ShopNotes #17 adjustable sawhorses

[chopnhack]

Well, they are not quite done, but at this point they qualify as sawhorses. I just need to make the adjustable portion and they will be fully constructed. They are made from SYP construction grade 2x and 1x pine from BORG/Lowes. I first cut the lumber to size on the scms, leaving about .75-1.25" extra length for later squaring and clean up. Next it was over to the jointer for some lessons in jointing followed by straight line ripping at the t.s., back to the jointer for truing of the face perpendicular to the sides and then to the planer to make opposite side parallel. The wood was left for a few days and when I returned I had to clean up a little bit from the movement. Started cutting the joinery (first joint was done neanderthal style, but considering that it would take me forever I went to the t.s. and got it done quick! Glue and screws were next and now waiting on another day off to complete.

[Ed62]

Looks good. I thought about making them too, but I have a pair of knock down horses I made several years ago. I can use the room more than the adjustability. They do look very much like they'll get a lot of use from you.

Ed

[chopnhack]

Thanks Ed, and quite right, I have always needed some form of outfeed support on the t.s., drill press and just a pair of horses for breaking down ply, these horses being adjustable will save me shop space and allow me to do all of the above.

[Pappy]

Look good, Chop.

I need to build new ones but, like Ed, I don't have the room for those. Somewhere I have a Workbench with some sawhorse plans I liked. Still not at the top of the priority list, though.

[chopnhack]

I don't know if you know this Pappy, but the legs are held on with a 5/16" bolt, t-nut and plastic handle, the two legs come off and stow inside the lower tray when you want to put them away. That is one of the reasons I am building them. I know its not in the pic, but as soon as they are completely finished I will update with new photos.

[aiyou]

I could really use something like these. I like the fact that they can break down. Is there someplace to get the plans? I tried ShopNotes, found a link to the project, but then couldn't find any other means to purchase the plans.

Rob

[jaybee]

You might want to look at this variation:

http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/082/...ote-sawhorses/

No real instructions but a cut list and materials list pdf.

[cabinetman]

Looks like a great start. What will be the minimum and maximum heights?
.

[3thumbs]

Good job! I am really proud of my projects that fit nicely and look cool. You have done both.
DM

[chopnhack]

Rob, its a really old issue. You might be able to find it at a better library or by calling shopnotes. The plans are fairly simple, but this is only the second item in woodworking that I have built from other's plans. I find it fun to be able to just look at something and follow instructions instead of my usual down to the detail and think it out drawings - I used to spend more time with a pencil in hand then in the shop cutting! The plans on this one are a must unless you really visualize well because there are numerous parts..

I could really use something like these. I like the fact that they can break down. Is there someplace to get the plans? I tried ShopNotes, found a link to the project, but then couldn't find any other means to purchase the plans.
Rob

Thanks DM, I made sure to watch the grain and looked for the "smile" to align my joinery so that if cupping takes place it squeezes harder against the joint.

Cman, when the other parts are done, it will adjust from about 30" - 45", very suitable for t.s., b.s., d.p., planer, jointer and extra aid for long items off of workbench.

This morning I had little time, but I installed the bolts that allow the feet to detach. Starting on making wooden t-nut handles, didn't have any plastic ones on hand.

[LCHIEN]

i keep waiting and looking to see the adjustable part... I'm sure you'll post it when done? or maybe a peek at the finished pic from the hard to find plans?

[chopnhack]

Of course Loring, not much was accomplished today....under the weather. But I am no stranger to taking photos for this site

[chopnhack]

The horses are done. Loring, the sliding mechanism is accomplished via 1/4" hardboard fastened down the middle of the stationary portion of the horse. A dado is cut into the side pieces of the movable section of the horse before attaching it to the top piece. There are no wingnuts yet, I was thinking of fashioning them from wood and putting either a t-nut or a hex nut inside the wood to use as the locking handle. The second pic is of the unit broken down for storage. Thanks for looking.
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[pelligrini]

Looks cool.

I first used some smaller star knobs on the sliding dovetail legs I've got on my knockdown outfeed table. I swapped them out for some t-knobs. The longer shaped knob makes it a lot easier to get properly tightened and loosened.

[LCHIEN]

ah so that's how it goes.

Wonder how many pound load the wing nuts will hold before the top starts slipping down...

Star knobs or something with larger diameter will allow you to torque the bolt tighter but friction is still the only thing holding the support up. Maybe some self adhesive sandpaper between the sliding side pieces under the knob location will provide more friction.

And if you have a favorite positions you use a lot, drill a hole thru both side pieces and push a dowel through.