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A good portable workbench is the foundation of efficient onsite work.
The right portable workbench (or worktable) will maximize efficiency and minimize frustrations that always arise when doing work away from your shop.
I’m sure most of us have experienced the struggle of working somewhere outside of your shop and needing a stable surface to cut on or perhaps a firm location to clamp to.
However, you’re forced to make do with what’s onsite so you use a pile of wood or a cardboard box as your work surface, which makes the task take 10 times as long and sacrifices the quality you are striving for.
For this reason, when possible, most fabricators and makers prefer to do as much work possible in their shop before installing. But there will usually be some things that unfortunately must be done onsite or “in the field”.
This is why choosing the best fit for your specific use case(s) is more important than letting price dictate your decision. The most expensive one might not be the best one for you, but also trying to save $50 now might cost you $500 in labor or mistakes later down the road.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
The Best Portable Workbench with Reviews 2021
Here are the products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your skill level, needs and budget...
1. WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table
- 300lb max load as work table
- 1000lb max load as a workhorse
- Connects to additional models to extend
- Includes 4 clamp dogs & 2 quick clamps
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- Easy to carry light weight design
- Weighs about 28lbs
- 3-year warranty
The Good
- Very highly rated.
- Ready to go straight out the box.
- Very lightweight & solid design.
- Nice large work surface.
- One of the models with more height for taller people.
- Clamps & pegs stay locked together when stored.
- Users appreciated the small tool storage areas which become handy.
Not so Good
- You cannot clamp any clamp as the underside is not flat.
- Black+Decker dogs/pegs will not fit these holes.
- No carry handle when closed.
- May not provide value for those who don’t plan to use it often.
Overview
Our Editor’s Pick has to go to the Worx Pegasus. This workbench gained popularity over the last few years to become a best seller – and rightfully so.
It provides everything most people would ask for in a folding workbench:
- Lightweight
- Strong (Steel reinforced ABS plastic)
- Large working surface area
- Can be combined with others of the same model to make a larger work surface
- Simple and quick assembly table
- Can be used as work table or as a saw horse
- Ton of extra features
If you’re someone who plans to make great use of a folding workbench, then make this a strong consideration. It’s cheaper than some other top end workmates, with added extra features.
2. Festool Mobile Workshop MW 1000
- Overall Dimensions: 25-1/4" L x 23-5/8" W x 46-21/32" H,
- Total Load Capacity: 220 lbs.
- Extension Table Overall Dimensions: 19-11/16" W x 40-5/16" L
- Extension Table Work Surface: 17-13/32"W x 38-1/32" L
- Work Height: 34-7/16"
- Weight: 68.34 lbs.
- Compatible with MFT 3 accessories
- Large rubber-lined and shock resistant wheels
The Good
- Efficiently organize and store tools and accessories
- Ideal for on-site use
- Storage and worktable in one mobile unit
- Large rubber-lined and shock resistant wheels
- Perforated MDF top with aluminum rails allows for clamping and attachment options
- Includes guide rail supports, parallel guides, quick clamps and more…
- Extension table for increasing work surface
- Fully compatible with MFT 3 accessories.
- Easy set up and take down
Not so Good
- Even though it has wheels, it is heavier than many portable workbenches
- Storage options not as useful if you don’t have other Festool equipment
- Fairly bulky when broken down, doesn’t flat pack like many workbenches
- The most expensive of the work benches.
Overview
Our Selection of the Festool Mobile Workshop as the Best Professional Pick is well deserved.
For Professionals who already have Festool Equipment, this is the “top of the line” portable work station. It integrates seamlessly with their system and helps contribute to a clean efficient work site. As one reviewer stated “If you’ve dipped into the green koo-laid this is an awesome addition.”
- Large working surface area
- Strong (ABS plastic with aluminum)
- Very stable well designed and rolls smoothly when broken down
- Simple and quick assembly table
- Can be used as work table or as a pop-up table
- Ton of extra features
If you’re looking to upgrade and invest in a system that will help you look and perform in a more professional manner, look no further than the Festool system.
Everything they make is high quality and integrates seamlessly together…the mobile work shop is no exception.
3. Keter Folding Work Station Workbench
- Extendable legs from 30.3" to 34.2"
- Quick opening system
- Sturdy carrying handle
- Includes two adjustable holding clamps
- Heavy duty resin construction
- Adjustable version has a weight limit of 700lbs
- Non-adjustable version has a weight limit of 1000lbs
- 2-year warranty
The Good
- Very portable and easy to hold with a carry handle.
- Simple & quick set up.
- Has a second shelve which is very handy to place tools on.
- Largest weight limit of any bench at 1000lbs.
