Question 1

Is the deluxe version actually better than the original one and is it worth the extra money?

Accepted Answer

I would say, yes, but like so many things it depends on what you are looking for.
What I mean is that my workmate is at the heart of my limited space so we aren't just looking at a large jaw to hold whatever.
I have a 6" vice clamped to the back board of the Workmate and 4 x Irwin 300Ib clamps and 2 x Irwin 600Ib clamps as additions. 
So, with all the holes to drop chisels in the unit becomes a bench for all types of work . . . making it a work horse.
I mention the above for those only thinking of the basic use when a Workmate is so much more.
This unit has the lifting front which might be of use in the future.
The one handed thingy is ok but not too reliable . . . something I'm not bothered about.
More important:
No problem tightening the jaws if you move your index finger around the shank and not try and snap the orange handle off by putting all pressure just on that . . . although replacements are cheap enough.
With its splayed legs the unit is as solid as a rock when planing.
Summing up:
If you want a Workmate which is going to be thrashed around a work site buy a cheaper one.
If you are looking for the beginnings of your work system buy this one.
P.S. Yes, I have read the comments about the build quality of the steel section but haven't a clue what they are talking about.

Question 2

How do I assemble the top sections. there apears to be no place to screw the rear section to and no reses in the frount board to alow for the coller o

Accepted Answer

This video should help...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAoL14J_T_o

Question 3

Is this strong enough to hold wood block tight and carve?

Accepted Answer

It is my belief that this product would be strong enough to hold a wood block for carving purposes.  We managed to assemble the B/D Workmate and had some help from a YouTube clip.  I am  pleased with my Workmate and it sees quite a bit of service.

Question 4

Can anyone comment on whether you can rest (or need to) your foot on the bottom horizontal support to enhance the sturdiness? Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Hi there , I find you need to when sawing with a hand saw , Although the cross members are only a couple of mm they are folded & held in place with 4 nuts & bolts each . I hope this helps

ASIN	B0001GS0FU
Assembly Instructions Description	Assembly is required. Includes assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed).
Base Type	Leg
Best Sellers Rank	437 in Business, Industry & Science ( See Top 100 in Business, Industry & Science ) 1 in Workbenches
Brand	BLACK+DECKER
Brand Name	BLACK+DECKER
Colour	Black
Customer Reviews	4.3 out of 5 stars 6,182 Reviews
Finish Type	Painted
Finish type	Painted
Frame Material	Alloy Steel
Is Assembly Required?	Yes
Item Dimensions D x W x H	12.5D x 15.5W x 84H centimetres
Item Type Name	Workmate Table
Item Weight	6.6 Kilograms
Item weight	6.6 Kilograms
Load Capacity	1.6E+2 kg
Manufacturer	BLAUG
Manufacturer Part Number	B/DWM301
Manufacturer Warranty Description	No warrenty.
Material	Steel
Material Type	Steel
Minimum Height	84 Centimetres
Model Number	WM301-XJ
Number of Items	1
Product dimensions	12.5D x 15.5W x 84H centimetres
Unit Count	1.0 count

BLACK+DECKER Workmate 301 Folding Workbench, Saw Horse & Work Platform WM301-XJ

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