In every distinguished woodworker’s workshop, there is one thing that can’t be missing! We are talking, of course, about the woodworking table. The best woodworking bench or table can become your ideal workspace to develop a wide variety of projects. But would it be enough to have a regular desk playing such role or should the item be of other build?
Woodworker’s bench can become as important as any other tool in your workshop, since you’d be measuring, cutting and perfecting your crafts on its very own surface. Some models are space saving and can fold, some come with storage and space for specific carpenter tools. So how can you find the one prefect bench that is made of reliable materials and can withhold hours of work? We’ve got a specific list of the most durable and comfortable woodworker’s desks and the guide on how to choose one. Let’s read on.
More features: foldable, one-handed clamp system, 2-year limited warranty
Few people doubt that the B & D Portable Workbench is one of the best folding woodworking tables. Ron Hickman invented the Workmate bench more than 60 years ago. In his day, Ron was not able to convince any brand to market it. So he had to sell it himself.
However, in 1968, Ron Hickman convinced a DIY magazine to display his bench at the London Dream House Fair. Its success was such that Hickman sold more than 1800 folding benches that same year. Shortly afterward B&D decided to work with Ron to improve their design.
First of all, the BD WM425 folding trestle bench is multifunctional. It serves as a general stand, clamp bench, and tool bench. Also, its front clamp can be placed vertically, which facilitates the clamping of some pieces.
Secondly, the unique design of its jaws makes it useful. Each jaw can be individually adjusted or can be tightened and loosened simultaneously. This, added to its accessories, allow a reliable clamping of the workpiece.
What we liked
The folding system of the Workmate is different from that of other benches. What makes the Workmate workbench so special is that it has two working heights. Furthermore, once folded, it is very compact and easy to transport.
What could be better
The tool could be better if it’s made to be adjustable in height. The key is in its lower legs, which can be kept folded (to work with tall pieces) or extended (to gain working height).
More features: foldable, locking caster wheels, 52 x 25 in workspace, 1-year limited warranty
The Cisco 66761DKG1E SmartFold is a foldable woodworking workbench, as its name suggests. Suitable for heavy-duty woodworking projects, the SmartFold is made of a hardwood top while the frame and the rest of the tool are made of steel.
Unlike other types of benches, this model comes with four casters which make the bench easy to move from its outdoor place of use to the garage, home, or any storage location. The caster wheels can be locked in place to prevent unwanted mobility during your woodworking projects.
When folded in place, the bench can be turned to a very compact size for storage. You can have it stored while it is upright, using the wheels.
The wooden top bench has dimensions of 25 x 55 x 14 inches approximately. The weight capacity of the top shelf is 350 lbs. Meanwhile, the bottom shelf has a storage space made of metal. Here, you can place anything with a weight of up to 250 lbs.
What we liked
We like how reliable the worktop, which is made of hardwood, is. The steel material of the supporting frame makes the bench very durable and suitable for heavy-duty woodworks. We also like the fact it is foldable and has caster wheels that can be locked in place.
What could be better
Comes with caster wheels that feel unreliable
More features: foldable, carrying handle, weather-resistant, 12-in clamps included, 2-year limited warranty
The Keter plastic and aluminum folding table is very different from the previous ones. The best thing about the Keter folding table is its ease of folding and assembly. Once folded, it is reduced to a small, very easy to transport briefcase. The table sets up in just 30 seconds. Keter’s portable folding work table is useful in install miter saws or bench saws.
Despite being very light (it is made of resin plastic and aluminum), the Keter folding table can withstand very high loads of up to 400 lbs. This is thanks to its two-tier design with reinforcement hinges between the upper and lower surfaces. These serve to effectively transmit the weight to the ground.
The Keter portable bench includes two jaws that can be mounted horizontally or vertically and are very useful for holding workpieces. Because it is made of plastic and aluminum, it is 100% resistant to humidity, which allows it to be used outdoors.
What we liked
Despite its portability and lightness, we like the fact that the tool is very durable and sturdy. It is also a good table to install a miter saw or table saw.
