The Best Sawhorse for All Your Workshop Operations
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DEWALT Table Saw Stand, Mobile/Rolling Saw Horse -
Target Precision RB-H1034, Rugged Buddy Legs Folding Sawhorse -
2x4basics 90196, ProBrackets Sawhorse -
Stanley STST600626, Adjustable Twin Pack Sawhorse -
Crawford Adjustable Folding Steel Sawhorse -
Buyer's Guide
In our world of fancy power tools and high-tech, digital equipment, there is still a place for the humble sawhorse. Having something that will hold up a piece of wood while you are cutting it or doing other machining operations is essential, especially if you are working somewhere that you don’t have access to your workbench. Even when your workbench is available, best sawhorses in 2022 can multiply your effective working space, by providing you with an alternate work or cutting area.One of the great things about sawhorses is that they don’t take up a lot of room, but still provide you with a big enough work area that you can work on a full sheet of plywood. If you buy collapsible sawhorses, they take up even less room, while still giving you lots of room to work.
While many carpenters still make their own sawhorses out of 2-by-4s and some scrap plywood, the commercially available ones do have some definite advantages, especially for the do-it-yourselfer. More than anything, they’re collapsible, saving valuable space in your workshop. At the same time, they save you the time of having to build your sawhorses, which isn’t really all that hard. Even so, I’ve seen a lot of wobbly sawhorses made by people who decided to do their own. When you look at the cost of materials to make your own and compare it to the cost of buying, there really isn’t that much different.
There are a fairly large number of commercially available sawhorses on the market, plus a number of other work holding devices, such as the Black & Decker Workmate or the Rockwell Jawhorse. We feature these on our list for Best Portable Workbench, so you may want to take a look at them before making your decision. While not technically sawhorses, they do perform the same function, plus more.
There are about three basic options in manufactured sawhorse. The first one is to buy an actual finished sawhorse. These are usually made of plastic, so they won’t knick your saw blades. The second is to buy folding legs to use with a 2-by-4 top. The third option is to buy brackets which allow you to make sawhorses out of 2-by-4s. All three have their place, depending upon your need and the money you have available to work with.
Most sawhorses have a plastic or wood top member, so that you won’t knick your saw blades when you hit it (which invariably happens). However, there are a few around which are all metal construction. While these work fine, you need to be extra careful with them, so that you don’t accidentally hit them with your saw. Not only would that tend to dull your saw blade, but it’s rather hard to fix the sawhorse when it happens.
This problem can be solved on metal sawhorses by putting a wood top on it. Most will have screw holes in the top member to allow for this, making it easy to protect your tools and giving longer life to your sawhorse.
Make the most of your workshop space with the best sawhorses on the market
DEWALT Table Saw Stand, Mobile/Rolling Saw Horse - Best Saw Horse Overall
This is a sawhorse that’s more than a sawhorse. Actually, DeWalt designed this to be a portable tool stand, but it works wonderfully as a collapsible sawhorse as well. With a 1,000 pound capacity (each), it’s also great if you need a small scaffolding for doing some high up work, such as finishing the drywall on a ceiling. Everything folds into a nice, compact package, with locking levers for quick setup and take down. The whole package weighs in at only 15.4 pounds. Two stands can be locked together with the Transport Latch, making a compact package that’s easy to take with you. Please note that these are sold as individual units, not pairs.
Target Precision RB-H1034, Rugged Buddy Legs Folding Sawhorse - Runner Up
This is one of the options where you buy just the leg set and add your own 2-by-4 to make it into a sawhorse. That allows you to decide how long you want the sawhorse to be, along with making it easy to replace the most easily damaged part of the sawhorse, once you’ve cut into it a few too many times. The legs fold flat to the top, but don’t collapse inwardly to make it a narrow package. However, that helps maintain the strength of the sawhorse, which will support 1,000 pounds (each). Each set of legs weighs 12 pounds, so fully assembled this one will be a touch lighter than the DeWalt. Please note that the price is for enough legs to make one sawhorse.
2x4basics 90196, ProBrackets Sawhorse - Honorable Mention
This is another great design from 2x4basics. The kit contains enough brackets and stabilizing feet to convert 2-by-4s to two sawhorses. The design is extremely easy to work with; all you have to do is slip the 2-by-4s into place and nail through the brackets with 4d nails. The design accommodates a wide range of sizes, allowing you to build sawhorses that are up to 8 feet long and 4 feet high. A stabilizer bar below the top bar makes the sawhorse double-decker for stacking material or putting a shelf in place. That’s also great if you’re using the sawhorses for scaffolding, as you readily have two heights of scaffold available. Each pair of sawhorses will support 2,000 pounds.
Stanley STST600626, Adjustable Twin Pack Sawhorse - Consider
Stanley makes several different models of collapsible plastic sawhorse, varying in price. This is the top-of-the-line model, with adjustable height and width. When collapsed, the sawhorses lay flat for easy storage. Opened, the bottom expander makes a convenient tool tray. Although made of plastic, these will support 1,000 pounds per pair, so they’re still strong enough to use as scaffolding. Fully assembled and ready to use right out of the package. Sells by the pair.
Crawford Adjustable Folding Steel Sawhorse - Best Saw Horse
The Crafword sawhorse is an all-steel design, made of 14-gauge steel and powder coated for durability. The bright yellow color increases visibility for safety. The top piece is 38 inches long for added stability and is pre-drilled for mounting a 2-by-6 to the top. It can also accept any of the Crawford roller assemblies. The legs are adjustable, ranging in height from 25 to 34 inches. When folded, the unit is only 2.5 feet tall (plus the thickness of the 2-by-4, if added). Units are sold singly.
Buyer's Guide
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.
