Solution for a workbench problem?

Any advice/solutions for this problem?

A B&D-type "Workmate" : nothing special - a couple of plywood planks on a frame, with a clamping crank at each end. You'll have seen dozens over the years.

The problem occurs when something is clamped between the planks and each crank is (equally) tightened - to get the piece of work held securely enough, the planks tend to 'flex'...in other words, they are no longer level with each other.

This makes the workpiece 'tilt', forwards or backwards...

Any ideas?

There will be a certain amount of 'float' in the moving jaw to allow it to move. Has this increased with wear or are the fixings loose ?

There will be a certain amount of 'float' in the moving jaw to allow it to move. Has this increased with wear or are the fixings loose ?

Relatively new kit, so can't blame wear or loose fixings...unless it's badly made, of course.

Only solution I can think of is to clamp the work as normal, but then clamp "something substantial" at right-angles across the two jaws/planks to force them level with each other.

For the moment, it's the only idea I've come up with....

Of course it depends on the workpiece you're trying to grip. But aren't there usually some plastic inserts, which slot onto the workbench to 'clamp' onto the workpiece?

Like this: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61-4GlUD-AL._AC_UL320_SR256,320_.jpg

As I said, this mostly depends on what it is you're actually trying to 'grip'

Of course it depends on the workpiece you're trying to grip. But aren't there usually some plastic inserts, which slot onto the workbench to 'clamp' onto the workpiece?

 

Like this: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61-4GlUD-AL._AC_UL320_SR256,320_.jpg

 

As I said, this mostly depends on what it is you're actually trying to 'grip'

That's true, Pete, but the inserts seat in the jaws; consequently, if the jaws become out of alignment, so do the inserts.

I have - to an extent - solved the problem by tightening the moving jaw/threaded rod bracket to a ridiculous amount....it makes it difficult to move back and forth, but clamps the workpiece well once the jaw reaches it!

I bought a rip off B&D workmate type thing in the early noughties from the no frill's DIY store that used to be at Sheaf Gardens, anyone remember that place? It's had some right hammer over the years and is still going strong. Never had any problems clamping stuff up securely or any tilting if it's uniform.