I designed this project a few years ago and it's based on the Workmate idea where you have a built-in vise on the top for clamping. It also has a two-step step ladder and folds for more compact storage. Last but not least, it folds shorter - the lower parts of the legs fold under, making the bench closer to the ground. I consider this to be a working prototype and I may make a final version (without any mistakes) with plans in the future. In the meantime, it has 1001 uses around the house and shop because it's versatile and strong but lightweight. I made it mostly from spruce framing lumber and that has a very good weight to strength ratio.

@leroymellix5647

9 ай бұрын

You have combined two tools 1. a short step ladder and articulating vice top seamlessly. Thanks!

@WilliamTythas

9 ай бұрын

I know you said it was a mistake to have the front leg pivot because the unit would collapse - could you not use another of those leg stop locks at that joint .. those seemed to work great and be sturdy? AWESOME design .. very useful

@TheBirdman66

8 ай бұрын

do you have a video of your drillcpress mod thank john your awesome

@Djkudos14

5 ай бұрын

just had a thought about the stationary front legs. I have a little giant ladder and the center pivot is a push in release double peg locking mechanism. I wonder if toggle pin or something mechanical like that could allow the front legs to fold flat? Just thought I suggest something months later like a jack... cheers

Truly amazing! That's the beauty of KZread - you see unbelievably talented people you otherwise wouldn't know exist. I could not build that in a million years and if I used the various tools you showed in this video, I'd have no fingers or thumbs left!

This man is a true wood worker and he is good at it.

@qkrotor

9 ай бұрын

His video production skills aren't too shabby either.

@b3arwithm3

9 ай бұрын

Not a woodworker. An engineer full of new ideas

@ruelsmith

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, I'm surprised he doesn't have a bigger following. I'm amazed at the ingenuity in some of his designs.

John, you are a very gifted woodworker. Your creations are awesome!

John, your ingenuity never ceases to amaze me. Keep on making!

8:45 - using sanding pad foam to make a spring mechanism: absolutely genius! Small tiny detail, considering the overall build, but that is why I love John's videos: always learning clever ways to do things cheaply but elegantly.

I love the way you detail the process of making this stuff. Great video and amazing woodworking skill!

A couple of these would make a great gift for the Grandson.

9:15 The sanding sponge as a spring is a brilliant idea. Definitely stealing that.

Terrific build John! Have not seen a wood project from you in a while, so this was much anticipated! 👍👍🔨🔨

Your designs are so amazing. Better than we could purchase. It’s always fun to see the build process from the beginning without knowing how it’s all going to come together and try and guess. Nice project.

Your skill as a woodworker is on the same level as the genius you have at reimagining any design for efficiency and strength. I am pretty sure that it often comes out looking like art is no mere coincidence.

Another inspirational homerun. Thanks John

I envy your woodworking skills. Since becoming disabled, I can't do it anymore. Thanks for the great channels, John. We like your style.

Impressive on several fronts. Good to see you make mistake too, but also good to see how cleverly you over come them. Your designs are pretty ingenious and you make it look easy enough that I could do it…….then reality sets in.

@ConcreteLand

9 ай бұрын

😂😂

Awesome thing! and it is so nice drink coffee and watch you do your stuff! Keep up good work m8!

Nice work John! Thanks for sharing the build with us!💖👍😎JP

I remember you talking about it a while ago, I was just thinking about it recently when out of the blue I got the notification! It looks great, thanks for sharing and take care!!

thanks John, glad to see you

Excellent video - I love your honesty as well as your evident skill and all of the wooden tools you have made.

God damn. Been a while since the algorithm pushed any of your content my way, John. I love the drill press table setup! Very cool!

Great build John. Very handy. Thanks for sharing.

This is really cool John ! Thanks for the inspiration !

Fantastic build video as usual. Keep up the great work John it's a joy watching you work.

Wow you are among the most talented Wood workers I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing!

This project is so neat. I really want to build this. You always have such great designs, John! Great work!

What a really useful piece!

Very clever as always.

Thanks John. I have enjoyed this.

Great build, you do such amazing work.

Great job ! It's a pleasure see your videos making tools of wood !

Love it John! Awesome to see your creativity at work. 👌

A vise workbench and saw horse in one, such a great idea!

I love how you show your woops moments and don't edit them out. Not that missoury loves company, but you are human. It's only wood, and you can adapt and fix it to make it functional all the same. It helps us mere peasants keep our hope up... 😊

Awesome! Great video!

@JohnHeisz

9 ай бұрын

Thanks :)

A genius at work. Love these tutorials

Very nicely improved step ladder/vice. You are so clever. Thanks for completing the great idea.

You'd be a cool guy to have as a neighbor. Nice build.

I forgot about that mini compass. I need one.

@KipdoesStuff

9 ай бұрын

Pretty sure their are free plans at his website.

That is a cool project. Looks incredibly useful.

Idée géniale et très belle réalisation !!!

This is one great idea! 👍

Very, very nice!

An Amazing design, and build project! You displayed exceptional Craftsmanship! Well done, Sir!

