The typical woodworking workbenches come in huge sizes and substantial weight. This allows them to maintain their stance while the worker is working on a piece of wood using other tools, be it hand tools or power tools. According to James Hamilton of Stumpy Nubs channel, a workbench functions as a work-holding device or a big jig that is one of the most important tools in your shop.
A workbench functions as a work-holding device or a big jig that is one of the most important tools in your shop.
James Hamilton
Stumpy Nubs Channel
Moreover, workbenches are equipped with features and devices that hold the wood piece for you. Some of them include built-in face vices, leg vices, end vices, and dog holes where you can put pegs, holdfast, and other accessories or tools.
Most of the said features are commonly present in massive sizes of workbenches. Nonetheless, if you don’t have sufficient space in your workshop for such a table, a folding workbench is an ideal alternative.
Folding workbenches come in smaller sizes but can still provide some essential features you need. Some even showcase additional compartments and sections for storage. Still, the best and the most appealing attributes of folding workbenches are their reliability even in they are lightweight and portable.
The best folding workbenches are manufactured by some of the leading brands such as WORX, Black + Decker, Kreg, and Keter. The common ground of these brands is the quality and integrity of their product and the number of useful integrated features. This includes the adjustability of the table’s height which is truly important since there is no fixed standard when it comes to the height of workbenches. This will benefit tall and short workers and those who intend to use the tables for different tasks like sanding, assembly, and other general tasks that are better performed at specific heights.
One great example of a portable and folding workbench that is on the lead is the Kreg KWS1000. It boasts great strength that is up to 1100-pound capacity, depending on its purpose. This brings us to its capability to work both as a worktable and a sawhorse and even as a portable clamping station. Its table is purely ergonomic and filled with lots of useful details that add up to its value. For instance, it offers a center aluminum track, more lines and rows of dog holes, keyhole slots, clamp channels, and more. However, Kreg KWS1000 falls short when it comes to the availability of height adjustment. If that is a big issue for you, the Black + Decker WM425-A is a good alternative to have.
Nonetheless, there are other options worth considering. To help you find versatile folding workbenches with the special attributes mentioned above, we rounded up the five best models available. Tested and compared, here are their respective rankings and our personal insights about them.
Best Folding Workbenches Comparison & Rating
1. Kreg KWS1000 Mobile Project Center Workbench
Brand | Kreg |
Height | 31.5" |
Leg/Body Material | Heavy-gauge Steel |
Adjustable Height | No |
Kreg KWS1000 is designed to closely mimic the structure of traditional workbenches professionals love and that’s what we love about it.
Compared to WORX Pegasus WX051, it brags more lines and rows of dog holes which means the variety of material sizes it can cater to is vast. It will also allow you to use it with numerous accessories and tools. Nonetheless, there is almost no need for that as it comes with additional auto-adjust bench clamps and bench dogs. Really great in aiding you in the precision and stability of your task.
It also sports a center aluminum track between the two sections of the table. It lets the included crank bench clamp to slide, rotate, and be adjusted to the appropriate angle where you need to clamp the material.
The ends of the tracks are also designed with keyhole slots to allow the integration of bench clamps. Under the table, there are also designated channels for Kreg Wood Project clamps. With this, its versatility is almost endless as it is fashioned to complement a vast number of Kreg accessories.
The texture of the 27.5 “x 31.5” lockable table surface is somewhat smooth which makes its cleanup easy and fast. It also helps with the maneuverability of big materials that are too hard to turn. The fact that its countertop can be tilted also makes it a superstar on the list. You can also extend it by connecting another unit. With this, you have a worktable, a sawhorse, a clamping station, and a long counter just like WORX Pegasus WX051.
The construction and overall build of the table are also supreme. The legs are made of heavy-gauge steel and the work surface is made of thick, solid polypropene resin. With this, you have a literally heavy workbench model. This might compromise the fact that you are looking for a ‘portable’ workbench, but this actually reflects how quality its build is. This also contributes to its balance that is matchless even if it exceeds its 1100-pound weight capacity. Of course, its rubber contacts are also factors to appreciate for its great traction.
