Table top isn't as thick as on my WM 400 and there are no holes for the pegs in the removable center section, which is disappointing. The base is essentially the same as on the WM 400, so plenty sturdy. There is a continuous plastic cable tying the two clamp screws together which isn't explained in the instruction manual so I 'm not sure if it is packaging material or a functional part of the table.

This is a good, strong and folds-to-compact workbench. Useful for sawing, drilling, clamping, etc. It is heavy but that is an advantage not a drawback as it is very secure. I do think the ability to move the slats on the bench with the turning cranks is an unnecessary complication, and the clamping mechanism is not very sturdy, has a tendency to jam, and takes up space and weight. Basically, the worktable consists of three slats, and the mechanism allows you to remove one slat and crank the two remaining slats together. I do not use this feature and do not see much use for it. It does not clamp securely enough for cutting/sawing and I do not see any advantage in making the work table smaller. The cranks need to be turned together or the mechanism stops. They should have at least the option of a plain, one-piece top. But if you disregard this feature, the bench is very good.

I thought the quality and construction of the product would be much better. Plastic stops to hold the boards in place, really. Also, a very thin grade of steel to make up the support structure. I don't think I would try to support 450 pounds! Also, the assembly instructions was poor at best. The instructions provide very little information and only by trial and error, it was assembled. The working top / boards were not labeled and the plastic stops were not clearly shown or illustrated to show there final configuration. Plus the instructions was so small and difficult to read / understand them. The plastic bag that the parts came in was open and a crank handle was missing. It was not clearly shown how to attached the stops / fasteners to the hold the plastic guide piece in place for the clamp. Also, the location of the plastic guide piece in order to connect the guide / support to the plastic guide piece of the spring / screw assembly. Again, plastic!

I'm usually happy with anything that has Black & Decker's name on it -- not thrilled, but happy. The Workmate 425, however, has been a disappointment. The "one-handed clamping system" isn't quite up to B&D standards. The plastic belt slips frequently -- well, USUALLY -- requiring readjustment. And I've never achieved the solid clamping you get with a real bench vise; any activity that vibrates your work-piece (which is pretty much anything) usually results in slippage. And be careful when folding it up for storage -- the edges of the legs are sharp and my table has cut a couple of people. However, I think the thing that has been the most aggravating is that the dog holes just never seem to be where I need them. To achieve several configurations you can remove and rotate two of the three planks that make up the top. (Note to B&D: A guide illustrating the various configurations and their possible usages would be helpful.) With such a variety you might think you could find a configuration of dog holes for any need. But it seems they're always just a little bit off. Either that, or the mechanisms underneath the table prevent the dogs from being inserted all the way. I know I can drill my own and probably will, but with a little more thought the issue could have been avoided and this tool might have begun to live up to the B&D moniker.

I had an original B&D Workmate that I loved. Sold it 15 years ago when I left the US. Am now back and just assembled the Workmate 425, and I'm appalled. I've already been on the phone with customer support to replace one of the top blocks that stripped out on the first turn. The other three, I'm sure will strip out when/if I take them off and then attempt to refit. All the parts are cheaply made, and the finished, assembled product feels very tinny. Not anything like the original. I think I just bought a $90 stationary bench.