What could be better
The woodworking workbench is advertised that it can support up to 1000 lbs of weight. However, the manual clearly states it should not be loaded with a weight of more than 400 lbs.
More features: ¾-in fiber bench dogs included, accommodates for left-handed users, 10-year limited warranty
This product includes the SJÖBERGS SCANDI PLUS 1825 workbench with the SM03 cabinet. It’s the perfect workbench for the demanding do-it-yourselfers! The beech worktop has a double row of bench hooks. The additional clamp can be inserted into all bench hook holes. With all accessories, this workbench is very versatile in use.
The workbench SCANDI PLUS 1825 is a hardwood workbench with solid workmanship. The worktop is made of solidly glued beech, oiled, parallel clamping front/rear clamp with double clamp guide. The worktop has double holes, both vertically and horizontally, for four bench hooks.
The bench dog holes are also suitable for the use of a clamp. The bench dogs (always part of the package) are round and also hold irregular workpieces. They can also be used in the front legs.
The workbench is complemented by a closed (SM 03) and an open cabinet module (SM07). The fronts of both cabinet versions are made of beech, the side panels are made of plywood.
The length of the worktop is 1730 mm and it has a total length of 1858 mm. The core thickness of the worktop is 38 mm, the front edge thickness is 110 mm, while the working height is 900 mm.
What we liked
We like the quality of the construction of the worktop. It is made of solidly glued and oiled beech.
What could be better
The price could be cheaper. It commands a high investment. However, for the quality of the wood and the included cabinet, it still offers a fair value for money.
More features: customizable shelving, 2-year limited warranty
The 2x4basics 90164 is a custom workbench with a shelving storage system. The set comes included with all hardware needed. You just need to add the size of the lumber you wish to use. The tool is simple to assemble. You only need a powered screwdriver with a saw. You don’t need an angle or miter cuts.
The 2x4basics product is ideal for use in the shed or garage. It includes very sturdy and durable Shelf Links. They give you the ability to organize items easily into the storage shelving.
This DIY workbench is made of wood and heavy-duty resin. Yet, it has a durable but simple design and can withstand rough and heavy conditions of use.
When you purchase the custom workbench, you’ll be reassured by the 2-year warranty which accompanies it.
What we liked
One of the biggest upsides of the wood bench is the quality and strength of the material. This ensures the device can support a weight of up to 1000 lbs, according to the manufacturer.
What could be better
The package doesn’t feature the lumber which we understand because of the price.
More features: three grounded outlets, sliding drawers, boltless assembly, the 13-watt upper light
The Olympia Tools 87-883-917 is a multipurpose workbench with onboard integrated light. The workbench can illuminate your work with 13W fluorescent lights.
Rechargeable, the workbench lets you enjoy your hobbies at any time of the day. The steel construction has a heavy-duty enamel finish for long-lasting durability. The drawers under the bench are ideal for storing small items, while the full-width pegboard is perfect for organizing tools.
It is very simple but has a great load capacity and is very large. The model is ideal for all DIYers and woodworkers who have a workshop and want to install a fixed workbench.
The maximum weight allowed on this workbench is 220 lbs, which is a bit too low.
What we liked
This table is made of metal and wood with a really attractive design. The work table includes a light for workspace illumination. Also, the table is rechargeable for use during blackouts.
What could be better
The workbench could be better if it is foldable. Also, you should consider.
Nowadays, people tend to make purchases often. But they usually get products which are far from the quality they expect. This is because they do not always know what things to take into account before choosing. In this section, you’ll find all the necessary information needed to purchase and use a carpenter bench.
Of course, there are as many varied prices as there are models available on the market. You will need a budget that ranges from $50 to $500 for a folding model, while it will take you from $300 to more than $2000 for a joiner’s device. However, below is the most common categorization as far as price range of workbenches are:
Below are some features and criteria you should consider before buying a woodworking bench.