Love to have some of these around

Ide anda selalu dinanti para hobi kayu termasuk dari Indonesia🇮🇩 salam

Such a pleasure watching your stuff come together . Doff my cap

Love everything about this. I have been using an old Black & Decker one for years. Ex left it out in the rain and ruined the tops though. Might have to bui8ld a new one.

@stephenshipley1066

9 ай бұрын

A new top is not a massive project. They do go if they get wet and there are several KZread videos about replacing them.

Such a handy design

This is awesome!

Amigo, Usted es un gran maestro, su trabajo más perfecto no puede ser, gracias por presentarlo y trato de ver hasta los que tienen mucho tiempo

Brilliant, John! Fantastic work!!! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO

Home made workmate bench. Have had mine for ever. Like everyone else’s has a few saw cuts and drill holes in the top. But it’s a indispensable tool on so many projects outside the shop.

I didn't read the video's title before watching it and was under the assumption John was making a simple step stool, so I was thinking: Man, this is one elaborate stool!

Amazing Shop

Again a video I watched all the way to the end. Loved it.

Fantastic wooden version of the workmate. maybe with some future revision it'll fold flatter, but as a working prototype it's outstanding!

Totally awesome...as expected from a John Heisz project! Thanks for sharing.

I need to do this on my homemade table saw. Then over to my homemade jointer and finally over to my homemade bandsaw. I don’t want to be a better woodworker, I want to be John.

@ConcreteLand

9 ай бұрын

Commented to soon to see the homemade drill press. 😂😂

@KipdoesStuff

9 ай бұрын

@@ConcreteLand he also made the compasses

@ConcreteLand

9 ай бұрын

Belt sander.

Nice little workbench. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week 😎

You are amazing! RWB ❤🎉

Great video!

@JohnHeisz

9 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Really cool. I bought a 2 ft step ladder years ago and I swear it gets used more for a work bench then a ladder.

Hello from Vancouver Island 🌴

Amazing idea!

Really like the inlay for the solid surface! Nice video John and great thumbnail 👍

@JohnHeisz

9 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Master craftsman here. I've learnt a lot from you. Thanks for sharing this. 👍🏼

@sottx8268

9 ай бұрын

You just go around calling yourself a "master craftsman"?

@tolerance0519

Ай бұрын

@@sottx8268 🤣

Here is a tip when screwing into end grain. Pre drill the hole into the ingrain and fill with a slow set thin CA/Superglue and then screw in. The glue seeps into the grain and thickens/strengthens the grain around the screw threads preventing tear out.

사장님은 정말 대단하십니다 기술적 영상 잘보고 갑니다

the original workmates were a great product, but have declined over the years. This looks more robust and solid that was like the original. I would certainly build one of these and have lots of use for them in my shop, well done John. Excellent work as usual.

Hi John. Love your work 👍

nice work

really nice build and adaptation of the original B&D design, I'm lucky enough to HAVE an old Workmate inherited from my Dad (yes I'm OLD) and I'm going to add some of your adaptations to it. THANKS

Very nice, a Back & Decker Workmate.

This was really cool.. the ending was pretty nostalgic too… my old man has a workmate in the basement that he still uses.

I was looking forward to seeing how it folded down to be shorter. That was the most intriguing for me.

Thank You sir

Nice!

Love all your videos and commentary!!! I'd also love to see what the final thing is first in the video and then you start making it

Amazing build. I have a "workmate" by Bosch (PWB 600). One nice feature (that'd also be easy to add) is that it has builtin storage for the bench dogs. There is also a tiny tray which I've used to keep a few screws from falling on the ground while working outside. Might not make the best KZread content now that you have the video out, but can imagine that these could be useful additions for you as well.

The vice top is the bee's knees!

@JohnHeisz

9 ай бұрын

Thanks :)

That drill press table will always be the neatest shit I’ve ever seen 🙏

Just awesome. I marvel at your ingenuity and skills. I'm waiting for the day you make a car out of wood. Maybe a Makers Mob collaboration?!

Awesome, so much better than a rusty old workmate!

Seems to me that would be something even more useful in pairs. Thanks for sharing.

Congratulation 😊...saudações de Londrina City, Paraná state...Brasil

welcome back John! i hope you never do that silly audio nonsense again!😅 that one is classic woodworking, and done right... thanks for the video, and best regards!

I hope you offer up plans f/this. I will purchase. Great video either way!

I've always been a fan of the Workmate, beautiful adaptation. I didn't see the plans on ur website soooooo... maybe soon?

Plans!🙋 This would be perfect for my small workshop!

Beastly Workmate

Basically a Black&Decker Workmate made out of wood. Looks absolutely amazing though, and probably worked out cheaper 😁 Great project. 👍

Great work John, I need to make one. My Workmate does well but doesn't fold up as easily. 😊

you missed showcasing the foldable half to the legs!

Nice "work mate" I had to do that one 😂 very nice, but beyond my capabilities

Nice as usual. The only thing, it has the same problem as the original, in that it is too small. Make it five or six feet long and it would be an indispensable tool.

Hello John, wow... this really is a great project. Probably just a bit above my level of precision - if I built this, it would end up real shaky. Still, very cool, and a person needs to have goals 😅

Super 👍👍👍

I can't make it, but I like it!