The workbench is one of the most essential accessories necessary in a workshop for various projects.
While the workbench is essential for your workshop, the best portable workbench makes it easier to assemble and move around with you.
They are invaluable when you have to plane, sand, drill, and much more around the house instead of going back to the workshop. A folding work table can save you time and make your tasks much more manageable.
Here are the top five mobile project center options, followed by our purchasing guide.
Contents
Why You Need a Portable Workbench?
A multi-function work table is a must-have for any serious woodworker or person who carries out a lot of home maintenance projects.
Now, with a worktable at your side, there is little need for that second person to hold items when drilling or cutting. It is easy to clamp lumber in position and power through it with your latest hand tools.
A folding work table really does make things more comfortable and more efficient. There is no need to walk back and forth to your workshop when you can take your workshop around the home with you.
One of the most significant benefits being that your jobs are now safer. With items clamped in place, they won’t move, and you are less likely to cut yourself on a saw or stab yourself with a drill bit.
A portable work table is a godsend for the keen hobbyist, no matter where they are working.
Top Rated Portable Workbench Reviews
1. Keter Folding Table Work Bench For Woodworking Tools & Accessories with Clamps
A couple of the Keter folding work table stand out features are a large work area and also can hold up to a maximum of 1,000 pounds.
In the same way as other Keter work table models, it makes full use of the unique opening system.
Using this, you can open and assemble your Keter workbench in less than 30 seconds. Once you are finished, you can as quickly close your bench and pack it away.
You will find the portable foldable workbench is constructed from heavy-duty weather-resistant materials, which includes a thick polypropylene plastic base and corrosion-resistant aluminum legs.
No matter what your project needs from your portable workbench, you will find it copes with ease. Be it a sawhorse you require, or you need to hold a few flat boards steady while you plane or paint them.
With plenty of space under the main platform in the form of built in storage trays for tools when working. You also have the built in carrying handle once you pack the bench away and you need to take it back to your workshop.
Pros
- Heavyweight max capacity of 1,000lbs
- Quick to erect
- Made from weather-resistant materials
- Heavy-duty steel legs
- Comes with two 12-inch clamps
Cons
- No built in clamp system
- Plastic may not be durable over time
While there is no built in clamping, you do receive two 12-inch durable clamps to hold all your work securely in place with multiple clamping options. No matter what size your work, be it from a one-inch tube to twenty-two inches in width.
The fold-down workbench can cope with its bench surface of 33.5 x 21.7 x 4.4 inches (folded), which is one of the largest working areas available. Once assembled, the working height is just under 30-inches.
When you compare the Keter portable workbench against others, the guide price of around $85.00 makes it highly affordable and great value for money, with the two-year warranty. You may find it the best folding work table design and in use.
2. Keter Folding Compact Workbench Work Table with Clamps, 21.7 x 33.5 x 29.75-Inches
The Keter folding compact workbench delivers one of the most substantial lifting capacities of any workbench in any class. It easily copes with weights up to 1,000lbs, so it can hold anything you can throw at it.
You also find one of the largest working areas with a multi-function work table. With a working surface of 33.5 x 21.7 x 4.4 inches (folded dimensions), assembled height is 29.75 inches.
Like all Keter models, you have the rapid opening and closing system, which allows you to get to work or pack it away in around 30-seconds. It also comes with the built in storage underneath.
Materials used in construction won’t dent, fade in the sun, or corrode. The Keter workbench is manufactured from polypropylene plastics and aluminum. With a built in carry handle, the 29 lbs., the folding workbench is light enough to carry to any worksite around the home.
It is built to withstand any project, so if you are doing light sanding or using it as a sturdy sawhorse, you will find it copes with ease.
Pros
- Won’t fade in the sun
- Very fast assemble time
- Large working area
- Highly-durable shelf for power tools
Cons
- Legs rattle in transport mode
- Included clamps cannot be stored in workbench
The biggest downside of the Keter work table is that there are no built in clamps on the bench, yet they do supply two 12-inch clamps. You will find these more than capable to hold anything in place, yet it is nice to have included ones considering the price.
If you compare the Keter against others in their range, the guide price of $152 in some regions places it outside many home woodworker’s budgets. However, you do get one of the best portable workbenches on the market.
3. WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table and Sawhorse with Quick Clamps and Holding Pegs – WX051
Our Worx Pegasus review may not be fully comprehensive, yet you can find out enough about this versatile Worx workbench.
The WX051 delivers a functioning area of up to a whopping 725 square inches. When you use the bench as a worktable, it is beefy enough to carry a load of 300 pounds.
However, if you switch it into sawhorse mode, it can hold 1,000 lbs. of materials. Switching modes takes seconds and doesn’t need tools.
The Pegasus folding work table is ready to go right out of the box. You find there is minimal to no assembly needed to get cracking with your projects.
The bench comes in a compact, lightweight, and foldable design, yet the configuration may make it hard for shorter individuals to carry. If you compare the Pegasus vs. Keter models, they offer a suitcase design while this needs tucking under your arm.
It is also possible to extend your working surface when dealing with more extended materials, and the manufacturer supplies the appropriate bench joiners to enable them to lock together.
Included are a couple of large clamps and four clamp dog adjustable swivel pegs.
Pros
- Lockable legs for added security
- Requires no assembly
- Light and compact
- Ruler guides built in
Cons
- Small work surface
- Not the easiest to carry when folded
Assembled dimensions are 31 x 25 x 32 inches, and when folded, it is a slender 5-inches in depth. The carrying weight is 30 lbs., so it is easy for most individuals to carry around the site or the home.
With a rough guide price of $120, the Worx Pegasus multi-function work table is quite a bit more expensive than other models; however, you do get a versatile bench.
While there is a shelf underneath, this isn’t the largest or well placed as there is considerable overhand from the work area. The bench does offer some great features, yet these are at a premium, even with the 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
4. Performance Tool W54025 Portable Multipurpose Workbench and Vise (200 lbs Capacity)
When you see this compact work table, you will see how powerful and easy to carry the platform is.
This workbench is compact and lightweight but can still carry up to 200 pounds, and although it doesn’t have a high load capacity, it is big enough to do the job quickly and easily.
The construction comprises a thick steel frame, which guarantees reliable support and long life. It has all the features you need for a variety of DIY or professional applications, just like the company had in mind.
On the bench top, you have easy access to a protractor, a grid, and a ruler for additional convenience. There is also a single-handed clamp system for more effortless adjustment.
The jaws are warp-resistant and can be set at different angles to hold materials of different shapes.
The multi-function bench has high-quality construction and non-slip legs that allow the workbench to adapt quickly and thoroughly to any working environment.
The dimensions are 24×25×31 inches for the overall assembled size and a weight of about 15 lbs.
As a result, W54025 is lightweight and easy to carry. Although it is a bargain bench, its durability cannot be questioned.
You don’t have a shelf, and yet the leg supports are designed as tool storage rails, so all you need is quick to access.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Lots of storage for tools
- Very Light and compact
- Can double as a vice
Cons
- Warranty information lacking
- Light safe working load
The Performance Tool W54025 has a very affordable guide price of just under $35. In many instances, you do get what you pay for, yet this little workbench can be a great performer for those who only require the bare minimum of features.
It has enough durability to be tossed around, banged, and bumped, and the steel construction feels like it will last for years. However, if you need more features and a warranty, then you may find alternatives to deliver much more.
5. BLACK+DECKER BDST11000 Workmate Workbench 550lb Capacity Work Bench WM1000
Woodworkers hunting for a portable workbench, which provides a huge and versatile workspace, will love the WM1000 from Black & Decker.
It is among the best folding work bench options on the market with its heavy steel construction frame. It will last ages and is strong enough to hold up to 550 pounds.
This robust workbench is also easy to move and freestanding for a comfortable workspace, which is made of high-quality bamboo, which itself is highly durable.
The quick folding mechanism facilitates folding and takes a few seconds. To make work even more efficient, the worktable is equipped with a one-handed clamp that allows you to adjust the clamps both individually and together.
For clamping, you receive four adjustable swivel pins, which make it easier to clamp irregularly shaped parts.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Durable steel and bamboo construction
- Comes with a speed crank
- Can double as a vice
Cons
- Tall people may stoop when using
- Speed crank belt can slip off
The Black and Decker portable workbench has been designed to provide answers to several complaints made about other models from the company.
It seems that this model covers many, but there is still one or two issues. One of them is the screwing through the bamboo plate into the plastic so that they can wear out over time.
