Stanley Tools announced a new fold-up workbench via social media posts. They say that their new folding workbench, model STST11552, is versatile, sturdy, and portable.
The new Stanley Tools workbench will be available at Home Depot, as well as independent retailers. At the time of this posting, there’s no listing at Home Depot or elsewhere, and so pricing information is not yet available.
Stanley Tools says that their new STST11552 workbench is ideal for any jobsite, featuring full clamping coverage and a portable, space-saving design. It indeed has dog holes throughout its work surface, which can be used with accessories such as trigger-style bar clamps with removable heads.
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The worktable also has molded-in pockets for holding tools, screwdrivers, fasteners, and other small parts.
When you’re all done with your work, the workbench folds up into a compact and easily transportable package.
Key Features & Specs
- 33-1/2″ x 23-1/2″ work surface
- 700 lbs max load rating
- Quick-folding feature
- Automatic safety plate lock
- Multi-bench connection
- Built-in measuring guide
Price: TBA
Discussion
The new Stanley folding work table looks to be a lighter duty version of Dewalt’s folding work table, which I reviewed here. I continue to use to use my Dewalt work table when it’s needed, and it has held up well over the years.
Note: Outside the United States, the same Dewalt work table is branded “Stanley FatMax Express.”
One of the only downsides to the Dewalt model is that it can be difficult to transport due to its size. I don’t really mind the way it folds down, as it’s easy for me to store, but I can definitely see appeal in the new Stanley folding workbench.
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The Stanley’s top surface appears to be a bit different, and it also looks to be slower to open and close. Compared to the Dewalt, the Stanley also has a much lower load rating – 700 pounds vs. 1000 pounds.
Pricing information is not yet available. For context, the Dewalt portable workbench launched at $69 and is currently available for $90 to $99. The Dewalt model has fluctuated in price over the years, with the lowest pricing usually tied to seasonal promotional displays at Home Depot stores.
I do have one concern. I often use the large X-shaped slots in Dewalt’s portable workbench surface to insert, use, and reposition trigger-style bar clamps. Are the dog holes in the Stanley work surface large enough to fit common trigger clamp bars? If not, you might need to try track saw-style clamps that can be rotated through the dog holes – if the tabletop isn’t too thick.
There are some nice features here, and some compromises as well. Assuming the Stanley workbench is priced below that of the Dewalt model, it has some great things going for it.
Stanley Black & Decker’s engineers and design team did a great job with their Dewalt product, and so far it looks like they did a great job with this new Stanley as well.
Leo B.
It looks a little low to be very comfortable for working at, unless you’re unusually short. In the picture, it barely comes up the model’s mid-thigh. For handsawing, it’d lend itself to extra power, but for pretty much anything else it looks too short. In fairness, though, I prefer my sawhorses and tables pretty high, so it may work better for others. I do like the folding aspect; it looks very portable. Always nice to have more options!
Jared
Good observation. I wouldn’t want a short table either.
Stuart
They don’t mention the height, and cameras can distort proportions.
The Dewalt isn’t very tall, but I like this so that I can put benchtop machinery on top for quick tasks. Short also contributes to greater stability, usually at least.
I assume that they take hand and power saw operation into account when figuring heights for no -adjustable workbenches.
But, it’s certainly not going to be for everyone.
Ben
It’s got to be about as tall as it is long. Looks like the legs fold in. Can’t be taller than the 33″ length.
Thomas
Lol, he’s back from it.. that’s why it looks short.
TimL
29″ height isn’t too bad. I wouldn’t be doing any planing on it since it dosen’t look super sturdy, but power-sawing and minor glue-ups or assembly might not be so bad. I dont do much portable work, but it could fill a spot for some. Being 6′ I would probably prefer something higher or maybe height adjustable? Maybe plus or minus 3″.
Julian
Not sure about this one, but that Dewalt monstrosity is very heavy as I recall from checking it out at HD. Seems this conversation isnt really complete without mentioning the Keter/Husky portable work bench that has four aluminum legs that quick screw into place and clip into the underside of the table for storage. Husky makes a version with a pretty crappy looking router table insert, but I’ve got the Keter version which
just has a flat tabletop with a couple of pencil trays, etc.
Beauty of it is that it’s super lightweight, yet amazingly sturdy. I looked at the Dewalt one years ago and after running it thru the paces in store: setting up, breaking down, it was a hard pass for me considering I’d be transporting it and carrying it back and forth to jobs.
But maybe that’s the direction Dewalt is headed – subpar engineering and design yielding heavy ass job site equipment like their version of the Husky (Keter) X-horse with steel legs instead of aluminum. (Same with the rolling mitersaw station and the toughstack cart – crappy design, heavy bulky result.)
For me – weight is the only consideration I really care about. Who cares if it holds 900lbs or 500lvs – not as though I’m setting up a cast iron machine on a plastic bench
Matt the Hoople
Agree about the capacity not really being a factor once it goes above a few hundred pounds. Also agree that weight is important for portable equipment. The bonus of the Keter you mentioned is the regular price is a lot less as well. I too would rather spend an extra minute setting up and taking down than lug around the extra weight. The keter also has the horizontal bar clamp slots which is a nice touch. It doesn’t have the vertical openings for using clamps toward the center of the table. Those could be handy but that’s not a deal breaker for me.
Dave P
I have a Keter. Much nicer…..