It also has a bottom storage shelf which is very practical in keeping your workplace organized. The recessed trays are also great for screws, pencils, and small materials that you commonly lose while at work. It even comes with a pair of drill holsters! Indeed, it has the best features for folding workbenches.
2. WORX Pegasus WX051 Multi-Function Workbench
Brand | WORX |
Height | 32” |
Leg/Body Material | ABS Plastic With Steel Reinforcements |
Adjustable Height | No |
WORX Pegasus WX051 is a multi-function workbench. It can serve both as a sawhorse and a worktable that can handle 1000 and 300 pounds, respectively. The transition is swift as a breeze and almost effortless. If you have can purchase two or more tables of this model, they can be easily connected to form a long counter for bigger projects. Nonetheless, with the width between the clamps that is over 17 inches, a single table is enough for most average-sized projects.
It also comes with a storage shelf at its bottom as an added convenience. This lets you reach easily your tools when working on a project and have a mess-free work surface. It is filled with other ergonomic details that will certainly benefit you such as the built-in measuring guides, integrated clamping system, and pocket holes for screws and pencils.
The build of the table is incredibly thick, thanks to the ABS plastic strengthened with steel reinforcements. It can even complete with the strength of full-metal tables available on the market! Further, the stance of the legs is unbeatable due to the thick construction and lock security feature. No wiggly movements and no shaking whether you are using a miter saw or a traditional wood saw to cut your workpieces.
Another fact that will make it impossible for you to turn it down is the additional two integrated quick clamps and four clamp dogs that will make your job way easier. The items, just like the workbench itself, are top-notch when it comes to quality. With this, handling ¾-inch woods is no problem at all.
3. Black + Decker WM425-A Portable Workbench
Brand | Black + Decker |
Height | 30” |
Leg/Body Material | Heavy-gauge Steel |
Adjustable Height | Yes |
Black + Decker WM425-A is one of the few portable workbenches that can allow height adjustment of legs. This makes it stand out among other choices available.
It boasts a maximum of 30” height that can be lowered 7” down by folding the table’s feet. This gives you options for the appropriate height fit for your activities like sanding and other general tasks.
The laminated bamboo stalk worktop is remarkably solid and sturdy. And thick, to be specific. The dog holes are very capable of holding the pegs and holdfasts efficiently. It also allows a 500-pound weight capacity, thanks to the support of its heavy-gauge steel frame. Truly firm. With these elements, you have a fantastic tool that can stand firm even for those shaky moments of sanding and material flipping and assembly.
Moreover, the tool is very versatile as it can also function as a worktable and a sawhorse. It is also fashioned with lots of ergonomic details that give you 1-9/16-inch vertical clamping, 7-1/2-inch parallel clamping, 19-inch parallel peg clamping, and 30-inch diagonal peg clamping. Add to that, it is also armed with handy measurements imprinted on its working surface!
Generally, using the table is very easy. The one-hand clamping system allows the clamps to hold materials with just a few turns. The folding and unfolding of the body, on the other hand, are truly fast. When folded, the table is compact and can be stored without consuming too much space.
4. Keter 197283 Folding Table Workbench
Brand | Keter |
Height | 30” |
Leg/Body Material | Aluminum |
Adjustable Height | No |
If you are not really comfortable with the limited space most portable workbenches give, Keter 197283 is a good choice. It has dimensions of 33.46” x 21.65” x 29.75” which means you’ll have sufficient workspace for your job. Despite that, it only folds at 4.4 inches thickness that makes its storage still doable.
When you fold or unfold it, you’ll have that satisfying snap that will ensure you how incredible its setup is. Within seconds, you can transform it from a worktable to a sawhorse. Just lift the bottom platform and push the legs inward. Easy and fast.