You get a lot of features, but the guide price of $140 shows it is a newly designed bench, and with a premium price to match.
The second is the height of the bench fixed, and the taller workers using the bench may find themselves bending more than they wish.
The work surface is one of the largest you can find at 23.7 x 41 inches, but when you assemble the Black & Decker workbench, you will discover the almost 40 pounds, one of the heaviest workbenches to carry.
Portable Workbench Buying Guide
A portable worktable, which can be folded down for transport and storage, can be a great help in making your life easier when carrying out your home improvement projects.
No matter if you’re looking to transfer it from one workplace to another, or if you are looking for a new workbench that can be used for all your activities and projects at home, you have many things to consider to be sure you are making the right choice.
You can see above, the top five portable work tables which are among the best portable workstations on the market. Any will be a great asset to add to your workshop, yet you do need to be sure it covers all you are seeking.
In our detailed buyer’s guide, you can learn what some of the critical factors to look out for when shopping for your next workbench.
You can use the recommendations above, or you can read this guide and use the advice to check others.
You may find you come up with the same options because we have already done the hard work and the testing of workbenches that fall into every region of a person’s budget.
Work Bench Weight
There are many different factors to bear in mind while purchasing a new workbench, and weight is one of those.
You will have to consider the weight of the benches, in particular, if you often carry them for work.
How easy will it be to carry? How hard will it be to put the bench into and out of a vehicle or moving it around the home be? Additionally, will the bench be too heavy to lift and hang on the wall?
You should be asking yourself these questions while shopping. A light bench would be easier to assemble and reassemble. Yet it may lack carrying capacity and durability.
This leads us to the weight your potential new bench can hold? As a rule, the heavier the workbench is, the more stable it is under load, and the more it can carry.
As you read above, there are different maximum weights on the workbenches. Some of them hold 200 lbs., while others quickly and securely hold 1000 pounds. Which are the most typical kinds of projects you will be working on?
Think about the material they are made from and how heavy the material you usually use is.
You don’t want to carry a 50-pound heavy gauge steel bench every day if you don’t need to, yet you do need to make sure the weight capacity it can hold is sufficient for what you will be doing with it.
Ease of setup, Use, and Transport
There is a chance that you read these reviews because you need a job that you can assemble and take anywhere in your home, or elsewhere you work.
One of the critical requirements of being portable is the workbench needs to be light enough to carry, assemble, and pack away after use on your own and without injury.
The second essential requirement for being portable is your workbench can be folded down to comfortable size for transportation and easy storage.
If you are assembling complex workbenches several a month, it will quickly become frustrating, so assembly needs to be as simple as possible while remaining sturdy.
You can get some workbenches that are ready to go out of the box, while others need some minimal assembly. Benches ready to use are often the easiest to operate.
The most important thing, though, is the storage, no one wants a workbench that sticks out from the wall, or it is easier to leave it assembled rather than finding a space to store it out of the way.
The best portable workbench can sit out of the way until you are ready to use it, where you can quickly grab a handle and take it with you while carrying other things.
Work Bench Stability and Strength
It doesn’t matter which workbench you end up with, even if it is a budget option, you don’t want one that durable or it wobbles too much.
It can, however, be hard to find one which meets these requirements, unless you find ones that are reputed as being well built and stable in their footing.
Stable work benches also mean you will be safe using your tools, and there is less chance of injury.
The other thing to consider is the kind of work level you can achieve; you won’t make straight cuts or very good joints if your work bench wobbles with each stroke of your saw.
Many manufacturers try to use different materials, and no matter what they are, the higher the quality of materials in the construction, the stronger the work bench will be.
Many more substantial work benches comprise legs made from heavy gauge steel. Therefore, if you plan to use your workbench outdoors, you will need to make sure you have materials that are weather-resistant and can fend off dirt, sun damage, cracking, or any other extreme weather condition.
Once you begin using your portable woodworking bench with power tooling where there can be heavy loads, you do need a bench that won’t crumble once it feels the vibrations from your tools and heavy loads. You need to be confident you are working on a bench that has a solid foundation.
Stability comes from not just the weight the bench can support; there are a wide stance, non-slip feet, and a steel construction.
There is more to a workbench being stable, and much of that comes from the design more than just the materials.
An excellent example of one that isn’t going to be sturdy is one that has narrow legs and is tall. The center of gravity will be higher, and they can easily lean when under the load of the material weight or as you push with your tools.
