Best Portable Workbenches - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide

Portable Workbenches: The Ultimate Buying Guide

As you are reading this, you probably have certain ideas related to workbenches that you are looking for and we think that these additional details related to the key features of portable workbenches would be of great benefit to you when making you decision which one to purchase.

After reading our buyer’s guide, we are sure that you will get the answers to all the questions that you were concerned about.

How important is the sturdiness?

The sturdiness of the workbench is very significant factor to be considered when buying it.

It can affect the portability of the bench, so the good question is how much sturdiness you need which will satisfy your work requirements and at the same time will not be so heavy.

There are models of portable workbenches with either steel frames and durable plastic tops or from aluminum and lower-quality plastic.

Some models are also made from steel and wood.

You should know that steel frames are the sturdiest ones, and they will not shake while you work.

Plastic table tops are lighter and ad durable as the wooden ones, but not so comfortable.

Additionally, there are models which feature webbing underneath.

This is designed to adds strength without adding a lot of weight.

What about portability?

As its name suggests, this device should be portable.

Now, portability can be a feature of both heavy and light workbenches, but the aim of the manufacturers is to create a device as portable as possible.

The portability is highly affected by weight.

The heaviest model weighs 40 pounds, while the lightest is less than 20 pounds.

So, numerous options are available on the market, but have in mind that those models which are lighter are usually more expensive.

Now, here comes the doubt.

You know that the sturdiest models can support more weight but are usually heavier than those that are less sturdy and support less weight.

Now you are probably wondering how to determine which to buy.

Weight is not the only factor when portability is in question.

Folding of the workbench would make a huge difference in how easy it is to move. Some models fold down flat while others come with handles so that they can be easily carried around.

So, all these factors should be on your mind prior to making a decision.

Should I pay attention to the maximum weight?

This feature is very important to be considered when you chose a good enough portable workbench.

You should get familiar with the fact how much weight a table can support and compare it to the work you are planning to do.

There are models which can support 1,000 pounds, while the majority of models support 400 pounds.

The weight that it can support affects a lot what you can do with the workbench.

In case you have the one that supports only 400 pounds and you have a project which requires stronger workbench, you will not be able to do the job.

If you happen to be in this kind of situation where you will need a workbench that supports more you will realize that investing in the stronger one could have been a wise choice.

As homeowners are interested in the portable workbenches, they do not have to worry about that as extra support is not necessary to them.

Using the portable workbench at home does not require strong benches.

What clamping options are available?

When the clamping options are in question, you should pay attention to the fact that not all workbenches come with clamps, as well as with bench dogs.

These additional features are very significant to those who are planning to do a lot of cutting using the workbench.

Clamps and bench dogs give you the ability to clamp wood down before you cut and enable you to make a high-quality cut.

Furthermore, you have to think about the kinds of clamps and bench dogs that are included within the workbench.

Some can be of high-quality, but there can be some with poor quality which can destroy your  work.

What users find bad is that they cannot use their own clamps with a given workbench. Due to the plastic webbing on the bottom of most plastic tabletops, you cannot add an aftermarket clamp, or if you do that, you can damage your workbench.

That is why a workbench with a wooden top is a better solution.

How can I determine which model is the right for me?

As you can see, we selected the best five portable benches for you, but there are a lot of other models available which you might want to take a look at.

However, we assure you that if you chose one of those mentioned, you will not regret purchasing it.

This would be possible only if you go through all features and models and chose the one that is in line with your work.

Those who have already worked on some workbenches know exactly which features they expect that their next portable workbench has.

In order to narrow down the models, you should avoid those units which possess the features that you do not need and move on to those which best suit your work.

All the remaining models will be good buys, and you can even take into consideration the cheapest one on the list if it has all the features you need.

Conclusion

As we have already said, the best of the best models is definitely the Kreg KWS1000 Folding Workbench

It is true that it is a little bit on the heavy side, but it boasts easy folding, multiple configurations, and built-in storage.

Another great choice is the WORX Pegasus WX051.

It weighs less and includes clamps and bench dogs, while its plastic surface makes it less durable and strong.

The Keter Folding Workbench 197283 has amazing features as it can support up to 1,000 pounds and fold down to a small form factor.

Furthermore, the price is more than affordable.

The BLACK+DECKER WM125 Workmate 125 and the Goplus Folding Work Bench 11AA  are the last two as their have issues with the quality control and stability.

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