- Very sturdy for placing power tools, woodworking tools, etc. onto.
Not so Good
- No place to store the clamps included with purchase.
- Users have noted that the legs do not clamp firm when folded which creates a rattle.
- Users also mentioned that the adjustable version does not offer a great range of height increments.
Overview
Our selection of the bunch for Best Advanced Pick has to be both of the Keter portable workbenches. The main characteristic of these models is that they fold into a very compact case which you can store in tight places anywhere around the house.
The price difference is due to the adjustable version having extendable legs which gives the table more height when necessary. This allows for an extra 6 inches, in 2-inch increments.
4. Black & Decker WM125 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 350lbs
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Easy to carry
- Compact & lightweight
- Durable steel frame
- Weighs about 17.8lbs
- 2-year warranty
The Good
- Extremely cheap, excellent value.
- Very lightweight. Comes 90% pre-assembled.
- Perfect for the casual DIY’er.
Not so Good
- Lacks a lot of features compared to other models.
- No clamping system.
- No additional storage.
- Small working surface area compared to others.
- Not recommended for larger jobs or frequent use.
Overview
The Black & Decker WM125 Workmate is our runner up choice to the Keter as it’s the best bang for your buck on the list. It is a different type of workbench, compared to the Keter, as it has adjustable jaws to grip whatever item you are working on. The best thing about this model is that it allows you to work vertically as well.
Although the manufacturer labeled it as a heavy duty folding workbench, reviewers have contradicted this claim and only recommend it for light to medium duty type of work.
This may not be the pick of a professional handyman working on a house project, however, it is a great option for those with small scale projects or novices needing to add this versatile tool to their repertoire.
5. Kreg KWS1000 Mobile Project Center Workbench
- 350 lbs max load
- Weighs 40 lbs
- Workbench & Sawhorse design
- Connects to multiple tables
- Second shelve for storage
- Solid metal frame construction
- Quick clamping system
- 3 year warranty
The Good
- Great for connecting multiple tables together.
- Large work surface area.
- Very easy clamping system included.
- Heavier metal design could suggest an even more durable build.
- Designed for the professional / frequent user.
Not so Good
- Compared to the similar Worx it’s heavier and more expensive.
- Can be difficult to carry around.
- Questionable that the price difference can be justified.
- There is a known hazard when opening that it pinches your hand.
- Clamps are loose and not locked to the table when folded.
Overview
It would have been a close call between the Kreg and Worx benches as they are very similar, however the Kreg’s price and weight pushed it down on our list. Outside of that it’s an excellent workbench for the modern worker.
6. KETER Jobmade Portable Work Bench
- Folded: 34. 65 in L x 21. 81 in. W x 4. 41 in. H
- Standing: 38. 19 in. L x 25. 39 in. W x 31. 89 in. H
- Listed to hold 1000 lbs.
- Durable and strong construction
- Less than 30lbs:
- Includes four holding clamps to secure a variety of working materials
- Removable tool organizer that clips into the table to always have on hand
The Good
- Made of heavy-duty resin with aluminum legs and a work space
- Less than 30 seconds set up
- Weather-resistant polypropylene construction prevents rusting, peeling, and denting.
- Collapses down to 4.4 inches thick for easy storage in a pinch
- Has a built-in storage compartment to keep all your tools on hand when you need them and neatly organized in one place.
Not so Good
- Legs angle out which prevent it from being put flush against a wall or other table
- May hold close to the listed weight but can feel unstable under heavy weight.
- Clamping system that comes with it lacks the clamping force of traditional clamps for wood working
Overview
The Keter Jobmade checks a lot of boxes. Overall this portable workbench is both sturdy and easy to carry. The work surface has integrated clamps but they are not high quality so the clamping pressure is not strong. Legs screw in and are easy to assemble, but It does take some assembly each time as the legs go in individually.
It is a highly versatile work table which allows for a wide range of projects to be carried out with great ease. It has a reliable structure and design. I would stay away from putting heavy loads on it.
7. Black & Decker WM1000 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 550lb
- Robust steel frame
- 670 x 450mm solid bamboo plate
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- One-hand quick folding
- Easy to carry
- Weighs about 40lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- New workmate model.
- Easy transportation and versatile storage options.
- Set up is straight forward and it comes half assembled.
- Very solid design.
- Speed crank is handy.
Not so Good
- Price
- On the heavier side.
- People over 6’5″ may find themselves hunching over.
- Does not have the vertical & horizontal clamping like the WM425.
- Crank belt has been known to slip off occasionally.
Overview
Overall this portable workbench is both sturdy and compact. The work surface is made of bamboo and you can turn it into a clamping mechanism when the project requires it.
