Sawhorses

[Daryl]

I havn't seen this subject come up, possible I missed it. I use a steel bracket and five pieces of 2x4 for each one, pretty versatile and easy to change as the need dictates. However I think I should have at least one sturdy shop built horse and this thread is your chance to show off yours.

[LinuxRandal]

I had those old metal brackets that you placed 2x's in. With bracing, they were as stable as a neighbors home built ones and cheaper for me (garage sale find).

However I now have the metal ones with the folding legs, and a wood top, and would NOT go back. I needed more portability then the others offered (due to helping family).

[smc331]

+1 on metal with folding legs - just looking forward to the day they get to be folded up and put away more than they are set up! (when all the shop cabinets are done!)

[cgallery]

My dad once had some neat ones that were metal that used a piece of 2x4 for the top. When you'd open the bottom, the top would clamp onto the 2x4. This made them great for breaking-down sheet goods because you didn't have to worry about hitting metal with the blade. On the other hand, they did take a second or two longer than my all metal ones to setup.

[jackellis]

I use knockdown sawhorses I built from plans in Wood Magazine. An old door or a sheet of plywood across a pair of them makes a nice work surface. they could be a tad more stable but that's probably due more to builder's error than the design.

[niki]

I use the "workmates"....

niki

[cabinetman]

I went the route of the metal horses, clamp on brackets to 2x4's, and shop made wood ones. Since I go to job sites, and have to move them a lot I have gone to sawhorses like these. They are light weight, fold up thin, and are weather proof. They are fairly sturdy, and easy to set up. I've bought them at different places. Sometimes Sears has them on sale 2 for under $15.00. I keep at least 6 or more, and throw on a hollow core door if I need some surface.

[JoeyGee]

Another STRONG vote for the metal ones with the legs that fold up inside. I have scrap 2x6's screwed into the top of mine, and I use and abuse them for everything. I would never go back to the metal braces and 2x4's.

I have built them out of scrap that are pretty strong Uusing a design from AskTOH), but I can't store them or transport them easily. I recently bought a 2 for $10 set of cheapo folding plastic sawhorses from Menards to supplement my metal ones, and I hate using them.

[gwyneth]

sawhorses like these. They are light weight, fold up thin, and are weather proof. They are fairly sturdy, and easy to set up. I've bought them at different places. Sometimes Sears has them on sale 2 for under $15.00. I keep at least 6 or more, and throw on a hollow core door if I need some surface.

Yep, me too. But there are plastic horses and there are plastic horses. Some are better than others.

The ones from Sears, at least in Maine, were made by the manufacturer who first designed and introduced them (that Israeli company that also makes the tubular work stand that was the subject of a thread a few weeks ago).I think they claimed a 500 lb capacity.

I'm not sure the ones from Harbor Freight are quite as strong (my sears ones are still in Maine), but they are plenty sturdy and stable.

Now, if someone could tell me how to attach the add-on tool tray that I finally bought after one flier had it for 2.99 instead of it usual, higher prices, I'd be happy. (BTW, the tray is far less cheesy than anybody who's seen it in the fliers would expect...it may actually be worth its normal prices.)

PS: a couple of other arguments in favor of the plastic ones. They do not conduct electricity, which only matters with the metal-legged ones when it's too late. They are light enough to encourage using them, particularly on jobsites with less-quality conscious or less energetic workers who might forget to lug heavier ones up to the third floor, or bring only one when they should bring two. They are almost foolproof--no such thing as a bad unfolding job that collapses at the worst moment.

[cwsmith]

My work area is pretty portable, since the basement in my current home is almost inhabitable. The new, future home offers much better surroundings, so my future shop will be fitted with more permanent benches.

But the past few years have required portability. So, I have two Storehouse folding 30-inch sawhorses. I've fitted those with a 2 x 2 in the top rail to act as sacrificial supports for cutting lumber. I'm not sure how much weight these will support, but I have noticed that the legs will bow a bit. they do have integrated molded areas in the legs for tubing or support rod. That addition would make them significantly stronger, but as yet I haven't found the need.

I have some scrap oak flooring that I've glued up to make two planks about 10 inches wide x 70 inches long. I can mount them on the saw horses to make a bench. I keep them separate, because they're easier to carry, store, and it affords some versatility when used a bench. I can fit the T&G together for one 20-inch wide bench or spread them apart for a wider support area. That split down the middle allows for a good rip path for cutting sheets too.

I also have four Stanley Folding workbenches (model 11020). These are pretty sturdy, with each capable of supporting over 500 lbs. These fold up just like the saw horses and can be used as such. But they also have a 27-1/2 by 20 bench that can be rotated up and into place as a work surface. With the table top, you have two sets of bench dogs/vises that can clamp or hold anything up to 15 inches wide. Nice for holding a benchtop tool in position like a disc/belt sander, small band saw, etc.
I've also found it very useful for holding boards on edge while I sand or plane them.

These all fold up for storage and will make a nice addition for the shop when I need some extra work area or once again need to move stuff out into the yard or deck. For the remodeling work, they're perfect for setting up in any room. (Here's a review on Epinions: http://www.epinions.com/content_150600781444 )

CWS

[Uncle Cracker]

I swear by my Stanley FatMax aluminum horses. They are sturdy, each leg is individually adjustable for length, and they fold up flat when I'm not using them. I have a variety of "toppers" made to fit them, including sacrificial sawing boards, carpet-covered runners, and a couple different sized table tops. They are great!