Andy
The lack of self leveling feet is a deal breaker. Almost everywhere I set up is uneven.
Frank D
I wish the X Horse / Table would come back. Been waiting for years. My old ones are doing well, but starting to wear a bit and could use an extra pair.
Julian
I have three original Husky/aluminum versions. One of the best job site work surfaces ever designed. Better than a sawhorse, able to be used individually and simple, lightweight and thin.
Frank D
Exactly. They’re sturdier and more stable than anything else on the market. No flimsy legs. Span a solid flat surface across a pair and they make for a great table. It’s downside may be use on uneven surfaces with only one adjustable foot. I keep hoping they will return, rebranded or not, … as we often see with some product designs.
King duck
I really want something like this but everything I have tried is a pain in the ass to set up. I’ll reserve my final judgment when I can play with it in The store.
Julian Tracy
Try the Keter/Husky version – it’s the best balance of size, weight, setup and cost.
Charles_A
I got the Walmart Hart version of the Keter table – not sure if it’s still available, but for $50 it’s been one of my best buys yet.
Patrick
I agree with the hart table, got 2 on sale for 54.00 and they are great
Koko The Talking Ape
Great tip, thanks! Does it have t-slots for clamps?
JoeM
Wow! Busy news day, Stuart! Hope you’re doing okay after all that typing!
Take care and rest up! Still more February to go, and Q1 romised releases are bound to pile up!
George
I’ll have to check out the Stanley table – that it folds up is a VERY attractive feature. Now, if they made it so it’s simple and fast to couple two together for a larger work surface…
Speaking of the Keter/Husky table – I have the Husky version – do the T slot clamps that come with the Keter table work on th Husky version, and are they available separately? I did a quick internet search and couldn’t find them.
RE: the DeWalt tables – I have two, and I agree on the weigh and bulk criticism. Their big advantage – and it’s about the only one – is speed to deploy. I’m not a big fan of the X slots, they work, but setting up a clamp takes too long, to get the clamp solid rquires fussing with it, and if you’re making multiple cuts/planes/routs on many different pieces it’s a headache. If they weren’t so fast to set up I’d almost go with sawhorses and a folding 4X4 of 3/4 plywood. (Lowe’s steel folding sawhorses are pretty good, but heavy and they need a custom sacrificial top added, which they aren’t set up for, only 2 small screw holes to hold the sacrificial 2X4).
Tim Wozniak
Although it does not fold up as compact, I prefer one or two two Worx Pegasus work tables (saw horses). 1000# limit https://www.worx.com/pegasus-work-table-sawhorse-wx051.html Purchased on sale for less than $100.
bj
That’s the one I have and it seems to have positive reviews. Price sure went up. I think I paid $80.
Rcward
Looks a lot like the DeWalt table that broke the first time I used it. It’s a no go
LJH
I like my keter’s folding bench very easy to open close and stable
Lj
DeWalt Table works great for me. This one looks a lot like it. Got my DeWalt on sale at Ace. For the Price and Quality can’t beat it. I’ve been using it for a couple years now. No problem.
Tomas
I use the Worx Pegasus, it’s amazing, and the height is great.
Bluenose
I also have a Pegasus and love it
Pastor Dan
I’ve been watching prices on the Keter tables for a while now. I thank all of you for showing me options. Now, if I ever am able to scrape the money together…..
Rick
I’m 6’6″, so portable workbenches are too short for me. I built all the work benches in my shop and garage at 42″.
Pastor Dan
I’ve long preferred a height of around 42″ for most benchtop-type work, and I’m a mere 5′-11″.
Popgun42
Walmart has a Hart table for $70. In stock at local store.
All Or Nothing
I have both the husky table and the Dewalt table. The husky table is the better of the two even though it takes a little longer to set up. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that they did a great job of designing the Dewalt table. The legs on the Dewalt table aren’t so great. They bend very easily and they don’t feel very assuring compared to the husky table. The legs on my table no longer line up and they don’t fold up nearly as easily as they did when I bought it. I took it apart to find that everything that makes the folding mechanism is made of plastic and some parts weren’t working properly because of that. The metal used for the legs is flimsy and thin and can be easily compromised by a simple kick or something to that effect. The convenience of setup is about all it has going for it. The husky table is rated for 1500 lbs and also comes with a storage box that locks in place under the table. It feels sound and sturdy when using it. The Dewalt table is rated for 1000 lbs and does not come with any accessories. Based on the experience I’ve had using the table, the 1000 lb rating is questionable. It feels somewhat sturdy most of the time. This would have a lot more going for it if the table had a more promising leg support system. The design looks like it came directly from one of those cheap picnic tables found in Walmart. I wouldn’t trust it to hold up 700 lbs. I don’t think I’d risk putting 500 lbs on this table seeing how none of the parts that hold it up lock in place. We don’t know how strong the hinges in the middle are and how well they’re attached underneath the table. Just like we don’t know how strong the metal is that the legs are made of. They’re likely made of thin gage metal which isn’t very suitable for the purpose of this particular product. The foldable aspect is pretty cool. Although it would be a lot better if those parts locked into place when using it. Having to pick it up and move it with something on top of it won’t be an easy thing to do. This table has several things going for it, but how well it’s made is a concern. If I were to put a transmission or a front end axle on this table, I would have concerns about it being able to support the weight. Serious concerns.