#HTE

The WorkMo Portable Workbench System

In the post on tool van organization systems, you saw how the traveling craftsperson can transport all of their equipment. But once they arrive on site, they need to set up some sort of station where they can execute the work. Once upon a time a dusty pair of beat-up sawhorses, a board and some banged-up toolboxes would do, but in modern-day Germany, appearances are as important as function. Hence Sortimo has intelligently designed a neater-looking system called WorkMo (for “work mobility”) that enables a craftsperson to efficiently set up a multifunctional workstation, one that incorporates the storage cases we looked at here.

In its folded-up mobile state it’s got a compact footprint that makes it easy to get into an elevator.

On location the worksurface, which can be something as simple as a sheet of plywood, is detached. There are only legs on one side; in the interest of minimalism, the unit holding the stack of storage containers serves as the other support.

That’s the kit in its most basic form. But for greater functionality, one can use a perforated top like what you’d see on Festool’s MFT (multi-function table).

This provides a variety of clamping options for working on pieces of various shapes.

A vise can be affixed to the side, providing the functionality of the traditional face vise you’d see on a proper workbench.

The aluminum extrusions used for the side rails are sized so that clamps can slide into them, for holding taller workpieces at the appropriate height.

The base cabinet features a powerstrip and storage on one side. On the other side is a slotted rack on which to hang tool holders.

And talk about loyalty—you’ve gotta love how the tool selection in the promo shots is all-German. In the shots above and below we see gear from Bessey, Bosch, ECE and Wera.

I can’t place the brand of the unusual handplane you see in the photo directly above, but I know the type and spotted one at the show. We’ll have an entry on that shortly.

Lastly, here’s a video look at the system:

More from Core77’s coverage of this year’s Holz-Handwerk Show!