Mk II Workmate

Hand and Machine Tools

1971-72

‘Workmate’ 325 Mk II combined vice and workbench, c.1971-72, built by Black & Decker, UK. This was the first of the Workmates to make use of aluminium castings, and also a double-height arrangement so that it could be used in both sawhorse and workbench. In many respects it is regarded as the best and most significant Workmate design.

Model 600 Workmate

Hand and Machine Tools

1978-79

‘Workmate’ model 600, combined vice and workbench, by Black & Decker, 1978-79.

Andrews 'Multiplex' Combined Vice and Workbench

Hand and Machine Tools

1976-77

Andrews ‘Multiplex’ combined vice and workbench, UK, 1976-77.

Brico Bank Combined Vice and Workbench

Hand and Machine Tools

1980

‘Brico Banc’ combined vice and workbench by Casals, Spain, 1980. This product was found to infringe the patents on the Workmate developed by Ron Hickman and manufactured by Black & decker, and subsequently withdrawn from sale.

Work Buddy Combined Vice and Workbench

Hand and Machine Tools

1981

‘Work Buddy’, combined vice and workbench, by Sears, Roebuck & Co., USA, 1981.

Al-Ko Combined Vice and Workbench

Hand and Machine Tools

1977

Combined vice and workbench by Al-Ko International, Alois Kober KG, Schwaben, Bavaria, 1977. This product was an attempt to build on the success of the ‘Workmate’ being marketed by Black & Decker, but was found to infringe the patents on the latter’s design and subsequently withdrawn from sale.

Second Prototype Workmate

Hand and Machine Tools

1967

Second prototype workbase, predecessor of the ‘Workmate’ combined vice and workbench, built by Ron Hickman, 1967.

The 10 Millionth Workmate

Hand and Machine Tools

1981

The 10 millionth ‘Workmate’ combined vice and workbench made by Black & Decker, and presented to Ron Hickman, chrome plated, 1981.

First Prototype Workmate

Hand and Machine Tools

1961

First prototype workbase, predecessor of the ‘Workmate’ combined vice and workbench, built by Ron Hickman, UK, 1961.

Semi-Folding Combined Vice and Workbench

Hand and Machine Tools

1975-80

Semi-folding combined vice and workbench, by the Daniels Manufacturing Co., USA, 1975-80.

Work bench used at Linotype & Machinery Ltd

Printing & Writing

Work bench used at Linotype & Machinery Ltd, Altrincham.