Walko Portable Bench
- Thread starter Frank Pellow
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pingvinlakrits
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As I have come short of posting pictures before (a promised mini review of a tablesaw was cancelled as the saw got stolen...) I promise I will post lots of pictures of the Walko in action when it arrives. I have set out on building a few dvd shelves in oak for a friend so I will start off the minute (or at least the same day...) it arrives. 
Also, we are shifting apartments 1st of July and I will do some (simple) window restoration where the Walko will come in handy for sure.
EDIT: changed my profile to display my name.
UPDATE: the order has been sent off for the Walko Compact 3 bench, hopefully it will arrive late next week. 8)
Also, we are shifting apartments 1st of July and I will do some (simple) window restoration where the Walko will come in handy for sure.
EDIT: changed my profile to display my name.
UPDATE: the order has been sent off for the Walko Compact 3 bench, hopefully it will arrive late next week. 8)
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Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits said:As I have come short of posting pictures before (a promised mini review of a tablesaw was cancelled as the saw got stolen...) I promise I will post lots of pictures of the Walko in action when it arrives. I have set out on building a few dvd shelves in oak for a friend so I will start off the minute (or at least the same day...) it arrives.
Also, we are shifting apartments 1st of July and I will do some (simple) window restoration where the Walko will come in handy for sure.
EDIT: changed my profile to display my name.
UPDATE: the order has been sent off for the Walko Compact 3 bench, hopefully it will arrive late next week. 8)
Henrik
Can you bring one out this summer when you visit Edmonton!
Can't wait to see the pics and your review.
Dan Clermont
Michael Kellough
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Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits said:As I have come short of posting pictures before (a promised mini review of a tablesaw was cancelled as the saw got stolen...) I promise I will post lots of pictures of the Walko in action when it arrives. I have set out on building a few dvd shelves in oak for a friend so I will start off the minute (or at least the same day...) it arrives.
Also, we are shifting apartments 1st of July and I will do some (simple) window restoration where the Walko will come in handy for sure.
EDIT: changed my profile to display my name.
UPDATE: the order has been sent off for the Walko Compact 3 bench, hopefully it will arrive late next week. 8)
How about it?
pingvinlakrits
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Michael: still waiting, a bit impatiently.
Paid by bank transfer and due to my (lack of) timing I did it one day before our National Day (which was on Friday the 6th of June) so it didn't take place until the week after. Then, for some reason Walko did not receive it until late last week (it is supposed to go through in maximum two days). I have gotten confirmation from Walko that the bench is shipped out as of late last week. I don't know which carrier they are using but it was prohibitively expensive - Walko decided on shared shipping expense as they were not established in Sweden so I thank them for that - a kind gesture.
Anyday now... ... : ;D
I could have used the table on a few occasions renovating some windows so I really look forward to receiving it.
Paid by bank transfer and due to my (lack of) timing I did it one day before our National Day (which was on Friday the 6th of June) so it didn't take place until the week after. Then, for some reason Walko did not receive it until late last week (it is supposed to go through in maximum two days). I have gotten confirmation from Walko that the bench is shipped out as of late last week. I don't know which carrier they are using but it was prohibitively expensive - Walko decided on shared shipping expense as they were not established in Sweden so I thank them for that - a kind gesture.
Anyday now... ... :
;DI could have used the table on a few occasions renovating some windows so I really look forward to receiving it.
Michael Kellough
Member
Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits said:Anyday now... ... :
I could have used the table on a few occasions renovating some windows so I really look forward to receiving it.
It looks like a super tool and I hope it lives up to your expectations.
Give us your impressions when you get a chance.
pingvinlakrits
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The Delivery company phoned today and said they will deliver the Walko bench on Monday. Yeay. Tomorrow, Friday, is yet another national holiday during which vast amount of alcohol is consumed, pagan rituals are performed en masse and we call it mid summer which is just an excuse for heavy drinking. I am not much of a drinker but I did score a bottle of wine today, just in case. 
Frank Pellow
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Hendrik, I'm looking forward to your report on the bench.
Also, I have fond memories of celebrating the Summer Solstice on the 21st of June in Stockholm 11 years ago. Other than beer, I don't drink much -but we all did on that occasion. I hope that you get to make use of your wine in jovial company.
Also, I have fond memories of celebrating the Summer Solstice on the 21st of June in Stockholm 11 years ago. Other than beer, I don't drink much -but we all did on that occasion. I hope that you get to make use of your wine in jovial company.
pingvinlakrits
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Frank P: so, you have been subjected to the Summer Solstice? It can be quite nice, it has been a while since we had decent weather during the Summer Solstice.
Today it is 6:52 PM and as you can see I am finding time to sit in front of the computer instead of being outdoors... ...go figure.
