What's the closest thing to the discontinued Kreg Mobile Project Center?

[johnbro]

Moving out of my big shop into a downsized space and looking for something that could easily double as a small workbench plus configure into a cutting station for my TS55 and rails. The Kreg system looked perfect (with two connected with 2x4s) for that but it's discontinued awhile back and so I'm wondering what folks do? What's a compact multi-purpose folding workbench that could meet this need?

 

[Packard]

Black & Decker really created the whole folding workbench category by popularizing the invention.

I have an early version and they are rugged and durable (but not particularly light).  They come in several versions, and I believe that the Workmate 425 is their most advanced.

They range from about $80.00 to $150.00.

I keep mine set up and it gets used often (but less than before because I have fixed benches.

I don’t think you can go wrong with this. I thing woodworking snobs look down on these, but solid and useful.

This guy has several videos on the subject, but he needs to hold the camera steadier.


I only watched a minute of this video.  I is easier to watch.

 

[Duckler]

You can buy the used Workmates on Craigslist for $25 to $40 most of the time IME. Probably less at garage sales.
I think Unistrut has lots of possibilities, but it is a heavy product. Some really clever person might be able to come up with a collapsible workbench that is based on Unistrut.

 

[Hawkeye0001]

Not sure if that's over the top for your requirement but take a look at Timothy Wilmot's MFTC (the godfather of Festools MW-1000). It's an incredibly versatile design that hardly takes any space (about 3x3 bananas when folded) but converts into a full-on workbench in seconds, stores your most needed tools and up to two rails in an easily accessible way and is a blessing when you work with the track saw and rails. By building the optional extensions you can even cut down full sheets of ply or use it as a 5m miter station. It's also ten times more stable than the B&D Workmate (which drove me nuts on slightly uneven ground or overhanging workpieces)

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mftc-portable-workshop/

 

[rvieceli]

some thing to consider:

Worx Pegasus
https://www.amazon.com/Workbench-Li...Duty-WX051/dp/B01HREBZ3M?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Keeter folding worktable
https://www.northerntool.com/produc...le-clamps-1000-lb-capacity-model-252638-60388

Keeter folding bench
https://www.amazon.com/Keter-Jobmade-Portable-Bench-Miter/dp/B083MLTL22

Dealt
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...rtable-Sawhorse-Workbench-DWST11556/301867227

Ron

 

[Packard]

There are online reviews for all of the systems mentioned.

My guess is that Kreg dropped their bench when it could not make inroads on the Workmates.

But look on YouTube and check the reviews. 

Note:  There are about 4 versions of the Workmate.  The more expensive ones are more versatile.

These are rugged devices and the suggestion to look on Craigslist has some merit.  There were a lot of the Workmates sold, so the odds of you finding one is good.

 

[Vondawg]

I’ve had one for some 30 years …it does sit in the corner..but it does come handy ever so often

 

[Packard]

At one time I had a drop-in panel to turn it into a router table.  I’ve since moved my router to the my table saw table. 

In some ways the Workmate router setup is better.  It is easier to replace bits and easier to adjust heights (I don’t use a lift).  It is job site portable. 

I think you can do the same with any of these folding workbenches.

 

[johnbro]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I do already have a workmate for over 40 years now, looks like it lost a war. Old design with wheels that doubles as a hand truck. Guess I'll stick with sawhorses and my ancient MFT.

 

[Vtshopdog]

Hmmm, this thread has me considering finding alternative uses for my old Workmate.

The fact that I’ve kept it for 3 decades and always find it functional  the 3-4 times a year it gets used says something.

 

[woodferret]

I have two Worx and the Dewalt.  The Worx is probably the closest thing to the Kreg, but it's clamps are almost useless.  It's nice in it's convertibility to sawhorse mode and I tend to just leave it outside in the garden since it's all plastic+al (aside from clamps).  For compactness, I prefer the Dewalt.  It's like lugging around a briefcase.  In both cases, cutting on top pretty much devolves either a) Bench cookies on posts, b) Lee Valley orange risers, or c) styrofoam.

 

[Packard]

The history of the Workmate is interesting.

It was invented by a guy named “Hickman”, who had trouble getting anyone interested in the product.  It brings to mind “Sawstop”.

Wiki has a history of the workmate.  It’s not particularly useful information, but interesting.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_&_Decker_Workmate