BLACK+DECKER 28-3/4, Portable Project Center, Wood, Metal

I like this unit because it's large enough to do things on but small enough to be used just about anywhere. Also, they're pretty heavy duty for a fold-up work surface. This is my second one, and I may get a third so I can have one handy wherever I need one.

Instructions for assembly are lacking (need a microscope to read it & the pictures are not very descriptive). I bought the 6th version which came in a box with pictures of the version 4 so I couldn't compare what was on the box to what I had to help assemble. I did figure it out & it works as good as advertised. Black & Decker should put a video on their home page customer service section on how to assemble

The instructions could have been a bit better. I had 2 springs come off and there was no mention to where they were supposed to be located. I took a guess. But it seems to be a sturdy bench so I will see how it holds up. So far so good.

I ordered this because I needed an extra hand when wood working and tinkering on projects in the garage. My Dad use to have one that we'd use all the time, and it was built solid! This product is great, but definitely not built like they use to be. It's sad how manufacturers have a great product in the past, and short change the materials to save on costs. Other than that, it's a better work table device than most on the market these days. I had looked at a Craftsman brand table, and it was horribly built. If you're wanting one of the older manufactured B&D Workmates, you're going to have to hunt for them. Other than that, this one will do just fine!

The product was pre-dinged up by shipping. The assembly instructions were very poor. Once assembled though, it has performed well. I've only used it for a couple of weeks now so I can't speak to how long it will last.

This is my second Workmate. They in general are well built and very functional. The 425 has a feature that links the two cranks together to allow one hand operation. There also is a clutch mechanism that supposedly allows the the independent heightening of the two crank handles. However these clutches are so stiff that they do not permit the independent operation of the two cranks. To cure this problem I remover the link belt that ties the two cranks together. This eliminated the one hand operation feature but allows independent tightening of the clamps. The 425 now operates the same as my older Workmate. This is a good thing. Every thing else is top notch and all of the other features work as advertised. This is a quality produce that that is a great tool in any home workshop.

I've used Work mates in the past and have always wanted to get one. Finally, a month ago, I decided that for a new project it was time to get one. I've always felt the ones I used in the past were of extremely high quality from latches to the legs to the table top. Unfortunately, while this one works and is not worth sending back, it is a little disappointing. The left side latch doesn't latch in the closed position. Something is hitting and I haven't been able to find the restriction point. The other annoying item is the three pieces that make up the adjustable top are each a bit bowed in opposite directions so that it doesn't quite make a very flat, even, surface. It is all "adequate" and I love the flexibility. It is just not of the quality that I was expecting from Black and Decker, but I would still recommend it as it is collapsible for storing in my little townhouse and still clamps the wood the way I need it for my projects.

I did not like the Table top able to remove to easy. To flimsy. Did not LOCK into place to readily up or down position. Edges of metal to sharp.

Instructions were confusing. You have to rely on the product pictue at the box and figure it out yourself resulting in greater chances of mistakes. The clutch cable gets derailed easily. Not worth as an improvement from the lesser prized model. Cannot figure out how to use the middle board...

I was disappointed it in the instructions. They were so small I could hardly read them. I was also disappointed in the construction. It is cheap. Disappointed especially in the little piece of plastic that serves as a belt between the two knobs. It just cheap made bench. If had it to do over, I would choose another. Probably not from Black and Decker.