ToughBuilt has come out with a new portable workbench, model TBL-WB700, which so far looks to be a Lowe’s exclusive.
ToughBuilt likely leveraged their sawhorse know-how on the QuickSet Workbench, which features “instant set up” and compact storage.
The ToughBuilt QuickSet Workbench features a plastic table top with “SmartSurface” measurement markings – “measuring and protractor features stamped clearly into the surface.”
Advertisement
It has dog holes and numerous slots for accommodating bar clamps (not included) for holding down workpieces.
The ToughBuilt workbench features a “one-button, handle-pull deployment design,” which the brand describes as quick and intuitive.
There’s a flush-fit recessed carry handle on the side.
Each corner is ClipTech-compatible, with one mount included with the workbench. ClipTech is ToughBuilt’s tool belt, bag, and pouch quick-release system, and so the workbench provides one or more places to hang your gear.
ClipTech hubs are usually included with all of ToughBuilt’s compatible gear bags and pouches, and you can buy them separately as well.
QuickSet Workbench Features & Specs
- 3′ x 2′ work surface (33″ x 23.5″)
- 31″ working height
- Metal legs
- Ruggedized feet
- Multiple clamping points
- Flush-fit recessed carry handle
- ClipTech mounting points (1 hub is included)
- One-button and handle-pull opening
- Folding design for compact storage
- 1,000 lb weight capacity
- Weight: 32 lbs
Price: $69 – last updated 11/10/22
Advertisement
The ToughBuilt QuickSet portable workbench is available at Lowe’s. It is uncertain whether it will also be available at other retailers.
Thank you to Matthew @everydaycivilian for the tip!
Discussion
Not to mince words, it looks like ToughBuilt saw the Dewalt folding workbench, thought “we could do better” and gave it their best.
The ToughBuilt workbench has a different hole and clamp slot pattern, and looks to lack the Dewalt’s built-in recessed small parts tray.
There are potentially 2 advantages here. First, the built-in ClipTech hub mounting locations could present a convenient place for users to hang their gear off the ground. You could even attach a dedicated pouch for holding common tools, such as a pencil, marker, utility knife, and measuring tape.
Second, the ToughBuilt bench looks to have a “fold away handle mechanism,” whereas the Dewalt workbench pull-deployment handle sticks out and can get in the way.
ToughBuilt makes excellent and highly popular folding metal sawhorses, but this is their first workbench product that I know of.
It will be interesting to see how well the ToughBuilt workbench suits pro and DIYer needs. At the least, it looks to be competitively featured and priced.
Jason G
Got the 700 series sawhorse for Christmas. I am totally sold on their products. Such good engineering and they think of everything.
A
You mean such good reverse engineering….
They took the Dewalt 11556 Workbench and copied almost everything from there… added some improvements, had to replace what was patented, which was easy because the mechanism they used appeared in the patent’s prior art section….
But what these ‘good engineers’ forgot to check is that their modifications made it weigh 40% more than Dewalt’s WB, which makes it very difficult to carry for a distance, and some of the parts they copied are not built for the new weight…
Try asking you wife or kids to carry the table 100 yards and hear what they have to say…
Andy
Looks like it doesn’t have self leveling feet. Assuming that’s true, it doesn’t work for me. Too bad, because otherwise it looks pretty perfect for my needs.
Stuart
It’s frustrating how few portable workbenches have an adjustable leg or two.
I thought this would be a sore point with the Dewalt, but I’ve managed without any issues yet, and I assume the same would be true with this one.
Munklepunk
My first thought was that it was a beefed up DeWalt, I’ve got two and they are solid but cost about $30. At $70 it’s a good price.
Munklepunk
$30 more
Matt the Hoople
They already raised the price. Now it’s $100.
Stuart
I still see $70. My guess is that stores will make adjustments as they receive inventory or as a set Father’s Day promotional period nears.
Try changing the zip code – one of my Lowe’s stores always has higher prices than others in the area.
Matt the Hoople
Just checked again and now my local store is showing $69.98.
Weird.
OldDominionDIYer
Very interesting, though without an adjustable leg or two it’s going to be a limited use work bench. I like their products, and this is likely another great option.
JoeM
Well, that’s a relief. I hate Lowe’s, but I love ToughBuilt. This little sucker looks like a baby version of what you can do with a full-sized C700 pair, and whatever configuration you need to build out of 2-4 2×4’s turned into a separate table top. If you’re serious about doing the work on-site, the full-sized multi-part C700 Sawhorses are what you really need. You can build your own custom table top using Bench Dog Holes, Clamps, Slots, or whatever other preferred attachment tech bolted to the sides, if need be. You can make your own, perfect Workbench top for use with C-series ToughBuilt Sawhorses, and those you can buy nearly anywhere that isn’t Lowe’s.
