How To Buy The Best Portable Work Table – The 8 Top Tips

Last Updated on 2020-11-07 by Harry Masterton

How to buy the best portable work table – the 8 top tips you must take into account to make sure you get the exact table you need  before you open your wallet.

If you’re new to the woodworking hobby and DIY and you’re thinking of setting up a small woodworking shop, buying the best portable work table or portable workbench you can afford is essential.

It will save you hours of heartache down the road.

Before we decide on the best portable work table for your specific needs, let's first emphasize how much we think you actually need one. Working off of a bench or desk top is certainly acceptable; many craftsmen have no other choice.

As long as it's a stable enough surface to handle your job safely, it's mostly just a matter of convenience. However, that convenience can make a big difference in the quality of your work, and in the time and effort expended. Just as a skill saw cuts better and faster than a hand saw, a good work table will serve you much better than a chair.

So, let's look at what it's going to take to find you the best portable work table for your projects. There are several things to consider in your hunt for the right tool.

Some are personal preferences, some are safety related and some are just plain common sense. They are all important things to ponder if you want to make the right choice. The following list covers most of what you need to know.

Read Our Guide To The Best Portable Workbench Reviews 3 Way Comparison Shoot Out

How To Buy The Best Portable Work Table – The 8 Top Tips

1 – Portable Work Table – Price
Nobody wants to spend more money than they need to, but quality almost always comes at a cost. The prices for cheap portable work tables can range from as little as $20, to several hundred for some of the top end options. Not one of your biggest investment in the woodworking shop, but you don't want to waste money on the wrong tool.

2 – Portable Work Table – Size
The type of work you are doing and the size of your work material are import considerations in deciding on the right size. The work surface is measured by width and depth. The height of the work surface area is another important measurement to look at for comfortable working.

3 – Portable Work Table – Portability
Seems like an obvious statement but he best portable work table must actually be well, portable. Big and heavy with too many options can defeat the purpose. If you need something bigger, ditch the portability and get a work bench. Many models come with built in handles for ease of transport.

4 – Portable Work Table – Ease Of Assembly
Most will come already assembled, some will not. These are not complex pieces of machinery, most average handymen can put one together. However, you'll need to make sure there are no specialty tools required for assembly.

5 – Portable Work Table  – Weight
Different options and construction materials can vary the weight of a portable table from 5 to 50 pounds. Heavier usually means stronger and sturdier, but not always. There are many plastics and composites that are both light weight and strong.

6 – Portable Work Table – Features
A flat stable surface is your first priority. Some kind of built in clamp or vise system is also a basic need. Mostly, the different weight capabilities are the biggest concern. Some can handle up to 1,000 lbs. Most will not.

7 – Portable Work Table – Construction
Different woods, metals and a variety of plastics and composites are all common. The materials make a big difference in the quality, but the craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques will show in the longevity and performance of any tool.

8 – Portable Work Table  – Dependability
A portable work bench isn't going to be the most expensive item in your shop, but you still want something that's going to last. Something that you know is going to work right when you need it to. Dependability is something that's earned over time, but you can read reviews and customer feedback to help form an opinion. Most reputable manufacturers will backup their product with a warranty, which is comforting at least.

Download Our Free Workshop Setup Guide And Tools Checklists

How To Buy The Best Portable Work Table – Comparisons

Portable Work Tables – keter vs workmate

Sometimes, it's helpful to examine these factors in a comparison setting. Pick two different potential choices, and go down the list. For example, a comparison between keter vs workmate would look something like this:

• Price – On comparable models Keter comes in slightly lower than the Workmate. It's close, but every dollar adds up. Advantage Keter.
• Size – The work surface of the Keter is larger at 33.46″ x 21.65″. The steel legs on the Keter also have adjustable height from 30.3″ to 34.2″. Advantage Keter.
• Portability – They both fold, but the Workmate is a little lighter and easier to break down. Advantage Workmate.
• Assembly – Both are available assembled. The workmate has a simpler design, but both could be assembled by a semi competent handyman if needed. Advantage none.
• Weight – Both are relatively light weight, that's part of portability. However, the Keter is about 25% lighter. Advantage Keter.
• Abilities – Both have comparable uses, with options available. The Workmate plastic inserts for the vice rate slightly stronger than the metal ones on the Keter, but still don't feel quite as solid. The Keter also has the higher weight capacity by far. Advantage Keter.
• Construction – Both being top brand names, of course they are well built. The Keter is constructed mainly of polypropylene resin and steel. The Workmate has a folding steel frame with solid bamboo work surface. Hard wood is nice looking, but it might not last as long or stand up to harsh use. Advantage Keter.
• Dependability – As we learned earlier, dependability is only earned over time. Both are considered leaders in the industry. Both come with a two year warranty. You'll have to read some customer reviews to break the tie. Advantage none.

In this comparison the best portable work table was the Keter. This choice was based on giving even emphasis to each of the given factors.

The Best Portable Work Table – WORX Pegasus vs Keter

The spanner in the works happens literally when you compare the  WORX Pegasus vs Keter and we have compared the two in our guide to the best portable workbench reviews. The great feature of the Worx Pegasus is it's ability to fold down into a sawhorse How To Buy and also connect with other Work Pegasus to form a larger work area.

Of course, an individual’s particular needs can make some criteria more important than others. Your needs, abilities and pocket book will determine which of these receives the most weight in your decision.

Trying them all out really isn't an option. You're going to have to ask questions and do some research. Look for independent comparisons to help you collect facts.

Often, the manufactures and salesmen won't tell you the downsides of their equipment. In the end, the best portable work table is one that is best for you. Check our guide to our guide to the best portable workbenches and as always happy woodworking and please leave a comment below to tell us what you think and ask any questions.