When buying, you are better selecting one that can carry more weight, even if you will never use materials of this size.
Once you match a bench to a weight you may use, it can hold it steady, yet it may take all the workbenches strength to do so.
Work Surface Size
The size of the work surface determines how big the work area will be. This is one of the main factors determining the choice of the best portable workbench. You are looking for portable work tables, which will almost replace your full-size workbench.
You need to make sure the table is suitable for the task at hand and do it without clamping or moving materials several times.
A small portable woodworking bench would be suitable for one or two cuts, but as you start looking at more substantial projects, you need a larger area that will fit your materials.
In most of the cases, a portable workbench with more workspace will be more expensive than the smaller versions. You need to find those that fit your budget and your needs.
Just like your weight limit, the size of the space you need will depend on what you will be looking for on the table and the materials you will be working with.
It is worth noting; you can find many portable workbenches, which do not offer any useful work surface. Instead of providing six or even eight square feet of workspace, they focus on clamping objects in the position you work with them.
While there are still new models that offer this, with the introduction of lighter and more durable materials, the worktop now seems to be seen as normal.
Clamps
When cutting, drilling, or grinding the workpiece, it must be held in the correct position. Some of the best portable workbenches are equipped with clamps in two forms.
Some of them are built-in, while others provide clamps that can be used like standard clamps, or they have clamping rails, which are cut into the table surface.
If the table does not provide clamps, it may be necessary to purchase additional ones. The sole difference between many work benches is the number of clamps supplied with the bench.
The clamps are usually adjustable, but it is good to make sure they are adaptable enough to fit your designs safely. The better form of clamps is the one handed clamp; this allows you to steady your work while you hold your piece in position.
If you are working on many odd things, make sure that the clamps can hold things that are not in standard shapes.
Using clips will protect your hands from injury and can even speed up your work. Dog clamps with swivel pegs are also included, so you can hold things that aren’t in standard shape or at an angle.
You tend to find these more with benches that come with adjusting handles and are used like large vices to grip the objects.
Some of the models of this design use rotating handles. Some of these can be adjusted individually, or you can use a central crank that controls both sides of the bench together.
Bench Height
One more thing to think about is the height on your next workbench. You will find this doesn’t do anything apart from help you work, depending on how tall you are.
If you are a tall person, then you do need to be sure your workbench is high and tall enough to avoid bending over for hours at a time.
Likewise, if it is a tall bench, and you are shorter, then it could make things hard to reach when you need precise cutting. Ultimately, if you purchase a bench that’s the wrong size for you or anyone else who may use it, it won’t be of much use.
Price
Anyone who is considering purchasing a collapsible workbench does need to consider the cost. You can find them in any price range, yet to a certain degree, you do get what you pay for.
In some instances, when there are new models released, you can find these come with lots of additional features, but also come at the top end of the price range.
It is possible to find a fold-up workbench that sits in the middle of the price range and offers nearly all the features of the costlier models, high levels of durability, and still being affordable.
Once you climb up the money scale, you find features that may be useful, but not all the time, such as a built in power strip.
Final Verdict
We put all these work benches through a range of tests to find the best portable work table for the majority of individuals.
A range of benches would fit into each segment of a budget. Yet, it was one, which sat in the middle that began to shine early on.
We quickly found the Keter Folding Table Work Bench For Woodworking Tools & Accessories with Clamps as the winner in these reviews.
For one, it was highly durable and made from robust polypropylene plastics that were resistant to dents, fading in the sun, and will not rust or warp when wet. The aluminum legs are corrosion-free and deliver a rock-solid foundation.
Additionally, it is one table, which can support more weight than all the others. The one thing that made it stand out from all the others in the reviews, apart from the second Keter workbench on test was the ease of transport.
Folding to four inches thick, and sporting a carry handle was very different from the other benches where you need to carry them under your arm. It is unique, and makes a big difference, as your height doesn’t matter so much when carrying the bench.
Besides this was the speed you can assemble the multipurpose workbench, and pack it away. Thirty seconds is as close to instant as you can get. The bench is lightweight, thanks to smart design and lightweight materials, and it doesn’t detract from the tasks.
Like the other benches in the reviews, there are some gripes, yet the Ketler folding table is by far the best workbench any person can use.
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