Vika 2-in-1 Workbench and Scaffold - Model# 21010

This is a great little work bench and scaffolding combo. It's rated to hold up to five hundred pounds and is generally well-designed. In scaffolding mode it is superior to a short step ladder in extending your reach while you work. As a work bench, it really shines. On the right hand side of the front it accepts an extension cord which provides power for up to three devices. The power strip is a great bonus, but is also the one flaw I've found wit this bench; one of the three outlets is close enough to the metal support struts to be potentially hazardous. Use caution if you must use this outlet.The MDF surface is has inch markings on the near and far sides. To the left, there is a molded plastic tray for holding a few tools, parts and a beverage. On the right hand side angles are marked off to help with eyeballing projects, and there is a circular cut-out that is designed to allow you to drill through a work piece without actually damaging the MDF. Clamps have plenty to grip on the front and rear edges, though the sides are rounded and can make clamping a touch more difficult.At forty three pounds this workbench is portable and tucks away in a closet or garage for easy storage, which was my initial attraction to it. It has not disappointed.

I would give no stars if I could. Out of the box - right away the protector pieces came out of the ends of aluminum steps. Following the manual I had to lift 43 lbs several times in a bent over position- HURTS MY BACK. Support arms can't be operated without a screwdriver. Leg release mechanism sticks badly, must get another tool to unstick that. Fingers get pinched in leg extension holes, will draw blood as holes have very sharp edges.Folded dimensions given not accurate. Must be stored on end or flat. This info found only in manual. Assembled table sturdy against lengthwise motion but rocks badly front to back. Great reviews that I read before buying now mystify me. Sawhorses and a plank are much sturdier, faster, cheaper, lighter. I hate returning things so I will give this away or put out to the trash. I don't want to look at it I'm so pissed.

See the "Seller does not support product" one star review(s) for concerns similar to mine. Read on for the real story on the "2 year warranty" after calling Vika.Basically the item arrived with the scaffold cracked. The shipping package looked fine, but I guess it just wasn't supportive enough.I figured easy enough all I need is another scaffold panel, I'll just call Vika's phone number that they put in BIG font saying to call before returning, etc. Wrong...I talked to Vika customer service and they said they have no spare parts they can only ship complete replacement units. BUT they can only ship new units if you bought it from Home D. (Orange lettered big box store.) They said if I had ordered it from there all I had to do is give them my H.D. order number and they would ship me another one.I said I bought it from Amazon and they said I would have to talk to Amazon. i.e. My only option was to ship it back to Amazon, Vika wouldn't do anything.Upon further inspection I noticed the frame was bent also under the cracked scaffold so I decided to ship it back. Fortunately it was Fulfilled by Amazon or I would have been seriously out of luck.I ordered another one from H.D. and not only was it cheaper even after tax & free shipping, but they will warranty it from there. (Or at least they say they will.)So be very careful when ordering this. I wouldn't do it unless it was Fulfilled by Amazon or you might be in for one heck of a return shipping charge or stuck with a broken item.(The only reason for the 2 stars is because it is such a nice bench. Even cracked I could tell it was impressive and still wanted another one.)

This thing is a beast. I thought I'd be able to easily bring it to job sites, but it usually gets left behind because of its weight and size. Not the kind of bench to throw in the back of your truck "just in case". The Keter bench is a better fit for me, smaller and lighter. Another knock against this bench are the metal legs, they seem to be too tight and stick when extending. Not a deal breaker though.However, this bench has its place. You can't stand on the Keter, this you can. The Vika also has a bigger work surface and is overall more solid than the Keter or new Quickbench. Also, the Vika has a mostly mdf top, the Keter is plastic (however, the Keter comes with vises and clamps!).Lastly, at time of writing I picked up the Keter at Costco. I know other stores have carried it. The Vika is as easy to get. Amazon, sure, but with its weight and size what if you want to return it?

I have incredibly limited space so I need tables which fold up but are very stable. I use black & decker workmates a whole lot too and love them.Setting this table up and collapsing it involves catches, little buttons, slide this thing or that, a little cumbersome. But it is incredibly stable, there's a useful little tray to hold stuff, its easy to clamp workpieces down to the surface because the decking underneath for the scaffold option - it levels out the surface so clamps catch really well where ever you set them up.It also has a three outlet power strip which connects via the female end of most extension cords - very useful.I'm going to get 2-3 more.