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My field report on the Sortimo WorkMo
For more than a year, master carpenter Schmid has been using the mobile workstation every day as a mobile workshop trolley in the carpentry workshop. In this article he reports from colleagues for colleagues.
Dear mySortimo community, my name is Michael Schmid, I am 25 years old and a master joiner from the Southern Black Forest.
Over a year ago, I was wondering how operating procedures could be optimised at our joinery.
Because, just like in many professions, the joiner’s trade has changed over the years.
Nowadays, a typical joiner no longer only works solidly at his or her workbench at a fixed location in the workshop. Due to increasing numbers of orders and also thanks to new production options, joiners now move back and forth in the workshop to their workpiece. This is because modern joiners don’t go through jobs one after the other –several are often being performed simultaneously. This means that while the CNC machine is running, workpieces are already having their fittings attached and being assembled in parallel: they’re not brought into the workbench area in bits in the first place.
These changes present problems over time in a conventionally equipped joinery, because at some point a screwdriver or a hammer for knocking in dowels is missing at the CNC. You then have to trail over to the workbench and open up the tool cabinet. A total waste of time in a day and age when tight schedules are a major factor in production.
In short, a solution had to be found!
It was through a trade journal for joiners that I became aware of the WorkMo from Sortimo. I was immediately excited by the modular system, which lets users individually configure their own customised WorkMo as needed.
It was important to me to use my WorkMo to store all the tools I had previously kept in the tool cabinet and often need for tasks at the workshop. Another important factor was also being able to conveniently wheel the whole thing from A to B. The tool was to now come to the workpiece, rather than the workpiece to the tool.
Since our company had already switched to mobile lifting tables that we have customised to fit our requirements, I initially didn’t see any need for the extra worktable for the WorkMo.
With my equipment I have opted for two 500 modules, which give me great flexibility in responding to different applications due to their size. This means that if I’m going on site, I can just detach the modules from one another and simply load them like drink crates.
In my configuration, the top module consists of two drawers for storing all my standard manual tools (different screwdrivers, hammers, chisels, set squares, spirit level, small clamps, drill set, sanding block, Allen socket sets, etc.). As the last component in the top module, I opted for an L-BOXX drawer, where I keep my little Bosch GSR 12 V-15 FC cordless drill/screwdriver and its accessories in an L-BOXX. (Editor’s note: MultiSlide no longer available for WorkMo.)
I wanted to use the second module to store consumables such as screws and cabinet fittings I need in the workshop or, in particular, when on site.
Here, I chose a module featuring four plastic T-BOXXes with transparent lids and Insetboxes, allowing everything to be stowed away neatly. I find the BOXXes and cases in the WorkMo system a very elegant solution. Often when I heading on site, I simply took out the drill/screwdriver case from the WorkMo at the workshop, frequently only taking along this one item with me.
You really can store a whole lot of consumables with this system. I was even able to put tools in the lower T-BOXX that I didn’t need so often.
As far as mobility goes, I opted for the wooden flat dolly, as I found it easier to handle than the roller adapters. Joiners often need a trolley, and you can just use the WorkMo instead.
As I didn’t want to entirely do without a work surface on my WorkMo and I liked the idea of being able to clamp things vertically, especially when machining edges on the big worktable, I opted for a perforated panel at the top of the WorkMo. This quickly proved its worth when sanding milled leaf-shaped cut-outs.
On the right of my WorkMo I’ve also attached two trays.
At the top there’s a large one, I use for instance to put down fittings, packets of screws or my cordless power screwdriver. Then there’s the narrow tray at the bottom. where I can store glass cleaner, glue, plastic cleaner and drinks.
Additional perforated plates on the left let me attach a range of holders available from Sortimo. Here, however, you can also attach holders you’ve built yourself. I’ve made two holders for instance, for storing my cordless power screwdriver.
I also recommend getting the Sortimo anti-theft device if you want to stop your tools from being borrowed by lazy colleagues who can’t find their own among their chaos. This accessory features screw-on, angled panels operating like a piano hinge, which are swivelled in front of the drawers and secured with a lock. This prevents access to the tools.
Let’s now finish with what I consider to be the plus points of the WorkMo:
- I’m extremely mobile, whether on site or at the workshop and never have to trail back and forth needlessly to the tool cabinet again.
- Customisable and extendible as required.
- A true all-rounder – not just a standard tool trolley, but a workbench and a tool trolley rolled in one.
- Very high-quality workmanship and durability.
- It’s got something to offer all trades.
- A system concept that extends to the van racking system.
- In combination with the grid table, I can clamp and process workpieces safely.
Do I see any potential for improvement and if so, where?
- It’s a pity that when the WorkMo is equipped with the anti-theft protection, it covers up the screw holes on the side where you normally attach trays and other holders. A second row of holes would perhaps be nice here.
- I’d also like the range of holders to be extended.
- It would be helpful if the drawers for the L-BOXXes were adapted with clips so slightly smaller system boxes from other providers would fit in them, for example.
- Another advantage would be to attach a large panel to the rear of the WorkMo so you could affix large plans and drawings for use in the workshop. A sort of magnetic board that extends above the module – like a perforated plate for tools. However, this would be more for use at the workshop or during construction at trade fairs.
The above points aren’t defects or disadvantages that have come to light during use, but rather things I think would be worth taking into consideration for the future.
Conclusion:
My verdict, short and sweet: I wouldn’t want to do without the WorkMo in our workshop.
It’s great always having the tools you need with you and being able to take them wherever you want. It’s not just a tool trolley – but a workbench and tool cabinet rolled into one!
I can recommend the WorkMo to anyone who sets store by convenience and mobility, whether on site or back at the company.
What’s next?
In future I’d like to extend my WorkMo to include the large worktable and also apply the grid concept in the tabletop for larger items.
It has been a pleasure for me to share my WorkMo experience with my colleagues and hope I’ve given you some helpful information about the WorkMo.
Many thanks for your attention. I now wish you every enjoyment when using the WorkMo.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Schmid
Master joiner
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