[sblg43]

I have recently become a self-employed handyman. As a result, I needed to buy a job site table saw. Of the many choices available, I finally chose the Ridgid R4516 from Home Depot.

I know it's a bit small compared to some but small is what I need since I do not have a large truck or trailer to haul it in. I wanted something better than the cheapest Ryobi saw that is available at your local home improvement store.

(Funny… my shop has a Ryobi BT3000 that I am very fond of - but it's not as portable as I need it to be)

So the need now, is a folding, portable base to haul with it. The unit does not have anything pre-made to work specifically with this model. After hunting and hunting the "interweb" for ideas, I finally came across a distinct possibility! - A Black and Decker Workmate!

I had one but when I bought my Rockwell Jawhorse, I gave the Workmate away. The Jawhorse is way too tall to accommodate a table saw.

I have found some pictures here on Lumberjocks.com that include table saws on workmates. The most important question for me is…

Stability!

Anybody in the know?

 

[Loren]

I don't think it will tip over easily but the jaws
of a workmate do wiggle a bit.

 

[MrUnix]

I don't see why not.. they are just as stable as those flimsy leg things that come on some of those saws. As long as you secure it well and don't try to push the weight limit, it should work fine.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[richardchaos]

Okay Let me tell you about the Ridgid…...... AHHH never mind!

 

[RHolcomb]

I have this sander on my workmate. Not as heavy as a table saw but it can get tippy if there's too much pressure applied while sanding.

 

[Lazyman]

Not all workmates are created equal. Some are much more rigid and stable than others. I don't think that the WM125 would be very good for example but I think that the WM425, which looks similar to my 30+ year old one, should be fine. If you attach a plywood base with a cleat you can clamp in the jaws, that would make setup quick and easy as well. I would simply clamp it on there and see how far you have to pull it over before you move it past the center of gravity so it would fall over. I think it would be pretty stable.

If you don't already have a WM, something along these lines? might be worth looking at and a little cheaper, though it doesn't have the built in clamp.

 

[PCDub]

Put something heavy on the lower cross pieces to add stability.

 

[01ntrain]

Why not just get the Bosch folding stand? It's what I use for my jobsite saws (I have two). They're not that expensive and they fold up to make the saws carry like a hand-truck. A set of ramps and I can roll them up into the van and off I go.

 

[dhazelton]

I'd go with the Workmate over a dedicated rolling stand because it can do double duty just as a portable table. If you turn the saw 90 degrees so you push stock through from the side of the Workmate I think it would be more stable. You could always just get a couple bags of tube sand to hold the base down. Those Keter folding tables get decent reviews too.

 

[01ntrain]

I d go with the Workmate over a dedicated rolling stand because it can do double duty just as a portable table. If you turn the saw 90 degrees so you push stock through from the side of the Workmate I think it would be more stable. You could always just get a couple bags of tube sand to hold the base down. Those Keter folding tables get decent reviews too.

- dhazelton

While I don't disagree with you over the double-duty of the Workmate, I'll take my method any day. I can roll them off and on the van and move them wherever I want. When you're doing this for a living, practicality takes a back seat to speed and back-strength.

 

[ChefHDAN]

I'm a big fan of the WM, I have 4 in my shop, the dual height is a good feature, go & buy this one for $20 near you It's the older style from the 80's or so, solidly built and will work well for a TS if you're on solid level ground.

Also check out this thread on LJ

 

[sblg43]

Why not just get the Bosch folding stand? It s what I use for my jobsite saws (I have two). They re not that expensive and they fold up to make the saws carry like a hand-truck. A set of ramps and I can roll them up into the van and off I go.

- 01ntrain

I looked at that option and it's attractive. However, I don't have room in my truck for it. I have a Dodge Dakota Quad cab truck with the industry's shortest bed. It is already packed with a large variety of tools. So space is a premium. I appreciate your input.

 

[builtinbkyn]

Why not make something? You're a woodworker And since you're tight on space in your vehicle, have it serve double duty, like maybe storage for other tools.

 

[Loren]

I don't have one but the Centipede work stands
look pretty versatile.

Dialing in a kit for jobsite work can be a real
challenge when space is at a premium. I never
found myself wishing for a workmate on job
sites for its clamping features.

 

[MrSmith670]

I use a workmate as a miter saw stand in the shop and the jobsite. Couple of roller stands and it works great. I would use one for a table saw stand if i didnt have the stand for my dewalt jobsite saw. I think it would work fine.

 

[sblg43]

Why not make something? You re a woodworker And since you re tight on space in your vehicle, have it serve double duty, like maybe storage for other tools.

- builtinbkyn

That too, is something I thought about doing. I thought about making it out of steel or wood. I am a metal fabricator to a small degree as well. But I just don't have the time. Thanks.

 

[Chashint]

For years I had my 10" sliding miter saw mounted on a small piece of plywood with a 2×4 screwed to the bottom for the workmate jaws to grab.
Worked pretty much as good as the dewalt miter saw stand its bolted to now.
As long as you are reasonable on what you are cutting it should work.
The jaws do loosen but you will get used to giving them a crank every once in a while when you are working.