How to choose a workbench: folding, on wheels or fixed?

If you move from site to site, choose a folding workbench in aluminium or steel: it weighs from 7 to around 20 kg and fits in a car. If you always work in the same place, you need a heavier bench, in painted steel or as an assembly kit, with a large top, around 1150×650 mm. Check the load capacity: in the collection it ranges from 250 to 480 kg, and for mounting a mitre saw or a saw rigidity matters too, not just the figure.

The types

• Folding workbench. Top and legs fold away. This category includes the Stanley FatMax Express and the Jobby folding workbench. For transport and for anyone short of space.
• Dual-height workbench. Adjustable to two levels, useful if you work both seated and standing, or if you need to use it as a trestle. One example is the Stanley STST83800-1.
• Foldable steel bench or assembly kit. Heavier and more stable, for the workshop. One example is the Fervi B022/10, or the foldable Vigor Vbl-100.
• Mitre saw bench. A bench designed to hold a mitre saw, so you can cut long beams and sections on site without working on the ground.
• Portable vice bench. A bench with an integrated vice, such as the Milwaukee MPS. It is used to clamp pipes, battens and workpieces.
• Adjustable or multifunction table. For example the Rubi 4-in-1 folding table, which switches from one configuration to another.

The name of the collection also mentions anti-static (ESD) workbenches, the ones used for electronics. In the data they are not a recurring type: if you need one, ask the technicians for the suitable model.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

• Load capacity. From 250 to 480 kg in the collection. The low figure is enough if you work with light tools; you need the high one if you mount a mitre saw on it or rest heavy workpieces on it.
• Bench weight. From 7 to 150 kg. A light bench is easy to move but it moves under you; a heavy bench stays put.
• Height. From about 740 to 920 mm. Choose according to your height and how you work: standing for long periods or seated.
• Work surface. From 650×420 to 1150×650 mm. Think of the largest workpiece you need to rest on it.
• Folded dimensions. For example 85×61×11 cm. If you need it for transport, measure the boot of your car.
• Material. Aluminium for low weight; steel (chromate-treated, painted or sectional) for strength.

Common mistakes

• Looking only at the load capacity. A high figure says nothing about the stability of the bench when open on an uneven floor.
• Buying a heavy bench for mobile use. It ends up in the store room.
• Buying a light bench for heavy cutting. With a mitre saw it moves and the cut becomes dangerous.
• Not checking the folded size. The bench fits in the van but not in the space where you want to store it.
• Folding the bench with tools still on it. Always unload it first and keep your fingers away from the joints.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mount a mitre saw on a folding workbench?

Only if the bench is designed for it, with a suitable top and fixings, and without exceeding the stated load capacity. If in doubt, choose a mitre saw bench.

How high should the workbench be?

It depends on your height and the job. For precision work a higher bench is better, for heavy work a slightly lower one. The benches in the collection range from about 740 to 920 mm.

How do I secure workpieces on the bench?

With the clamps and brackets designed for the bench, or with the vice if one is built in. Do not rest workpieces on it without securing them.

Will a folding workbench stand up to daily use?

Yes, if you choose a quality steel or aluminium model and respect the load capacity. After years of use, check the joints and legs.

You will find all the models in the Folding, Mobile and Anti-Static (ESD) Workbenches collection: for advice on the right bench or for a quote, write to the AMES technicians.