I’m sure this little guy is tougher, and more useful, than the DeWALT/Stanley equivalent (Yes, I just dissed my beloved DeWALT. That’s how much I love ToughBuilt Sawhorses and Bags.) but I have severe doubts it’ll sell well being an exclusive to Lowe’s. Total faith in the table itself, no faith in where it’s forced to be sold.
King duck
Love their saw horses and will definitely get at least one of these
teicher
Anyone know if the top is super slick? I have the Husky and if you setup on ground that isn’t level, its very easy for tools or paint cans to slide right off.
Julian Tracy
Am I missing it, or is the single most important spec missing? How much does it weigh?
Stuart
They don’t list the weight anywhere.
While not the most important spec – I’d say table size, load capacity, and working height are more significant – this is something I also like to know about portable workbenches.
MM
Load capacity can be a bit misleading. For example this is rated at 1000 lbs capacity, while a Workmate 425 is only rated at half that. However, I’d bet the Workmate is significantly more stable because the legs fold out to much larger dimensions compared to the straight legs on this Toughbilt.
Not only is the lack of leveling strange on these, but so is the small size of the feet. This is a problem with the Workmate as well. Small feet are all well and good if the workbench can be set up on concrete, but what if I want to use this in my yard or on a construction site that hasn’t had concrete poured yet?
Julian Tracy
The bench’s actual weight is what will determine if you load it in the truck to take to a job. I’d bring my Festool MFT to every job if not for the weight.
I’d have bought the Dewalt version of this, if not for the weight.
Portable work benches need to be “portable”.
Who care about some silly ass load rating of 500/750/1000 lbs? 99% of the users of this type of product is ever using them to any stretch of their actual load capacity.
Ricky
True dat
Stuart
32 lbs.
A
14 KG = 30.8 Pounds
40% more than the Dewalt Workbench
Roy McMullen
Just over 32 lbs
Dustin
I bought one this weekend, didn’t realize it was new to the market. I’m pleased with it for my DIY usage mostly on the level driveway.
The weight is not insignificant, which makes the handles actually useful.
A feature that could have been added in addition to the leveling feet would be some abrasion resistant pads/feet on the end opposite the deployment handle. That end is already scuffed up from only a couple of openings and closings. Say the 4th picture, where is standing up, a couple of pads there would have been much appreciated. Also if that guy pulls up and further he’s going to smash his fingers.
I didn’t notice the top being super slick, but again, limited use so far.
John
I bought the similarly sized Keter two years ago for $80 on Amazon (now $120). It comes with two clamps that nest into the molded shelf below the table top (super useful BTW), and fit into tracks on the table top. Very quick open/close mechanism. Only complaint is that one of the 1/2” diameter black plastic leg hinge pins has popped out a few times. Luckily, I’ve been able to pop it back in each time.
Nathan
I could see where the plastic top flexes enough where it would take up some unevenness – removing the need for adjustable leg.
I don’t like the lack of total height adjustment – one of my favorite feature of the sawhorse set I have. I have a knock off version of the toughbuilt C700 or 750 – which ever had the adjustable legs. Not often used but I have kicked the legs down part way so the top of a piece is more shoulder level than head level. was great.
ALso I like my worktable to be near 35 – 37 in high – again something the saw horse does and it’s more flexible like someone said. but saw horse pair plus 2 2×4’s and some 1/2 or 3/4 ply for the table top – well this device is cheaper and easier.
So I see alot of appeal but I would still spend the money and use the sawhorses – despite the setup time – the flexibility is suberb. Again though – I see the appeal of this alot – and I’d strongly consider the dewalt also based purely on price/availability.
Gordon
This come in at 31in tall which seems very low. I see Lowe’s has a “set” that includes some adjustable rollers and a sawhorse. I would expect the intention is to put a miter saw on the work table and use the other pieces to support it. in that case, the height makes sense. But it doesn’t make it much more useful than a dedicated mitersaw stand.
Ray
I checked every Lowe’s in my area, none had the item. At $70 I would have bought it if, after looking at it, it looked good. So, I could have bought one sight unseen for $70. But now they are listed for $99 and still you have to buy without being able to actually look at one.
This kind of BS makes me not want to shop at Lowes for anything, and I do vote with my feet. That is walk out and avoid in the future.
John
I wonder how this would work as a multi use power tool table for my band saw, planer ect….
Lightyear
If anyone is interested in this table /bench, I just bought one today (October 24) from the Lowes website for $69 with free shipping!
Edwardparker
Will the tough built table ever sell for $69 again? How can I find out
Stuart
I’m sorry, but there’s no way to predict this.
AC
Was just looking to buy one these and price is now up to $120, almost double the original $59/69 price.
Josh
Thanks for the article on this.
They have recently become available in Australia but online only. I am comparing this to the irwin workbench (which is our version of the dewalt you mentioned). The toughbuilt retails for $229 AUD which is $146USD
Keep up the great work writing articles