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Wise Buys: Portable Workbenches

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• Skil Xbench 3115
• Craftsman 65796
• Black & Decker WM425
• Rockwell Jawhorse RK9000

Black & Decker WM425

Black & Decker WM425

Max. table size (jaws open): 22�29"
Max. jaw opening: 8-5/8"
Table height: 24" or 31"
Weight: 31 lbs

Test-drive:
The WM425 offers the widest jaw opening, the most table surface area--and a front jaw that pivots up 90 degrees to clamp items down to the rear jaw. The front jaw release-and-pivot mechanism feels a bit rickety, but it clamps items securely.

I'm not sold on the three-piece tabletop, though, with removable rear and center sections. To use the vertical clamping feature, you remove the center section and position the rear one in the second of three sets of keyhole slots. I spend a lot of time moving table parts.

A perforated plastic belt ties the handles together for one-handed operation. A mechanism behind each handle lets the belt slip so you can move just one end of the front jaw. But with no explanation of this in the manual, when I first tightened the jaws and the belt slipped, I thought something broke. Still, the WM425 does the basics well and its wide stance makes it a stable table.

--Tested by Kevin Boyle, Senior Design Editor

To learn more:
Black & Decker
800-544-6986, blackanddecker.com

Shop for the Black & Decker WM425 at Amazon.com.

Continued on page 4: Rockwell Jawhorse RK9000

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Comments (6)

MagicRonn wrote:

Love my jawhorse, but have never seen this split-table accessory. Does it exist?

4/22/2013 12:10:49 PM Report Abuse

2gun wrote:

I have an old WM 300 that I bought back in the 80's. My son sat on it and broke one of the top's. I screwed some 3/4" plywood onto the bottom. Made it good as new.

2/20/2011 10:53:58 AM Report Abuse

bobgnar2057967 wrote:

correction : It does collapse but has no "one hand" feature

2/14/2011 05:54:40 PM Report Abuse

bobgnar2057967 wrote:

I have an old WM no fold up and no tip up. Top got wet now I must mill another from old pattern. It is strong and convenient. new price?

2/14/2011 05:53:08 PM Report Abuse

jmiser2 wrote:

You have which one?

2/13/2011 09:07:51 AM Report Abuse

benttool wrote:

I have one... good, solid device.