It is a highly versatile work table which allows for a wide range of projects to be carried out with great ease. It has a reliable structure and design. It really deserves the heavy duty feature as it allows ample projects to be done.
8. Black & Decker WM425 Workmate Workbench
- Max load of 550lb
- Heavyweight steel design
- One-handed clamp system
- Quick-clamping mechanism
- Vertical clamping
- Includes four swivel pegs, extra block, and vise-to-workbench converter insert
- Easy to carry
- Weighs about 40lbs
- 2 year warranty
The Good
- Strong solid design
- Vertical clamping vise is great for wider pieces of wood
- Large working space compared to other Workmate models
- Easy to store and transport
Not so Good
- Difficult to assemble – users claim instructions are unclear
- Reviewers complain that the moving of production from the US or Canada to China caused a decrease in quality
Overview
The Black & Decker WM425 Workmate folding workbench is on the pricier side, however, the good thing about it is that you can use the top as a vice or as a workstation.
It’s the perfect mix between compact and feature friendly to allow you to work on larger projects. This makes this model a notch above the novice/hobby category and justifies the price hike.
9. Performance Tool W54025 Portable Workbench
- Max load of 200 lb
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Easy to carry
- Compact & lightweight
- One-handed clamp system
- Jaws can be angled
- Weighs about 18 lbs
- 1 year warranty
The Good
- Excellent value
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
- Great bench for light work
- Perfect for the home/ casual DIY’er
Not so Good
- Small working surface
- Printed measurements fade pretty quickly
- Instructions are not great
- Not recommended for larger jobs / more frequent jobs
Overview
An alternative to the WM125 is the Performance Tool W54025 portable workbench. This is a reliable workbench; it is foldable, and has a lower price point.
This is a minimum requirement, minimum investment workbench. It does the job with basics like stamped metal and plastic parts. This is a simple case of what you see is what you get.
Features to consider before buying
Every person installing has different preferences and needs so there is a wide variety of designed solutions to fit your line of work and budget.
The first step is to determine the features that will drive your decision process.
Features such as:
- Work area dimensions
- Adjustability
- Portability
- Weight capacity
- Durability
- Special attachments
- Price
Work Area Dimensions:
When it comes to work area size, that is 90% the reason you have a worktable. It’s a delicate balance between getting as much surface area as you can get, but without it taking up too much space.
As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t need it to be deeper than you can reach with your arms or wider than your wingspan from palm-to-palm. However, going by this set of criteria would probably make your portable table too bulky.
While my rule is that it’s better to have too much work surface rather than not enough…for the sake of portability I would recommend you keep the maximum bench surface dimensions at 24” deep x 36” wide or under.
Some of the workbenches reviewed have the ability to use only part of the total work surface while the other part is folded away. This can be very useful when working in confined spaces.
Adjustability:
Adjustability references the workbench’s ability to change its height, width or depth to make it more flexible for different uses or different work height preferences.
Countertop height is 36”, desk height is 30”, and a good worksurface height would be in between those two. Somewhere in the 32”-33” range.
Adjustability is all about two things: Use and comfort.
You should ask yourself if you need to use the workbench at different heights for various types of projects, or if you need to work at specific heights for fatigue or physical strain issues. Being comfortable during your work allows you the time and focus to do your very best.
Portability:
Portability is half of the prime function of a portable workbench.
This can be achieved with some key features:
- Wheels
- Collapsible legs & sides
- Removeable legs
- Weight
Weight might be the most important factor in this category. For instance, some portable workbenches can be as light as 15lbs while others can be over 30lbs.
When determining the portability factors for your needs, ask yourself:
- How it will travel to site?
- How much space will it take up in a vehicle or in your shop when not in use?
- Will it spend more time set up being used or folded and put away?
- Will you be carrying it upstairs frequently or for long distances?
Answering these questions will help shape your choice and could even lead to the realization of you needing a more standard workbench instead of a portable one. Non-portable workbenches tend to be more stable.
Weight Capacity:
This is as pretty straight forward as it seems: How much weight does my workbench need to hold?
Most are rated to hold at least 300lbs, which should suffice for many DIY projects. Some can hold up to 1000lbs and more but be sure to check the ratings as some can only hold the heavier weights in certain configurations and you want to always work safely within the guidelines of the workbench instructions for the safety of you and your project.
Durability:
The materials that make up a piece of equipment or tool are just as important as the quality with which it is assembled. These two factors combined with the product design come together to determine the overall durability.
The more durable something is, the more value or quality you get for your dollar over the life of the purchase. In some cases, it is a better “deal” to buy something more expensive if it lasts you for years of strenuous use.
