Sawhorses
Portable supports made of a beam and legs, what they hold well, and how they differ from a fixed workbench.
A sawhorse is a portable support made of a beam on two legs. It is usually used in pairs. A pair holds a board at a working height for cutting, marking or assembly, and can be moved or stored when the work is done.
Parts
- Beam
- The horizontal top rail that carries the work. Its width and edge shape decide how well a board sits on it.
- Legs
- The two angled supports that stand each end of the beam on the floor.
- Brace
- A diagonal or cross piece that stiffens the legs and stops them splaying under a load.
- Feet
- The bottom ends of the legs, which set the stance on the floor.
How it differs from a fixed bench
| Support | Portable | Holds work by | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawhorse | Yes, carried or folded | Laying the work across the beam | Cutting and marking long stock |
| Workbench | No, heavy and fixed | Vise, dogs and stops | Planing, chiselling and fitting |
| Folding trestle | Yes, folds flat | Resting the board on its top | Light work where floor room is short |
A sawhorse is not a bench. It lacks the weight and fittings that hold work firmly, so planing and chiselling are poor tasks for it. It is useful beside a freestanding bench, where it carries the ends of long boards.