paperlined.org
trades > fabrication > wood > tiny_wood_shop > portable_workbenches
document updated 5 months ago, on May 13, 2024

work surfaces comparison

things I own

name weight area of table top max capacity work height notes
Toughbuilt Quickset 32 lbs 0.64 m² (40x25") 1000 lbs 31"
Worx Sidekick 14 lbs 0.37 m² (24x24") 300 lbs 32" While it can be a bit unstable, this can be improved by putting weights on each leg.
Stanley Modular Rolling Workshop ? 0.13 m² (20"x10") ? 33" This was manufactured in ~2000, and used a lot more metal than modern versions.

If I can't find a second work surface that matches the Worx's 32" height, I listed a number of matching sawhorses over here.

comparison

name weight area of table top max capacity work height notes
Toughbuilt Quickset 32 lbs 0.64 m² (40x25") 1000 lbs 31" I've purchased this.
Worx Pegasus 30 lbs 0.50 m² (31x25") 1000 lbs 32"
Pony 32 lbs 0.50 m² (31x25") 1000 lbs 25", 28½", and 38"
super lightweight
Worx Sidekick 14 lbs 0.37 m² (24x24") 300 lbs 32" I've purchased this. While it can be a bit unstable, this can be improved by putting weights on each leg.
Black&Decker Workmate (WM125) 15 lbs 0.21 m² (24x13.5") 350 lbs 30" Each board is 4.5" wide x 24" long. So if the vice is closed the dimensions are 24x9", and open it's 24x13.5".

TODO — explore options that includes the Stanley minimalist sawhorses. I'm particularly interested in what a version with an ACP (aluminum composite panel) top would weigh/cost.

TODO — explore options that include the Bora Centipede that's 2x4'

folding sawhorses

name weight width max capacity work height main material folded volume notes
Stanley aluminum sawhorse (STST11154) 5.97 lbs ea 31.2" 500 lbs ea 29" aluminum 7.2 L (29" L x 4.10" W x 3.7" D) One of the most minimal metal folding sawhorses.
Stanley plastic sawhorse (060864R) 6.39 lbs ea 25.2" 500 lbs ea 31" plastic 53.8 L (25.2" L x 31" H x 4.2" D)
Stanley plastic sawhorses, two pack (STST60952) 5.5 lbs ea 22.5" 400 lbs ea 32" plastic This doesn't come as a single sawhorse, so I'd have to store the unused one in the storage unit.
adjustable height
Tomax folding sawhorse 18.3 lbs 39" 440 lbs 25-40" steel The height is adjusted only via wingnuts, so it's a bit lighter than other adjustable height mechanisms.
BORA Adjustable Speedhorse XT (PM-4550) 22 lbs 45" 1500 lbs 30-36" steel 14.4 L (45" L x 6" H x 3.25" W)
Protocol aluminum adjustable height collapsible sawhorse 19.4 lbs 46" 1000 lbs 23-30" aluminum