Tinker: will have a brief play on Monday (CET) morning and then I will be tied up at work for most of the day but I will make an all out effort to get some pictures and actually try and do something with the Walko bench. To be honest all I need to construct is a measly rolling platform out of MDF for next week when we are moving to another apartment and there is a moratorium on advanced woodworking until then. But hey, at least I get to snap a few pics and post them here. Stay tuned.
Today it is 6:52 PM and as you can see I am finding time to sit in front of the computer instead of being outdoors... ...go figure.
Tinker: will have a brief play on Monday (CET) morning and then I will be tied up at work for most of the day but I will make an all out effort to get some pictures and actually try and do something with the Walko bench. To be honest all I need to construct is a measly rolling platform out of MDF for next week when we are moving to another apartment and there is a moratorium on advanced woodworking until then. But hey, at least I get to snap a few pics and post them here. Stay tuned.
pingvinlakrits
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The Walko portable bench has arrived, fifteen minutes ago...
8)
The package consisted of the Compact version, Walko Compact, two MDF tops and three support brackets. The Bench is solid, very intuitive and it stays solid in every position. The MDF tops can be mounted in several positions along the height of the bench as with the support brackets. The latter fold away into the legs when not in use. I think I might just order three more support brackets as I find them very useful and for many applications I think I could do without bringing the MDF tops along.
I will start a new thread come next week when the Walko will be used making our new kitchen together with the MFT 800. In the mean time enjoy these teasers, note that the MDF tops haven't been fitted to the bench, they will be mounted after we moved into our brand new old apartment on Tuesday next week:
8)
The package consisted of the Compact version, Walko Compact, two MDF tops and three support brackets. The Bench is solid, very intuitive and it stays solid in every position. The MDF tops can be mounted in several positions along the height of the bench as with the support brackets. The latter fold away into the legs when not in use. I think I might just order three more support brackets as I find them very useful and for many applications I think I could do without bringing the MDF tops along.
I will start a new thread come next week when the Walko will be used making our new kitchen together with the MFT 800. In the mean time enjoy these teasers, note that the MDF tops haven't been fitted to the bench, they will be mounted after we moved into our brand new old apartment on Tuesday next week:
pingvinlakrits
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Also, I will try and put my dSLR into good use for the mini review next week, these were shot from the hip with the point and shoot. For the next set of photos I aim to stun.
Thanks, Henrik.
My wife & i have just suffered thru a rather sad and trying weekend, having put our nearly 17 year old Golden Retriever to her final rest.
your newest report has given me a new anticipation. i have looked at the beginnings of your new report with the pics and have already started figuring out how to rearrange my already crowded shop.
I had not realized there were two sizes for the Walko. The smaller size you show appears to be nearly perfect for a small shop such as mine.
Looking forward to your more complete report.
Tinker
My wife & i have just suffered thru a rather sad and trying weekend, having put our nearly 17 year old Golden Retriever to her final rest.
your newest report has given me a new anticipation. i have looked at the beginnings of your new report with the pics and have already started figuring out how to rearrange my already crowded shop.
I had not realized there were two sizes for the Walko. The smaller size you show appears to be nearly perfect for a small shop such as mine.
Looking forward to your more complete report.
Tinker
Frank Pellow said:
Frank, going back to your introductory remarks about the Walko and its appearing to look like an improved Workmate, I think it is probably a great improvement in many ways.
I do have two workmates and have looked at newr ones as they come out. there are also copycats. The one drawback i have found with the workmates is that almost every "improvement" has included a change in size. My second one does not match the height of my second one. i have checked a couple of newer models and have found the do not match the others in height and other dimensions. Sadly, they do not follow the same philosophy for continuity for all functions as does Festool. They are, nevertheless, very handy tools for the small shop. I think the Walko will solve even more problems than those WorkMates. Also, the Walko does not appear to be as clumsy for setup. It is always a hasstle to locate and operate those darned locking latches and to unfold those legs.
BTW
Off topic) In another discussion, you talked about the DowelMax. Perhaps, now you have had the chance to work with it a while, you might find time to get back to a little further in-depth report on it. I have the DowelIt that I use a lot, but I think the Dowel Max is a great improvement. I had been thinking about the Domino, but the MFK 700 and Kapex seem to have better potential for my situation. The Dowel It works fine but does have fewer applications than the DowelMax. Anyhow, the Domino has slid a little further down the slope for me and I would like to know more about the DM.TIA
Tinker
E
ericbuggeln
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Ping, I am excited to hear your review. What do you carry in your bag like toolbox, just wondering whats the same or different your way, thanks Eric
pingvinlakrits
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Eric; it is the "at home" bag which has a little bit of everything in it to combat the small (ever ongoing) need-to-fix-it-ups. I started by chucking in the most used small items and then as something came up I added the necessary tool to the bag to the point where it is now "full to the brim".