Below are the different models of workbenches:
First, you have to take into account the load supported by the workbench. One of the most relevant elements to consider when choosing a workbench is the thickness of the worktop. The tool must be able to support the weight of the part you want to work with. But it must also be able to be balanced and absorb shock without shaking, vibrating, or bending.
The worktop of a professional bench is about 60 millimeters thick. Therefore, once again, it is important to know your needs and future uses. This helps you to know the thickness that suits you best.
A workbench must be able to withstand a more or less substantial load, be resistant to rough and relatively heavy works, and not deform after a few years of use. Depending on your budget, of course, you can choose from several materials.
If the idea is to have a fixed bench, storage is essential, so that you can always have your tools in order and at hand. In this regard, the fixed bench must have an upper plank equipped with hooks and hangers where you can place your tools to your liking. They should also include at least one large drawer or two half-width drawers (from the work table) where you can store other items.
On the other hand, it is also convenient to have holes or supports in the bench where you can hang the tools that you are using at the moment, both for the fixed ones and for the portable ones. For both models, look for models that have a shelf at the bottom, on which you can place other tools and objects while working.
However, if you are concerned about space, in addition to your fixed bench, you can always choose to buy a tool cabinet or something similar to keep your workshop in order.
You need a workspace large enough to be able to work comfortably. For this purpose, we recommend that you choose a folding workbench with a work surface large enough to place the materials and parts you want to work on. This way, you will be able to get all your DIY work done without suffering from particular back problems.
You have the opportunity to select a movable worktop that can be pivoted and will serve as a vertical press thanks to a ninety-degree tilt. Also, you have the option of choosing a single or double workspace such as you can find with the COSCO 66761DKG1E and the Olympia Tools Multipurpose Workbench with Light.
Among the criteria, stability is also important. If you’re going to choose a collapsible workbench, it is important to make sure it is well balanced otherwise your tools may end up on the ground.
Sometimes it is important to press hard on the workbench or the object you are working on. If your device is not robust and sturdy enough, the chances of it bending are very high. It is also important to select one with large feet.
A professional workbench must be able to accommodate fairly heavy loads and not warp over the years. The best models can accommodate between 200 and 1000 lbs and come with warranty coverage of 2 years and above. The Keter Folding Table Work Bench can support up to 1,000 lbs weight.
Some types of workbenches are equipped with a clamping system or a vise. These are used to clamp a piece of wood or other materials between the two shelves of the appliance. This system can be very useful and save you from carrying a vise or clamps along with your folding workbench.
The size of your folding workbench should be adapted to the workshop space where you want to install it. Also, if you’re a very mobile person and want to use your bench in multiple locations, choose portable options that are foldable, easy to assemble, and disassemble. For fixed models, leave a space of approximately 1.10 meters around the work furniture. However, note that the smaller it is, the more complicated the job will be. The same goes for length. The height of your workbench should also not be too small, so as not to cause back problems.
Some extra features to watch out for include integrated lights, caster wheels, drawers, carrying handles, among others. A bench with built-in light ensures you can continue woodworking when there is no illumination. With caster wheels, the storage and portability are increased. For private storage space, models with drawers such as the Sjöbergs Scandi Plus 1825 and the Olympia Tools Multipurpose Workbench with Light offer additional storage space.
A workbench can provide a wide range of space on which you can comfortably and safely build a DIY craft or make professional woodwork. Let’s narrow down the number of products in our review to the three we liked most.
The Editor’s Choice is the BLACK+DECKER Portable Workbench. This is a folding trestle bench that is very multifunctional. You can use it as a general stand, clamp bench, or tool bench. It is our overall best woodworking bench.
The COSCO 66761DKG1E SmartFold is the best for heavy-duty projects. Suitable for professional woodworking projects, the SmartFold is foldable and made of a hardwood top while the frame is made of steel.
Our Budget Choice is for the 2x4basics 90164 Custom Work Bench. It is DIY model that is made of quality materials. You can decide on the table’s length and shelving, and build your personal workstation by just following instructions.