Each maker must determine how durable they think their work surface will need to be. Good things to look for are durable plastic (polyethylene or ABS), steel reinforcement, woodwork surfaces and metal legs.
Special Attachments:
This is where each table starts to separate themselves from the pack.
Whether it incorporates router table attachments, clamps (or special clamping connections), wheels, holes for bench dogs (sometimes with bench dogs included), storage containers or designed incorporation with additional high end tool systems.
Special attachments are a great bonus, but the main driving factors to focus on would be the ones mentioned previously. If after weighing all of those categories you are still stuck between two workbenches then it becomes time to look at the “bells and whistles”.
Price:
In our opinion this should be the least important consideration.
We at Tools First view tool purchases as investments in your future skill development and projects. Countless times we have spoken with makers who decide to guide their purchase based on price and regret it.
Sometimes it is better to save a bit longer and purchase something you can use now and grow into since higher price and higher quality often go hand-in-hand.
We factor price into our matrix but encourage our members to use this as the least important factor. Cheaper tools and equipment don’t last as long and hold their value for much shorter length of time.
We follow the philosophy of “the right tool for the right job gets the best possible results”. In our 20+ years of experience, the cheapest has rarely ever been the best.
Conclusion
There is a wide variety of options to serve every need and budget. Some are very specific for certain types of installations or fabrication.
How you plan to use it should be the most important factor in choosing. Lay out the next few projects you are planning or go over the last few installations that you have done.
Write down the difficulties you encountered and see if a portable work surface would have helped and how. Taking notes during your process is also a good practice since we tend to forget the little things later on down the road. This exercise is important to see if there are any specifics you should lean towards.
Ultimately the important thing is to know what you are looking for and you will find the perfect match for you.
However, for us, the Editor’s choice for portable workbench award goes to the Worx Pegasus.
FAQ about workbenches
Q: What is a portable workbench?
A portable workbench is similar to a stationary workbench in function. It tends to be lighter and less stable but can be very useful for doing work away from your workshop or to create temporary additional work surface in your shop.
Q: What is a portable workbench used for?
A portable workbench is used as a work bench or assembly surface. Its portability is what makes it an integral part of any onsite work. Many types of portable workbenches have integrated clamping and storage accessories which give you similar capabilities as you would have in your workshop.
Q: What makes a good portable workbench?
A good portable workbench is one that fits your need. Some need storage while they work, some need clamping accessories or the flexibility for something to double as a router table. I feel a good portable workbench is one that is easily transportable, lightweight, stable and easy to set up (under 30 seconds). Any features beyond that will only make it better.
Q: What is the optimal height for a portable workbench?
Many portable workbenches offer adjustable height settings. For those that don’t it is good to know your preference since everyone has different work height desires.
A kitchen counter height is 36” and dining tables are usually 30” so a good workbench is somewhere between. A good place to start would be the measurement from the floor up to your thumb knuckle on your hand when it is comfortably hanging at your side.
Q: How much weight can a portable workbench hold?
The weight limit or “static load” a workbench can hold will vary from model to model and brand to brand. You should expect a decent portable workbench to hold at least 200 lbs, but some of the more robust ones can hold 1,000 lbs. of static load. Static load refers to a load that does not change in size, position or direction. An example is a car parked in a driveway. A good example of a dynamic load is the weight of a moving car on the road. Keep this in mind if you sit on a workbench and it feels a little wobbly, the human body is rarely static so that effects the stability of the bench.
Q: How long will a portable workbench last?
A good portable workbench will be made of durable and lasting materials. With proper use and care it should last you years. Like any purchase, good quality has a price and if you choose the least expensive option and use it frequently then it will not usually have a long life.
Q: What is the difference between a portable workbench and a portable worktable?
For most brands, portable workbench and portable worktable are used interchangeably. Though in some situations a portable work bench tends to have a smaller work surface then a portable worktable.
Q: Should a workbench have an overhang?
An overhang on the work surface is very useful on a portable workbench. It allows for a more flexible work surface and increases clamping connection points. While it isn’t crucial, a stable work surface with an overhang can make for a more comfortable portable workbench.
FYI. The keeter has cutouts on the lower level to store the clamps that are included with the bench.
Bought mine with adjustable legs for $39 at SAMs Club on sale. Regular price is $57. Can’t beat it for the price.
There’s an error in here. The Keter has a place to store the clamps. I’m not aware of any rattle when it’s closed.
My keter bench looks just like the one in this article and it does have recessed clamp storage on the second shelf. May be a different model?
Hi
I notice I have paid for a portable workbench on my pay pal account but I do not seem to have received said item but you have taken money it was ordered about June 7th