All About Folding Benches

A workbench is a special table required for conveniently equipping a workplace in a workshop or at home. This piece of furniture is a real assistant for any master. A stable construction and a solid horizontal surface are the main advantages of the workbench. In addition, the workbench is also the ability to place and secure tools, which eliminates the need to hold everything with your hands. This item is indispensable when there is a lack of a "third hand", and, as usual, there is no intelligent assistant. In this article, we will discuss portable folding workbenches that allow you to equip any corner of an ordinary city apartment as a workplace or expand the working area in a small workshop.

A folding workbench is a portable version of the workplace. The main difference between this type of tool and a stationary analog is the ability to compactly fold and move the structure for storage without interference, freeing up space. These fixtures can be easily stored in the closet or on the balcony. Another important feature is the ability to transport the folding workbench. The weight is generally acceptable for carrying alone, and the folded dimensions allow such a workbench to be placed along with other tools in the trunk of a car.

Depending on the purpose, the working surface of folding workbenches is made of metal or wood; modern materials are often used that combine the advantages of traditional ones. Folding legs are usually made of metal: aluminum or steel. Often special rubber shoes are attached to them to prevent slipping. In most cases, the supports have adjustments that allow you to install the workbench even on an imperfectly flat surface.

The history of the folding portable workbench goes back to the early Middle Ageswhen in the cities of Europe and the East there were quite a lot of artisans who had to get to markets or marinas, where their labor could be in demand. Basically, these craftsmen made small repairs to dishes, barrels, furniture or clothing. Of course, at that distant time, even such a mobile folding or folding table was made of wood.

The development of portable folding workbenches went in several directions. The purpose of the workbench remained the main one. First of all, these tools were divided into carpentry, with the help of which it was possible to work with wood, as well as locksmith tools, intended for working on metal.

Consider the main types of modern folding workbenches.

• For woodwork (carpentry). They have a smooth and cellular working surface, convenient for positioning both workpieces and tools. Sometimes it is made of plywood with a thickness of at least 1.5 cm.
• For working with tiles or glass. A perfectly flat work surface can have a grid pattern to aid in material measurement. Quite a rare type of workbenches, and all thanks to a very narrow specialization.
• Universal. The most popular type for home or summer cottages. The work surface is made of modern materials, which allows it to be used for small jobs with a variety of materials. According to experts, the best material for making the working surface of a universal workbench is MDF, where lightness is combined with strength. However, it must be borne in mind that for constant work with wood, a carpenter's workbench is still more suitable.

Analysis of sales and reviews forms a kind of rating of the best-selling models of this type of tool. It is, of course, incorrect to compare folding workbenches without first differentiating them by type. Let's divide them according to the main types: carpentry and universal.

Let's start with specialized joinery workbenches.

• Wolfcraft Master 600. This is one of the most popular models. The device has several important adjustments: you can adjust the height, tilt, and also increase the width of the working surface if necessary. Clamping jaws included. Steel folding legs provide stability. At the same time, the workbench can be folded into a compact structure that does not take up much space and is easy to transport.

• Riobi RW03. Excellent option with the strongest adjustable metal table top. The set is completed with clamps.

• Keter Folding Work Table. This workbench has a unique foldable design that folds the worktable down to suitcase size, yet it has a truly fantastic capacity: it can handle an incredible 317kg. The reason is the use of high strength polypropylene. This work table does not have all kinds of clamps and vices, but they are easy to install if purchased separately. Also, a kind of payment for stability and compactness has become a non-rotating tabletop. Another disadvantage of the model is the very high price.

Universal folding workbenches can be represented by several, according to many experts, the best models.

• Black & Decker WM825. It has an adjustable height and a special system for clamping a variety of workpieces and parts. The working surface is made of bamboo, for the convenience of measurements, a millimeter scale is applied to it. Due to the opening of its halves, representing a kind of vice, the width can reach 54 centimeters.

• Bosch PWB 600. Very lightweight and compact when folded. The table top is made of wood, and the edges, which are used as a vice, are lined with metal. The disadvantage is the unregulated height of 85 cm.

• "Bison Master". One of the least expensive folding workbench options. The table has sliding doors for clamping workpieces. In addition, the tilt of the flaps is also regulated here. The height of the table itself cannot be adjusted.

When choosing a folding workbench for your home, you will have to pay attention to several basic criteria.

• Purpose of purchasing the instrument. Think about what you intend to work with. If it is mainly wood, then it is better to choose a joiner's workbench. If this is just an assistant in minor home repairs, it is better to focus on a universal design.
• The location of the workbench. A balcony is a very suitable area, but in winter in most of the country this is hardly acceptable.
• Folded tool dimensions. When purchasing such a workplace, you need to imagine in advance where and how it will be stored.
• Height. It is good if it can be adjusted by adjustments. If it is not regulated, it is necessary to check the reactions of your body to using the workbench both standing and sitting, otherwise you will not work for a long time and fruitfully at such a desk.

The Bosch workbench PWB 600 is presented in the video below.