It's amazing how sturdy this thing is for being a super-portable compact folding-table. They say it is rated at 1000 Lbs capacity. Hmmm... I don't know about that... maybe if you stacked that amount of weight on it slowly, and made sure it was evenly distributed... it just might hold that much. I know I can sit on it and it doesn't wince.
The unique (and patented) folding system provides several interlocked supports: two on the side, one in the center. Those fold into place and lock very easily. The main braces connect the upper and lower surfaces. Those, in turn, hold the aluminum legs in places quite rigidly. The net result is the entire table is VERY sturdy and remarkably stable too.
Because the tubular legs are of fairly large diameter, the entire table is quite rigid... astoundingly rigid considering it's light-weight.
The super-nifty cool-gizmo factor is in the way it instantly and automatically opens. Go look at YouTube videos. This thing really works like that!
The clamps can fit into slots so they can be used as a pair, much like a bench vise. Or they can be slipped through the hand-sized holes to clamp vertically and hold boards DOWN to the surface.
If you are familiar with the excellent Irwin Quik-Clamps, you'll instantly understand how these clamps operate. However, these clamps have an extra function: not only the feet move, but the clamp-heads move too. There are many times I have wished for that feature when using other clamps!
These clamps are light to medium duty though. They are not as rigid or powerful as the heavy duty Irwin models. But they are fast and convenient, certainly strong enough for many DIY, home-repair and craft / shop project applications.
What's delightful, besides the nifty way it unfolds, it how compact this is. When collapsed or "closed" it is only a few inches wide. That slim profile made me worry when I saw the box arrive, because I thought it was going to be another "some assembly required" nightmare.
Nope...
This comes FULLY ASSEMBLED, but in the closed position. You just open the box, remove the protective "warning" tape, read the brief clear illustrated instructions and Bam! It's open!
I am a sucker for workshop gadgets. Over the decades, I can't tell you how many dozens of workbenches I have tried; all of them promising stuff they never fully delivered.
The Skill multi-function bench had some neat ideas, but was made so cheaply it never worked well and didn't last long. I have tried rolling work-benches, tool-cabinets, clamping stations, workmates... you name it. All of them do a few things OK, but all of them were also cheap, inaccurate or difficult and flimsy. They all quickly found their way to garage sales.
This is the FIRST TIME in my fifty-plus years of woodworking that any folding bench-table-clamping-center doohickey has EVER worked as advertised.
Really. No exaggeration. Go find the videos. It opens just like that. Even on my first try it worked perfectly.
You really can sit on it. The clamps actually lock in place and really do clamp with fair holding power.
It folds up fast and takes little room. There are several hand-holds built in, so it is easy to move Up & Down stairs or through tight doorways. I often need to move to the basement or outdoors for DIY projects, so that compactness and those handles are a boon.
It would fit in a smart car. I could fit four of these in my trunk. Eight of them would fit in the back seat of any normal sedan. You could easily slip several of these under a bed.
Now, could it be improved? Yes, slightly.
Instead of BLACK, which absorbs heat when working outdoors, a lighter color would be nice. When I use this outdoors in the blazing noonday sun, the surface gets HOT. A lighter color would alleviate some of that endothermic nuisance. That would also make stuff on the lower shelf easier to see. Black drywall screws tend to hide on dark surfaces.
Some users may want heavier-duty clamps, but these clamps are well-matched to the sturdiness of the table. In other words, you won't be doing any heavy hand-tool work with this. It is quite rigid and sturdy and stable, but it wobbles a bit if you try to do hand-planing on it. Power sanding? No problem.
My only regret is that I jumped at this low price too soon and did not realize there is another model with adjustable legs. This height is a trifle LOW for much of the work I do around the house. But it is a nice height for refinishing small projects, sanding, clamping, light hand-saw work and glue-ups.
If you are TALL, then you might want the adjustable version at a slightly higher price.
I think the only way you could find a more perfect design would be to make it yourself. Even though I have made MANY dozens of workbenches and cabinets, I could not make one for seventy-bucks that was any better. It would certainly be an engineering challenge to design one that folded up so compactly yet remained so sturdy when open.
If you often need a little workbench with clamping options but are short on space with a low budget... I recommend this thing ( or its adjustable-height brother) highly.
| Material | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Brand | Keter |
| Product Dimensions | 21.65"D x 33.46"W x 29.75"H |
| Color | Black/Yellow |
| Item Weight | 27 Pounds |
| Finish Type | Yellow |
| Base Type | Leg |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Load Capacity | 1000 pound |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Keter |
| Part Number | 197283 |
| Item Weight | 27 pounds |
| Item model number | Folding Table Work |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Weight Capacity: 1000 lbs |
| Style | Non-Adjustable |
| Finish | Yellow |
| Pattern | Bench |
| Shape | Rectangle |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Folding |
| Included Components | 2- Removable Quick-Ratcheting, Keter 17182239 Folding Work Table |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1-year limited. |