In short I have: Hammer, sharp chisel, blunt chisel, sharp steel punch, set of small screwdrivers, bit driver, slotted screwdriver (small and large), small prybar (adjusting stuff and pulling nails), sliding bevel, small folding square, spirit level, another smaller spirit level, Talmeter, small pruning knife, cable stripper, cable ties, insulated slotted and philips screwdriver, voltage checker, hex wrench set, 1/4" ratchet/nut set, scraper, marking pen, marking pencil, electricians tape, some other tape of the week, copper wire, bit box with misc items for the screwdriver, two wrenches, folding rule, small torch, small telescopic inspection mirror with magnet on end and a pair of pliers for every occasion: side cutting plier, locking pliers, cutting pliers, polygrip, long nosed bent plier (radio plier?) and a window carpenters plier - my favourite allrounder. Oh, and a small base box with the most used plugs, screws and nails and other small items like washers and stuff like that. Makita BDF 440 drill/driver, Peltor ear protection (with radio and the ambient/voice/noise control thingy), eye protection and a pair of slim gloves. Oh, and a knife/utility knife and some extra blades.
The bag is almost too heavy to do biceps curls with but it sees most small things through and my fianc?e has actually been impressed at more than one occasion when I have managed to sort out some tricky task.
In short I have: Hammer, sharp chisel, blunt chisel, sharp steel punch, set of small screwdrivers, bit driver, slotted screwdriver (small and large), small prybar (adjusting stuff and pulling nails), sliding bevel, small folding square, spirit level, another smaller spirit level, Talmeter, small pruning knife, cable stripper, cable ties, insulated slotted and philips screwdriver, voltage checker, hex wrench set, 1/4" ratchet/nut set, scraper, marking pen, marking pencil, electricians tape, some other tape of the week, copper wire, bit box with misc items for the screwdriver, two wrenches, folding rule, small torch, small telescopic inspection mirror with magnet on end and a pair of pliers for every occasion: side cutting plier, locking pliers, cutting pliers, polygrip, long nosed bent plier (radio plier?) and a window carpenters plier - my favourite allrounder. Oh, and a small base box with the most used plugs, screws and nails and other small items like washers and stuff like that. Makita BDF 440 drill/driver, Peltor ear protection (with radio and the ambient/voice/noise control thingy), eye protection and a pair of slim gloves. Oh, and a knife/utility knife and some extra blades.
The bag is almost too heavy to do biceps curls with but it sees most small things through and my fianc?e has actually been impressed at more than one occasion when I have managed to sort out some tricky task.
windmill man
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Hi Henrik
Those Pelter ear defenders are very, very good. You can plug an ipod in to them, I can spend many happy hours in the shop working to an audio book.
I am looking forward to you Walko Bench review, had my eye on one for a while. If it proves to be as good as i think it will. I just may have to indulge myself when I am in the Netherlands later in the year.
You have my full attention, let the review commence!
regards John
Those Pelter ear defenders are very, very good. You can plug an ipod in to them, I can spend many happy hours in the shop working to an audio book.
I am looking forward to you Walko Bench review, had my eye on one for a while. If it proves to be as good as i think it will. I just may have to indulge myself when I am in the Netherlands later in the year.
You have my full attention, let the review commence!
regards John
E
ericbuggeln
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Ping, I have a Bucket Buddy that has a very similar laundry list of small tools that is always in my van. I'm always interested in what other guys are using and how they are using it. Thanks for sharing. The Bucket Buddy is either my best buddy or my worst buddy depending on whether the tool is in the pocket it is supposed to be or not. Yours looks like what some call a carpenters handbag over here or theres a popular company Vetopac, which you either love or hate.
Is most of your work repairing/remodeling? just asking b/c thats what I do and what I would potentially use a walkobench. I have seen your posts before and knew you lived in Europe, but wasn't sure if it was Sweeden? Good luck with the move.
Does anyone have the systainer that holds all the small tools or has anyone built the tool totes that Gary Katz designed? or maybe just made popular, sorry I can't find a photo, but you probably would know it if you've seen it. Eric
Is most of your work repairing/remodeling? just asking b/c thats what I do and what I would potentially use a walkobench. I have seen your posts before and knew you lived in Europe, but wasn't sure if it was Sweeden? Good luck with the move.
Does anyone have the systainer that holds all the small tools or has anyone built the tool totes that Gary Katz designed? or maybe just made popular, sorry I can't find a photo, but you probably would know it if you've seen it. Eric
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