Husky came out with a new portable clamping workbench around a year and a half ago. I’ve had a test sample around here for much of that time, using it on a few occasions.
When we had a countertop cut for the kitchen window sill, the workers asked for a sawhorse, but I gave them this and they seemed quite pleased with the stability.
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The router table insert? Never used it. The clamping slots? I have some clamps around here that might work with it, but I never used it. I imagine you could also fashion some hold-downs using hex head screws.
But for simple work support, I LOVE this Husky portable workbench. I passed it along yesterday to an in-law who will use it for a project and then pass it to a shop teacher.
While going over the features, I remembered the 2 big reasons why I like it so much.
1) It’s very, very sturdy.
2) It’s very, very stable.
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What’s the difference? By sturdy, I refer to its 1500 lb load rating and its ability to stand strong and secure. And by stable, I refer to how the legs will swivel and self-level.
Maybe it’s the same thing, but I’ve seen sturdy workbenches that are anything but stable on challenging floors or ground.
I set it up on the driveway, and it was rock-solid despite the uneven ground.
Part of the stability, I feel, comes from the removable legs. They store neatly in the underside of the workbench and are easy to attach and remove.
The tubular legs seem sturdier than those on any folding portable workbench I’ve used before, except perhaps my father’s older Black & Decker Workmate.
I remember when he bought it at a Black & Decker factory outlet (now all closed). More recent models that I’ve seen in stores have thinner and flimsy-feeling legs. My dad’s Workmate can be heavy to carry for long distances, and it was a bear to carry to their backyard from the basement, but it’s a champ. Sorry, I digress.
The legs clip in nice and neat. The feet go into a shallow hole on one side, and the mounting end of the legs clip in on the other.
The mounting design is quick and easy, requiring no instructions. Stick the legs into holes at each corner of the workbench, and twist. I suppose there’s a slight “push down” motion too.
The legs seat themselves and lock in tightly.
I had no problem locking them in yesterday, in 20 degree weather. Removing them is easy too, and was not uncomfortable even though I wasn’t wearing gloves. One of the legs turned fine but stuck a little. A gentle tug and it popped right out.
Here is one of the swivelling leveling feet.
You’d think that a swivelling foot would contribute to rocking, but they don’t.
I’m sorry, but I don’t recall if any of the feet can extend to better level the table on really uneven ground. No matter where I set it down, it was always rock-solid and required no shims or adjustment.
There’s also a small parts box that docks underneath the benchtop in the center. Inside are accessories for the router table insert, and also metal brackets that attach to the workbench sides for supporting 2x4s.
The 2x4s can be supported for cutting, or to create a larger tabletop surface, such as if you wanted outriggers for a miter saw.
This is embarrassing, but I didn’t think to measure the tabletop dimensions before sending the workbench on its way. Home Depot markets it as a “3 ft x 1.8 ft” bench, and the specs say it’s 34.65″ long, 21.65″ wide, and 32″ tall. Its footprint is going to be slightly wider since the legs angle outwards. It weighs just under 20 lbs.
If you don’t want to use the router table insert, don’t. I ignored it and it never got in the way.
If I were in the market for a portable workbench, this one would be at the top of the list. Almost immediately after I gave the test sample away I wished for it back. If the need for a portable workbench comes up again in the future, there’s a very good likelihood that this is the one I’ll buy.
This Husky workbench is made from plastic, metal (legs), and a whole lot of thoughtful engineering. It’s quick to set up and take down, it’s pretty light and portable, and it transports nicely.
Price: $80
Buy Now(via HD)
(Clamps are not included.)
I do own a Festool MFT/3 ($560 for just the table, more for the full package), and it’s almost rickety in comparison. One of these days I might order stabilizer legs, but they’re priced at $80, 3 cents more than the price of this Husky workbench. I mention the MFT/3 unfairly, since it shines when used with Festool guide rails and tools. But as a work platform, this Husky portable workbench is more stable.
Thank you to Husky and Home Depot for providing the review sample unconditionally.
Brian
I think you may have sold me on this.
cajunfirehawk
I see no reason to change from my KETER portable work table very happy with it and it normally sells for $20-30 less, IMHO, YMMV
Jon
As I recall this particular table is made by KETER just branded for HD.
Jon
Hey Stuart, your review got me really interested in this so I clicked the link and it’s $59.97 currently. Doesn’t say anything about it being a sale price either.
