Choosing the Right Workbench for Furniture Making: Is a Black and Decker Workmate Sufficient?

Introduction

Many woodworking enthusiasts have considered the Black and Decker Workmate as their go-to tool for various woodworking projects. However, when it comes to furniture making, the limitations of a smaller workbench like the Workmate often become evident. This article will explore whether a single Black and Decker Workmate is sufficient for furniture projects or if you need a dedicated workbench designed for assembly and machining larger pieces.

Understanding the Limitations of the Black and Decker Workmate

The Nature of the Workmate and Its Limitations

I have been using a Black and Decker Workmate for years, and while it has served me well for smaller projects and some basic woodworking, the limitations become apparent when it comes to furniture assembly. Often, the workmate is simply too small and can become unstable when dealing with larger pieces of wood or performing more complex tasks.

Comparing Woodworking Bases

When to Use a Woodworking Workbench versus a Workmate

For preparation work such as cutting, shaping, and flattening wood, my regular woodworking workbench is ideal. I use it to prepare parts for projects and even for some small glue-ups. However, the challenges arise during the actual assembling phase. A regular workbench, while useful for smaller parts, is too small and often too high for furniture assembly, especially for tasks requiring a comfortable working height at around 40 inches from the floor to my elbow.

Addressing the Need for a Dedicated Assembly Table

One of the key steps in furniture assembly is ensuring you have a flat, stable, and large enough surface to handle drawers, boxes, and cases. A flat surface and ample space are prerequisites for successful assembly. Most furniture assembly requires a surface area at least the size of a regular dining table, approximately 4 feet by 6 feet, to accommodate the parts without undue stress.

Building an Effective Assembly Table

Construction of the Assembly Table

My solution was to construct a purpose-built assembly table to complement my existing workbench. The table is designed to be sturdy and flat, with dimensions of 4 feet by 6 feet, and a top made of a 1 1/4-inch thick sheet of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), covered with a 1/4-inch thick piece of tempered hardboard. For durability, I finished the surface with marine-grade polyurethane and added a coat of wax to prevent glue adhesion. Additionally, I incorporated an overhanging edge to allow for easy placement of clamps during assembly.

The Benefits of a Well-Designed Assembly Table

The key advantages of this setup are:

Stability: The construction ensures the surface remains flat and stable, even under the weight of large furniture components. Adequate Space: The larger surface area provides ample room to maneuver your project during assembly. Comfortable Height: The table is situated at a comfortable 30-inch height, ensuring a more efficient and ergonomic assembly process.

Conclusion: Balancing Stability and Functionality

While a Black and Decker Workmate can be a handy tool for many woodworking tasks, it is often not sufficient for furniture assembly due to its size and stability issues. Using a combination of a regular woodworking workbench and a purpose-built assembly table can provide the necessary stability and space for successful furniture projects.

Keywords

Black and Decker Workmate, woodworking workbench, furniture assembly, comfortable height, stability, flat surface, ample space, MDF, tempered hardboard, marine-grade polyurethane, wax finish, clamps, ergonomic setup, woodworking projects, furniture making, assembly table.