zero money spent and a few minutes to make. I put a board in and tried to pull it out but it had it very well secured. About 77 times stronger than Festool clamping elements and about the same amount in £s cheaper.
The first photo shows the B&D modification. Photos added of a Zyliss vice, 2 x Besseys with the MFS profile and 90* degree clamping jigs on the assembly table.
The B&D workmate is undamaged and could easily be reassembled, but if this turns out to be as useful as I anticipate I'll cut the steel sections down so they are a lower profile.
Zero money spent and a few minutes to make. I put a board in and tried to pull it out but it had it very well secured. About 77 times stronger than Festool clamping elements and about the same amount in £s cheaper.
The first photo shows the B&D modification. Photos added of a Zyliss vice, 2 x Besseys with the MFS profile and 90* degree clamping jigs on the assembly table.
