Portable Workbench Ideas

[hummingway]

I am all over the map these days, on the float home, sweetheart's place or the sailboat and the common tie in is my pick-up truck. The bed of the truck holds a lot of my tools, at least those that I don't consider essential on the boat.

I've been thinking that what I really need is a portable workbench. Something that I could keep in the truck and haul to the sailboat via dinghy when needed there and set-up in a parking lot if that's what's available.

I'd love to hear some thoughts and if anyone has done this see some photo's of what worked. I'm thinking a good solid top that can hold a solid vise and some sort of well to push parts into when they're not immediately needed.

[Travelnik]

A B&D Workmate? It has the vice built in.

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by dsmastern

A B&D Workmate? It has the vice built in.

I would be better then nothing and easy to move but not that strong if you need to "convince" something of your intention. The ones I've seen have a small working area as well.

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by hummingway

I would be better then nothing and easy to move but not that strong if you need to "convince" something of your intention. The ones I've seen have a small working area as well.

But you are limited by dinghy size

haul to the sailboat via dinghy

Unless you have a bloody big dinghy

[Travelnik]

Originally Posted by hummingway

I would be better then nothing and easy to move but not that strong if you need to "convince" something of your intention. The ones I've seen have a small working area as well.

They make 3 sizes, a small one, a "normal use" one, and a larger "pro" model. The larger one that is better made.

Black & Decker Tools | WorkMate -Portable Project Center and Vise WM125

Black & Decker Tools | Workmate® 225 Portable Project Center and Vise WM225

Black & Decker Tools | Workmate® 425 Portable Project Center and Vise WM425

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by dsmastern

They make 3 sizes, a small one, a "normal use" one, and a larger "pro" model. The larger one that is better made.

Black & Decker Tools | WorkMate -Portable Project Center and Vise WM125

Black & Decker Tools | Workmate® 225 Portable Project Center and Vise WM225

Black & Decker Tools | Workmate® 425 Portable Project Center and Vise WM425

That 425 looks alright and with the holes for clamp dogs you could probably attach a vise when needed. The price is right!

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by cat man do

But you are limited by dinghy size

Unless you have a bloody big dinghy

Well, a nine foot Avon will carry a bigger work bench top then what I would want. The legs would be the limitation. I've had some pretty good knock down work benches in the past but storing the parts, particularly the leg assemblies, would be a PITA.

[cat man do]

Have you tried google images?
Its how I search for a lot of stuff these days
https://www.google.com.au/search?num....1.4nuT6MzAoRM

[Bash]

From time to time I've thought it would be fun to design a set of dock steps that could transform into a work bench, complete with vice.

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by cat man do

Have you tried google images?
Its how I search for a lot of stuff these days
https://www.google.com.au/search?num....1.4nuT6MzAoRM

You get the idea that one guys portable is another guys damaged back!

I like this old one: Knockdown Workbenh | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[DeepFrz]

That Fischer Price one looks like it would load easily. Shouldn't be to hard on the back...

[David_Old_Jersey]

What about an old style sawhorse?

A DIY made wooden one, that unbolts (coachbolts) when needed (for transportation and storage) but can be used both onboard and ashore (can fix a vice or even a worktop to one, when needed)..........obviously won't be able to use a sledge hammer with one , but something with decent legs would take some hammering.



and this one even with DIY instructions

How to make a sawhorse page 1

[Travelnik]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

What about an old style sawhorse?

A DIY made wooden one, that unbolts (coachbolts) when needed (for transportation and storage) but can be used both onboard and ashore (can fix a vice or even a worktop to one, when needed)..........obviously won't be able to use a sledge hammer with one , but something with decent legs would take some hammering.



and this one even with DIY instructions

How to make a sawhorse page 1

That site even has BUCKET plans!

How to make a decorative wooden bucket

[banjoship]

I use a Dremel Workbench and or Dremel Vice for small jobs. A Triton SuperJaws for big jobs. The SuperJaws is an extremely versatile tool. Folds up for storage in the boat. Holds things. Acts as a vice, or a press. With engineers jaws, can belt it with a very large hammer. Clamp a piece of ply in it as a work surface. Etc. Can be set up on any surface..boat deck, marina finger, beach.

There is an American version of the SuperJaws, forget the name. Designed by the two Aussies who designed the SuperJaws...there is a story behind that.

Lee

[hpeer]

I use a folding aluminum bench from Lowes. It's about 20 inches high. When farting around the bay I leave it on and put some folding seats on it, but my tea some arrangement is a bit odd.

I see Sears also sells something similar for drywall installers.