Stuart
It’s $79.97 for me, and for other local zip codes I’ve checked.
There might be times when a product will be lower prices depending on the region. Maybe the HDs or warehouses near you have too much inventory they need to move. Other than that theory, I’ve got no idea.
Anton
Its $80 in SoCal too.
TGRRAG
I’ve got the same bench and have been using it for months. In sum, I’ve had almost the same experience. I’ve never used the clamp slots, or the connections for 2x4s. I’ve used the router mount for some edge routing here and there. This thing is all about being easy to store and super stable. Love the pivoting feet. Great product and outstanding value.
Nathan
Wow cause I’m looking pretty hard at this and a few other options.
Dewalt adjustable saw horse is another contender since I can raise them up level to my table saw or mitre saw setup and I have the mitre saw stand.
Toughbuilt C650, or C700 set. Those look really nice – again I want the adjustability and minimum of 32 inch height is a just about requirement. These do that too.
and finally this work table. Which might be cheaper and the better option. I sort of struggle with the size vs using say the Toughbuilt and having much more room on it.
Open to all thoughts.
Greg
I own this and it is better than described! The weight rating is 1500 lbs and it is designed to stand on end, which helps when transporting or just setting it down while you load or unload. The tracks are small, like T-Tracks, so none of my clamps work on them. However, they do include two small clamp-like bolts that can work in a pinch, which I believe are designed to set up a router fence.
They were at a special price of $59 last year sometime around November & December.
Jacob
This is by Keter. They had a simpler version without the insert plate or clamp tracks available a while back at Costco for about $30 if I remember correctly.
Nicholas Thomas Ranella
The bar clamps I have that fit are Irwin 4″ model # 1901247. They just slide into the track, work very well!
julian
Watch out for those red leg retaining clips. In cold weather 3 out of the four broke off on me. I’d heard someone else mention that, but happened to me too this last winter. Other than that (which is a HUGE PIA), I love this table.
Great for setting up as a jobsite work desk or a assembly table or as a quick stand for my Dewalt cordless mitersaw.
I have the simple Keter version with no router plate or tracks. identical in all other ways to the Husky version.
Jt
RC WARD
I got one of these during the Black Friday sales for 49 bucks and it is a great portable table the fact that you can use it with a router was what sold me on it. Great product from Husky.
RKA
I love how neatly it all flat packs for transport or storage. The lack of a leg leveler seems like an issue. The fact that you didn’t notice suggests either you were on level ground or the table top flex’d to accommodate the uneven ground. If it’s the later that could be problematic In limited cases. It would have been nice if they included a single leg with an inch of adjustability for leveling on slightly uneven terrain.
Tim
I’m sold. My HD has it for 60. Seems like a good bench to hold me over till I can build mine. Thanks for the heads up.
Electricguy
I also bought this in lieu of a set of saw horses. I’ve been happy with it and haven’t felt a need (for my purposes) to buy a set, or make a set of saw horses. It is very sturdy, and pretty quick to put up and break down.
Red92s
Thoughts on this versus the Kreg project table? The router insert is interesting, since I don’t have the space for a dedicated router table. But the Kreg looks awesome for assembly work, with the bench dog holes and ability to use the Kreg clamps. I guess it’s half the price of the Kreg on a bad day. Can’t really justify having TWO portable project tables, but it seems like they’d be better at different things.
Stuart
I’m optimistic about the Kreg table. Ben wrote about it here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/kreg-kws1000-mobile-project-center/%3C/a%3E .
I haven’t seen it in person anywhere yet either.
The Kreg looks more versatile. But it’s also double the price.
They’re completely different. I believe the Husky has a larger footprint, but you can fit some tool boxes and a dust vac underneath when it’s deployed.
It’s a tough comparison because the designs are completely different. There’s going to be some overlap in their applications, but also some tasks that one design handles better than the other.
Steve
I love this site, but I feel like it’s digressing away from, “I’ve really put this tool to work and I can vouch for it”…….and instead heading towards, “I played around with it for a weekend, and even the ‘workers’ liked it”.
Stuart
I’ve tested and then used it enough to vouch for it. For this I didn’t want to shout I RECOMMEND IT because it’s usefulness depends on what the user wants to use it for.
I’ve used it casually for about a year, sometimes when my workbenches were disassembled, other times when something needed to be done outside.
I need more floor space and storage space in the workshop, so I’m purging everything I can’t squeeze more assessment or impressions out of.
