The Black & Decker Workmate® Work Center 79-041 is a versatile and robust piece of equipment designed to serve as a vise, sawhorse, and workbench, making it suitable for a wide range of workshop tasks, from the simplest to the most complicated. Its design emphasizes stability, strength, and adaptability to various workpieces and power tools.
Function Description:
The Workmate® Work Center primarily functions as a portable workbench with an integrated vise system. It allows users to securely clamp materials for planing, sanding, routing, sawing, and other tasks. The device features two working heights: a lower "sawhorse" height (24 inches) and an upper "workbench" height (30-5/8 inches), providing flexibility for different jobs. The core of the Work Center lies in its two parallel vise jaws, which can be adjusted independently to accommodate various clamping needs, including tapering. The rear vise jaw offers three distinct positions, allowing for different opening ranges and clamping configurations. Swivel pegs, included with the unit, further enhance its clamping capabilities, enabling the secure holding of irregular shapes and extending the vise capacity for diagonal grips. The footboard, while primarily a footrest, also provides convenient storage for hand tools.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Load Capacity: Do not load with more than 550 pounds.
- Workbench Height: 30-5/8 inches (with legs extended).
- Sawhorse Height: 24 inches (with legs folded).
- Vise Jaw Opening (Parallel Jaws):
- Rear jaw in front set of holes: 0 to 2-5/8 inches maximum.
- Rear jaw in middle set of holes: 2-3/8 inches minimum to 5-5/8 inches maximum.
- Rear jaw in rear set of holes: 5-1/2 inches minimum to 8-3/8 inches maximum.
- Vertical Clamping Distance: Maximum 2-1/4 inches.
- Vise Capacity with Swivel Pegs: Up to 19 inches wide, or up to 30 inches when objects are held diagonally.
- Construction: Features a sturdy frame with folding legs for compact storage.
- Assembly: Partially assembled, requiring a standard screwdriver and the provided plastic socket wrench.
Usage Features:
- Adjustable Working Heights: Easily switches between sawhorse (24") and workbench (30-5/8") heights by extending or folding the base legs. Ensure legs are fully open and locked for stability.
- Three-Position Rear Vise Jaw: The rear vise jaw can be mounted in three sets of keyhole-shaped holes (front, middle, rear) on the frame top. This "slide-lock system" allows for varying vise opening ranges and is tool-free. It's crucial that the rear jaw is securely locked in position before use.
- Tapering Vise Jaws: The independent action of the two vise handles allows for tapered clamping, accommodating non-parallel workpieces.
- Swivel Pegs: These pegs fit into appropriate holes in the vise jaws, enabling the secure clamping of irregular shapes and extending the overall vise capacity. They are particularly useful for objects that might otherwise be difficult to hold.
- Vertical Clamping: The tilting brackets can be unlocked (1/6 turn of both locking knobs) to raise the vise jaws to a vertical position, providing up to 2-1/4 inches of clamping distance for specific tasks. Remember to lock the brackets back into position.
- "V" Grooves: Specially designed "V" grooves along the face of the vise jaws facilitate the horizontal or vertical grasping of tubular objects.
- Power Tool Integration: The Work Center is designed to integrate with power tools. Users can construct individual mounting boards for tools like drill stands or routers. A block of wood attached to the underside of the mounting board is gripped by the Work Center's vise jaws, providing a secure platform for tool operation.
- General Purpose Table: A larger work surface can be created by attaching a piece of plywood with a block of wood underneath to the Work Center's vise jaws. Suggested sizes include 2' x 6' x 1/4" plywood with a 2" x 4" stud, 30" long, secured with 4 bolts 5" long.
- Storage: The unit can be folded for convenient, minimum-space storage. The footboard also offers storage for hand tools.
Maintenance Features:
- Lubrication: The vise screw threads should be lubricated with a few drops of light-weight household oil initially and then periodically to prevent them from becoming difficult to turn.
- Cleaning: Keep the Work Center clean and free from debris to ensure smooth operation of moving parts.
- Storage Conditions: Do not store the Work Center outdoors or in a damp location to prevent damage and corrosion.
- Repairs and Adjustments: For product safety and reliability, all repairs, maintenance, and adjustments should be performed by Black & Decker Service Centers or other qualified service organizations, using only Black & Decker replacement parts.
- Socket Wrench Use: When assembling, use only the special plastic socket wrench provided. Using other wrenches or sockets can damage the Work Center.
Safety Instructions (Key Points):
- Never exceed the 550-pound load limit.
- Avoid unbalanced loads to prevent tipping.
- Do not use as a step-ladder or standing platform; the footboard is a foot REST only.
- Ensure legs are fully open and table locks are in position for stability.
- Always wear safety glasses when operating power tools.
- Never mount power tools directly in vise jaws; use mounting boards as described.
- Tighten both vise jaws uniformly for even pressure.
- Lock tilting brackets when clamping in both horizontal and vertical positions.
- Be careful not to trap fingers when lowering the tilting bracket to the horizontal position.
- Swivel pegs are for workpieces that DO NOT extend beyond the surface of the two vise jaws. For larger projects, use Black & Decker clamps or "C" clamps.
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