Portable Workbench Is Easily Built

Here is a very easy to build combination sawhorse and portable workbench that quickly slips together for instant use and comes apart for easy storage.

It is cut from a half-sheet of three-quarter-inch-thick APA grade trademarked A-C plywood. The table top measures 13 3/4 inches by 24 inches and sits 30 inches above the floor, an ideal sawhorse height.

Most folding, factory-made benches are about 32 inches high; if you would like to duplicate the standard workbench height of 34 to 36 inches, all you need to do is increase the length accordingly.

You will note in the illustration that the legs and the folding wings of the table are notched, which provides a very sturdy structure if the notches are carefully cut for a snug fit.

First lay out and label all the parts on your plywood stock. Make the first cut (Cut A) on either a table or radial-arm saw. If you have a portable electric saw, by clamping a fence in place you can make a very straight cut.

Note that the table top (Part B) and the table wings (Parts C and D) are laid out between the legs (Part A). The straight cuts are easy to make but the horizontal cuts separating the table and the wings from the legs require either a plunge cut or the use of a saber saw. Incidentally, these cuts are not critical, so you can make them without a fence if desired.

With the five pieces cut carefully, lay out the angle for the wings as per the dimensions given. Cut the slots in the legs and then slot the table wings.

With the slots complete, screw three-inch strap hinges to the wings (C and D) and then, by resting the table on the floor, insert the legs into the wings and screw the hinges to the top. This will ensure a perfect fit.

When taking apart this combination sawhorse/workbench, you can easily slip the pieces into a three-inch-wide space. It’s great for any shop--at a fraction of the cost of a ready-made unit. That is, if you can find one!