The table surface is made of resin. Truly thick and well-built. Really firm and rigid. The aluminum legs are substantial and offer an unmoving stance once locked. With all these materials, the table itself is very resistant to rusting and peeling. Hence, you got yourself a tool that’ll last for years.
Furthermore, it has a 1000-pound weight capacity, and to aid with this, the package comes with two 12-inch clamps that are truly powerful and incredibly tight to hold materials in place.
The table comes with a storage section below the working surface. It is relatively higher compared to the ones found on Kreg KWS1000 and WORX Pegasus WX051. Nonetheless, this placement offers great functions. Besides allowing users to reach for tools easily without the need to bend or kneel, it adds great support to the table to prevent shaking movements. This makes it reliable even for the most demanding task where great weight and movement are involved.
5. Black + Decker Workmate WM125 Portable Workbench
Brand | Black + Decker |
Height | 30” |
Leg/Body Material | 3 |
Adjustable Height | Steel |
Black + Decker Workmate WM125 is a small folding workbench but its physical construction will tell you how heavy-duty it can be. Despite its folded dimensions of 3.3” x 5” x 5” and weight of 17.8 pounds, it has a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds which is relatively great comparing to the capacity of other models. Its durable steel frames are solid and thick and the feet of the workbench are non-skid. The result: an ultimately compact and stable workbench model.
When the jaws are fully opened, it will give you a full width of 13-1/2". On the other hand, the gap between the jaws is 4-1/2" while the length of the jaws is 24". Furthermore, its adjustable swivel pegs can effectively hold materials of different shapes. The adjustment and the clamping power are robust. The jaws intelligently adapt to the right angle of regular-shaped objects. With just a few turns, the workbench will turn into a versatile tool that can handle firmly almost any kind and shape of the material, be it wood, chairs, or even bikes.
Best Folding Workbenches - Buyer's Guide
The ability of the workbench to function as other tools is a great way to make sure you get your money’s worth. For instance, most workbenches can function as a worktable and a sawhorse. However, it is also best if you will find a workbench that allows versatility when it comes to the use and integration of clamps like the Kreg KWS1000. It comes with a center aluminum track, more lines and rows of dog holes, keyhole slots, and clamp channels which mean flexibility for you.
A folding workbench, despite its size, should be able to handle the considerable weight. It is just meant for lightweight works, so a 300-pound weight capacity should do well in most cases. Nonetheless, a 1000-pound weight capacity can do more, especially if you intend to use it for big-sized projects.
Most portable workbenches are fashioned to complement average height, so using them won’t be a problem at all in most cases. Nevertheless, having an adjustable feature can benefit you more. It can be offered by Black + Decker WM425-A. This makes it perfect for various tasks such as sanding, assembly, and other general tasks that need to be performed at specific heights to allow better movement of arms.
The material will dictate the durability of the table. Thankfully, the legs and lower body parts of most portable workbenches come in solid metal construction which explains why they can tolerate a great amount of weight. There are also those that are made of ABS plastic but are strengthened with steel reinforcements, just like WORX Pegasus WX051. Furthermore, it also better if you can have a table that features a smooth table surface to allow easy maneuverability of materials. Most tables follow this rule which is why whether their table surfaces are made of plastic or wood, they all come with a smooth texture to serve the said purpose.
Best Folding Workbenches - FAQs
No, not all workbenches have adjustable height features. There are only a few models that offer the said capability such as the Black + Decker WM425-A. This model is perfect for individuals who need to perform various tasks that require specific table heights.
Workbenches have holes which to allow the use of bench dogs. The holes hold these pieces of cylindrical medium-hard woods which can serve as a temporary clamp to a piece of work you are working on.
If you are always working on a large project or materials, you might want to consider a great depth for your workbench. However, most of the time, a 24-inch depth should be enough to address most of the needs of workers. Then again, this depends on your needs, so this number can still be expanded.
The height of the workbench should depend on the height of the users. Nonetheless, most tables come at a height of 30” and 38”. This height range is enough for the average height of most workers.
