Portable workbenches are a great way to improve productivity as they offer a copious amount of versatility for your workflow. If you’re a tradesman who’s always on the move, a mechanic with limited workshop space or a creative wanting to upgrade their studio then a portable workbench is what you need! With so many types available, it can be difficult to know which worktop is best for your situation. As experts in all things Workshops, Warehousing and Storage, BiGDUG has created this guide to help you understand what to look for when buying a mobile workbench.
What is a Portable Workbench used for?
Similar to standard workbenches/work tables, it offers a durable surface for performing various tasks while allowing the user to move the unit around. A work table is designed to improve productivity by having a dedicated workspace that supports many applications. Their surfaces are usually manufactured to be durable so they’re suitable for more demanding tasks. They are also tried and tested to hold heavy loads. These features combined with some castors/wheels or collapsible legs, provide you with a portable workbench! Depending on what you need it for, one type of mobile workbench can be better suited than the other.
Types of Portable Work Tables
There are several options available when it comes to a mobile workspace. Some types will be more ideal for certain situations than others, so it is important to consider your requirements and why you need to upgrade. Factors to consider when choosing the ideal work table include space-saving design, mobility features, stability, weight capacity, adjustability, additional features, and durability.
Collapsible, Folding Workbenches
You will often find collapsible work tables used by on-the-go contractors and tradesmen who need an easy-to-set-up, portable workstation. They are also popular among professionals and DIY enthusiasts working in small workshops or tight job sites. Designed for quick and easy assembly.
Advantages
- Space-saving design, ideal for small workshops or job sites with limited space.
- Quick and easy setup and folding mechanisms for convenience.
- Portable and lightweight, easy to transport between locations.
Disadvantages
- May have lower weight capacity compared to fixed workbenches.
- Stability can be compromised when fully extended, depending on the design.
- Limited customisation options compared to permanent workbenches.
Workbenches with Wheels
Having a work surface on wheels is ideal for mechanics and technicians working in garages or workshops where mobility is essential. These are better suited to larger areas where lots of moving is required.
Advantages
- Allows users to move the workbench to different areas without much setup.
- Locking mechanisms provide stability when the workbench is in use.
- Can support heavier loads compared to collapsible workbenches.
Disadvantages
- Wheels may not perform well on uneven surfaces, affecting stability.
- The need for a flat, obstruction-free path may limit mobility.
- Wheels can add bulk and weight to the workbench depending on design.
Trestles
Trestles are most suited for tradesmen who need to frequently set up a sturdy work surface at different work sites. Trestles allow you to arrange them in a way so that they can hold any length of material such as timber or pipe ready to cut.
Advantages
- Adjustable height allows users to customize the work surface to their preferred level.
- Sturdy construction provides stability for heavy-duty tasks.
- Can be used individually or in pairs to support long materials such as timber or pipes.
Disadvantages
- Limited surface area compared to traditional workbenches.
- May require additional accessories or attachments for specialised tasks.
Workshops: Mechanics & Auto Technicians
Portable workbenches are great for mechanic workshops since they can be moved to create space as and when needed. For example, when a new vehicle job rolls in you can create space to bring the car in. Once it is time to begin servicing, you can set up the work table next to your work. Use it for the assembly process of small and fragile components, or as a simple surface for holding equipment in between tasks.
Studios: Artists & Crafters
Artists and crafters often need a portable surface for painting, sculpting, or crafting projects. Mobile workbenches provide a stable platform for creative endeavours and can be easily moved to accommodate different artistic processes.
Trade: Carpenters, Plumbers, Construction & More
A mobile workbench is essential for tradesmen and work sites to carry out various tasks. For long-term jobs, it is worthwhile investing in a heavy-duty mobile workbench to move about as the job progresses through phases. For shorter, week-to-month long jobs trestles should be handy enough! Easy to set up and easy to pack away at the end of the day while saving space, trestles are a great piece of equipment that offers a lot of versatility and value.
DIY Enthusiasts & Hobbyists
Whether working on home improvement projects or pursuing hobbies like crafting or gardening, DIY enthusiasts can benefit from the versatility of mobile workbenches. They offer a flexible workspace solution for a wide range of activities.
Overall, a portable workbench is designed to make lives easier by saving space, offering manoeuvrability, organisation, and a sturdy work surface – making it suitable for hundreds of applications. Start working smarter and invest in a work table today!
Workbenches BiGDUG Recommends
As a leading supplier within the storage industry, BiGDUG are here to provide you with the best plastic box storage solutions for you to save time, space, and money! We have carbon footprint-reducing storage options of all types. Choose from many different colours, sizes, and uses for your situation!
BiG400 Heavy-Duty Mobile Workbench with Wheels
These fantastic portable workbenches are made from European-sourced steel and are finished in powder-coated blue and high-visibility orange. They come with four heavy-duty castors, two of which are lockable. The workbenches are very easy to assemble and can withstand weights of up to 300kg. The two high-density, 15mm-thick chipboard decks are supported with a central support beam, sitting on top of profiled, steel beams.
The plastic top caps will protect the worktop corners, whilst the angled steel uprights protect the corners of the lower shelf. You can add an extra shelf to the unit if you need to. The workbench is also noted for its boltless, stud-and keyhole design.
Treston Mobile Anti-Static Workbench
This mobile anti-static workbench enables an ESD-protected worksurface to be moved between all working areas. It also has a height adjustable worktop which promotes standing as well as sitting. Key features of the workbench include the thermopal conductive melamine-faced chipboard with grey ABS edging, 26mm ESD-laminate worktop, 40mm square-tube steel frame, height adjustable steel legs and swivel castors.
Armorgard Mobile Tuffbench with Wheels
The fantastic TuffBench is a heavy-duty mobile workbench that also doubles up as a storage cabinet. It’s designed to keep your tools safe from thieves and is manufactured from tough steel plates. It has handles at each end as well as heavy-duty wheels and comes with a 5-lever deadlock. It’s also powder-coated with an anti-corrosive undercoat and is designed to last for many years before it needs to be replaced.
Browse All Workbenches with Wheels
BiGDUG Essentials Heavy Duty Folding Workbench
Set up your workspace with ease and pack away just as quickly with these portable, folding work tables. Manufactured from strong materials to provide reliable sturdiness for any task. With a weight of only 17kg, carry your new workstation around effortlessly!
Browse All Folding Workbenches
Sealey Heavy Duty Folding Composite Trestle Stands
Heavy duty for sustained use makes it ideal for supporting large workpieces when cutting, drilling, and sawing. Like all trestles, it is fully collapsible for easy storage. These are very popular trestles used on thousands of work sites around the country; improve your productivity and buy one today at an unbeatable price!
Browse All Trestles
Contact Us
If you’re looking to increase your productivity levels and make your work life easier, we are here to help with our affordable workspace solutions. To find more useful tips from BiGDUG, visit our BiG Blogs where we share advice on how to save time, space, and money! If you need help, you can contact us by calling, emailing, or using our popular live chat facility.
