Sawhorses are four-legged beams that provide you with the support required to complete different kinds of woodworking projects. This easy-to-setup and easy-to-use woodworking stand can be used solo or usually paired with another sawhorse. Here, our primary objective is to help you choose the best sawhorse for your needs. Whether you are a DIYer, pro, or amateur woodworker looking to get a sawhorse, follow us as we show you everything you need to know about sawhorses.
What are the uses for a sawhorse?
The sawhorse can be used to cut wood
The primary purpose of the sawhorse is to act as a stand for cutting wood. With a sawhorse present, cutting wood to precision becomes much easier, and safer too.
It can be used as a workbench
Sawhorses are not limited to cutting alone. With a pair of sawhorses and a heavy or thick piece of hardwood, you can form a makeshift portable workbench. Ensure the hardwood is secured with a clamp when in use on top of the sawhorses. This is a great way to have a workbench with you at any job.
Support for scaffolds
The sawhorse can be used as a scaffold as it gives you the extra support you need to reach high walls or ceilings. When using a sawhorse as a scaffold, you use a pair of sawhorses and make sure the plank of wood used on top is strong enough to support your body weight.
It can serve as a cutting grid
Sawhorses help with cutting small items since they can be used as a cutting grid. You can easily create a cutting grid by layering and interlocking pieces of wood together across the sawhorses. Then, use it to make precise cuts on the wood you place on top.
The sawhorses help with drying
Need help with drying a paint or staining project? First move the sawhorses to a warm, ventilated spot, and then put a wooden board across them and place your project on the arranged sawhorses. This is also a great place to paint or stain long pieces of wood so you can leave them where they are to dry.
How do you choose the best sawhorse?
You will need to consider these essential factors and features if you are looking to get the best sawhorse that suits your needs.
Build material
Traditionally, sawhorses used to be made from wood, but today we now have metal, plastic, and polymer sawhorses. These changes occurred due to the need for sawhorses that could support heavier loads and be adjustable and foldable.
First on the list are:
Metal sawhorses
These are heavy-duty contraptions that are perfect for handling weights up to 1000 pounds per horse. They have adjustable legs and can be folded for easy storage. However, metal sawhorses tend to be heavy, and moving them from one jobsite to another might be a buzz kill.
Next on the list are:
Plastic and polymer sawhorses
These are lightweight beams best suited for painting jobs and cutting things like plywood. They also have adjustable legs and can be stored and transported easily.
And finally:
Wooden sawhorses
Wooden sawhorses are very much available and are still popular because of their ability to support a heavy load and their unlikeliness to damage the saw or tools in cases of accidental strikes. However, it is extremely rare to find wooden sawhorses that are adjustable and collapsible.
The height
The height of a sawhorse becomes essential when you are accustomed to working at a particular height that you are most comfortable with. As a rule of thumb, the height for sawhorses is usually within 25” to 40”; this will work well for most people. However, if you are taller or shorter than most people, opt for sawhorses with adjustable legs.
Load-carrying capacity
Do you work with large and heavy logs of wood, or do you work with light wood? The load-carrying capacity of whatever sawhorse you choose will be significantly affected by your answer to that question. Depending on the price, sawhorses have a load-carrying ability that ranges from 250 pounds to a little above 1000 pounds. Metal sawhorses are your best bet for heavier loads.
Portability
For easy transport and storage, choose sawhorses that feature foldable legs. However, if you require a sawhorse that is going to be more of a makeshift workbench that wouldn’t be moved around, portability and foldable legs might not be much of a concern to you. Plastic sawhorses are still plenty durable but are certainly the easiest to move around.
Stability
Ensure that whatever sawhorse you choose is 100% stable. Avoid wobbly and shaky sawhorses that feel like they can fail at any time. They are very dangerous when in use with sharp objects.
Extra features to look out for
Other features to look out for when choosing a sawhorse include:
- Storage compartments for keeping tools, clamps, and vices handy.
- Hooks for keeping cords for power tools organized and out of the way.
- A sawhorse with supporting arms for holding 2 × 4 or 4 × 4 wooden panels.
FAQs
How much does a sawhorse cost?
DIYers and hobbyists who work with light wood panels can expect to spend as low as $20 to $30 on sawhorses with a load-carrying capacity of up to 800 pounds. However, if you are a professional or an amateur woodworker that needs a sawhorse with features like folding legs, a heavy load capacity, and other added features, then your budget should be above $100.
Would I always need two sawhorses?
For most projects, you will need a minimum of two sawhorses. The good thing is that most manufacturers and sellers sell sawhorses in pairs. This does not in any way mean that you cannot work with just one sawhorse. A single sawhorse can still be used to cut wooden panels with ease.
Are foldable sawhorses safe?
Many manufacturers who are into the production of foldable sawhorses always include a leg lock that keeps the leg of the sawhorse secure when open. So, you can be sure that foldable sawhorses are safe as long as you ensure the locks are properly used.