We moved and had a second baby, and then shuffled everything for a kitchen remodel, and then the workshop was gutted for electric and HVAC work.
I have not yet recovered and restructured from everything.
I’m nearly there. I’ve tested and used lots of tools that are awaiting formal review writeups. This one I would consider more informal.
The writing style has been quicker and looser, otherwise the risk is sitting on the review for 6 months.
But I can say that I absolutely vouch for this Husky workbench.
Project progress has been really slow to start up again too, meaning some tools have been tested but not yet used naturally. Those will be reviewed once I’ve used them more.
Not making excuses, simply explaining that yes things have changed, but it’s temporary.
Steve
Again, sorry for the condescending tone…I’m kind of embarrassed. It’s not reasonable to expect full reviews, comparisons, etc. out on every little thing that hits the market. These mobile workstations have been out for some time now, so I don’t know what else you could write that hasn’t already been covered. Keep up the good work!
Stuart
There’s nothing for you to feel bad about.
You either noticed a change or provided feedback, and it’s much appreciated.
I hardly ever photograph anything in use or in the midst of a project, because it’s just not easy. That’s one thing I’m setting up to change with some reviews.
Steve
Okay, perhaps unfair….maybe I should have just said that a tool review isn’t a review without thorough firsthand use. Some of the content here is media driven; when new tools come out, it’s worth talking about….but otherwise it seems like more advertising if you don’t give an independent review.
Bill Clay
Has anyone used this with a router?
Pete
I was look at this pretty hard a couple months ago during a project… had i seen this review i would have put it on the cart when i looked at it…
It looks like a really nice table, i love when things are integrated and are functional.
Goodnightjohnboy
I bought this about 2 years ago on sale for like $60. It is one sturdy workbench. It doesn’t move at all. I don’t do much router work, so I can’t speak on how it performs in that aspect. But I can tell its a badass miter saw & tile saw stand/table. Setting up a pair of horses with a piece of ply to set a saw on or cut something is not the way to go. I’ve cut into every pair of horses I own. This is by far the best tool I’ve used for trimming doors, cutting sheets, lumber, sheet metal, or whatever else. It held a 789lb I-beam while I magdrilled 32 holes & it didn’t budge. And you don’t have to move the workpiece around a bunch to find a cut or support like you do with saw horses. And it makes a great miter saw & tile saw stand. The only complaint I have is the aluminum channel slots for the clamps. I had to cut em up to get the clamps to fit. Very sturdy lightweight convenient bench/table/stand. Get you one, you won’t be disappointed.
MichaelHammer
This looks like a super duty TV tray. Is the plastic top truly flat? Perhaps I’m thinking more of a mobile work bench rather than table. Typically I’m using a mobile work table to assemble boxes like extension jambs for a skylight, for example. I need something perfectly flat that I can clamp to so I can align and assemble the parts. For this I turn to the Vika two fold. Not only an adjustable-height work table, it’s a work platform as well. The only downside is weight.
Serge!
This looks like a copy of Keter with extra insert plate.
I would not trust 1500 lb load rating, anything more than 50-60 lb may bend the surface (which is stated in manual).
Stuart
Keter makes a lot of plastic tools and workbench products for Husky and other brands.
Adam Sperry
Bought this a little over a year ago when HD had it on sale. LOVE IT!!! I use it everyday as a commercial / industrial electrician for holding equipment while we fab./ prepare for installation. I would / might easily pay full price for this in the future.
Travis
Decided to grab one of these this weekend. Love it! Super sturdy and easy to assemble. If they go on sale, I might grab a few more.
ktash
I was looking at Home Depot’s site and saw this. The Husky X-workhorse for $40. Interesting. I’ll have a look next time I’m there.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-X-Workhorse-Workbench-17185155/202021304?MERCH=REC-_-NavPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-202021304-_-N
Martha Betancourt
Hi. Is this table waterproof? Can it stand in the rain?
Stuart
It’s not designed to be used in such conditions.
Rob Forbes
What size clamps fits this table?
Stuart
Smaller bar clamps or track saw clamps *might* fit.
I’ve since moved to Dewalt’s folding workbench, which works with many more sizes and styles of clamps – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-folding-workbench-review/%3C/a%3E .
Ivan
Good afternoon. Can anyone tell me where I can find the clip to hold the legs of this table? My clip broke and I need to change it. Thank you.
Stuart
Unfortunately, I’ve never seen replacement parts for this.