Portable workshop
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The Workmate, a portable, lightweight workbench from Mate Tools weighs 3211a and can be folded and hung away when not in use; its folded size measures 27in. by 27in. by 6in.
When assembled it gives a working surface of 124.in. by 27in. at a height of 23in.
One of its main features is the adjustable vice-action of the twin work-top bars which open to a maximum of 3in. with a parallel or taper motion. The Workmate is adjustable for uneven floors and has an automatic safety catch to prevent accidental collapse. The vice handles are spring-loaded to give extra leverage for increasing the pressure applied to the vice.
For greater versatility, an extra —the Team-mate—also folds away and clamps to the Workmate giving a greater working The radiator is one of the least looked-after components—until it gives trouble. Situated as it usually is in the vulnerable front end of a vehicle, the radiator is often subjected to the odd dig that, despite being minor, renders it useless. And in this age of pressurized cooling systems, the tiniest leak, whether in the core or the header or bottom tanks of a radiator, quickly drains off sufficient coolant for the engine to overheat. Overheating can be an expensive business, so the availability of service exchange radiators is close to the heart of every clear-thinking engineer.
I attended a conference recently where a new radiator service was announced. The firm making the announcement was Marston Radiator Services Ltd., subsidiary of Imperial Metal Industries Ltd. Early in 1969 Marston acquired four major radiator repair companies which resulted in its obtaining strategically placed headquarters from which it -could control 35 service stations throughout the UK. The four companies acquired were: Minerva Radiators (Dundee) Ltd.; Coles Radiators Ltd. Birmingham;
service. 37.-in. by 17in. and 32in. high. This then provides a fullsized, split-level working surface: it can also be used as a bench with a seat attached. It clamps to the Workmate in four ways and Hardy's Motor Radiators Ltd., Leeds; and Collingwood Radiators, Gateshead.
From its 35 depots the company operates more than 100 vans which between them make in excess of 4,000 service calls a day.
The company's association with another IMI subsidiary Marston Radiators, which in nine factories makes original equipment radiators for the majority of heavyand medium-weight commercial vehicle builders gives it access to a virtually unlimited supply of cores and tanks. One of these factories at Narborough, Leicestershire, is specially equipped to produce a wide range of units in low quantities and at relatively low cost.
It is envisaged that the firm will extend its activities, which already include a bumper bar and number plate service, to include other items such as seat belts, exhaust systems, brake and clutch linings.
Full details of the services offered by the company may be obtained from Marston Radiator Services Ltd., 23 Dudley Street, Wednesbury, Staffs. takes a fixed vice, the Workmate still functioning as a vice.
Made by: Mate Tools Ltd., Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, Herts.
Price: Workmate £16 lEs; Team-mate £12 15s.