BLACK+DECKER Workmate 301 Folding Workbench, Saw Horse & Work Platform WM301-XJ
Pros
- Folds flat in seconds for easy garage or shed storage
- Doubles as a saw horse and clamping work platform
- Well-proven design with a huge review history
Cons
- Worktop is narrower than dedicated garage workbenches
Specifications
- Material
- Steel & Resin
- Price tier
- Mid-range
- Size
- Compact folding
- Capacity
- Clamping jaw worktop
How it compares in Workshop Benches
We list 18 workshop benches products, priced from £18.95 to £200.00. At £34.00 this one is the 2nd cheapest of them — 16 cost more. The average across the subcategory is £90.53 and the midpoint is £80.49, so it lands £56.53 below the average.
Its 4.3-star score sits 0.17 below the workshop benches average of 4.47, with 12 of the 18 rated higher. Its 6,166 Amazon reviews make it the 1st most-reviewed here, against a subcategory average of 1,563.
Price position in Workshop Benches
Splitting the subcategory into three price bands puts this product in the Budget band (£18.95–£58.99), which holds 6 of 17 products and averages £41.65 at 4.42 stars.
| Band | Range | Products | Average price | Average rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BudgetThis one | £18.95–£58.99 | 6 | £41.65 | 4.42 |
| Mid-range | £69.99–£124.99 | 6 | £92.99 | 4.47 |
| Premium | £131.99–£200.00 | 5 | £165.39 | 4.54 |
About this product
The BLACK+DECKER Workmate 301 Folding Workbench offers a surprisingly robust solution for tackling small jobs around the garage or workshop. This folding workbench is designed to be incredibly versatile, acting as both a sturdy work platform and a fully functional saw horse – perfect for DIY enthusiasts and those who don’t have extensive storage space. It's a fantastic option for anyone needing a compact workspace that can quickly adapt to different tasks.
This unit folds flat in seconds, allowing you to easily store it away when not in use, making it ideal for smaller garages or sheds. The steel frame provides stability and durability, while the resin worktop offers a solid surface for sawing, drilling, or any other workshop activity. It’s built around a well-proven design that has been popular with home users for years, reflecting its reliability and ease of use.
The Workmate 301 features a clamping jaw worktop which provides a secure grip for various materials, and it doubles as a stable saw horse, allowing you to adjust the height of your projects. However, prospective buyers should note that the worktop is narrower than some dedicated garage workbenches, so it might not be ideal for exceptionally large or heavy-duty tasks.
Despite its budget price point, this workbench delivers considerable functionality and versatility. It’s a practical choice for those seeking an adaptable and space-saving workstation for occasional use – perfect for home improvement projects or general DIY tasks. You'll find it provides excellent value for money, offering a solid foundation for your next project.
Related attributes
Price tier
Material
Capacity
Brand
Power
FAQ
What is this workbench best suited for?
The Black+ Decker Workmate 301 is ideal for general DIY tasks, light assembly projects, and small workshop jobs. Its folding design makes it suitable for storage in garages or sheds, and the clamping worktop provides a stable surface.
What materials is the workbench made from?
The Workmate 301 features a steel frame and resin components for its worktop and legs. This combination offers durability and stability while keeping the overall weight manageable.
How does the size of this workbench compare to others in the same price range?
This is a compact folding workbench, designed for space-saving storage. It’s smaller than many dedicated garage workbenches but offers a good balance of functionality and portability within its budget category.
How easy is it to set up and fold down?
The Workmate 301 folds flat in seconds, making it very convenient for storage. It quickly transforms between workbench and saw horse configurations with minimal effort.
What kind of clamping capacity does the worktop have?
The worktop has a clamping jaw design allowing you to secure materials firmly during use. This provides stability and prevents items from sliding while you're working on them.
Is this workbench suitable for heavier tasks?
While sturdy, the worktop is narrower than some dedicated workshop benches. It’s best suited for lighter to medium-weight projects; avoid placing extremely heavy objects directly on the surface.
How should I maintain and clean the workbench?
Regularly wipe down the steel frame and resin worktop with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the materials.
Does this product require any assembly?
Yes, the Workmate 301 requires some basic assembly – typically involving attaching the legs to the frame and adjusting the worktop clamps. Instructions are included for easy setup.
What safety precautions should I take when using it?
Always ensure the workbench is stable before use, particularly when in saw horse configuration. Keep fingers clear of moving parts and avoid placing excessive weight on the worktop.
How does this compare to other folding workbenches around £30?
The Black+ Decker Workmate 301 offers a well-proven design with a large user base, typically providing better durability than some cheaper alternatives. Its robust steel frame and clamping system contribute to its stability and performance.
£34.00
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