Best Sawhorses Reviews & Ratings
You might not have the appetite for a sawhorse right now if you have other cheaper means of cutting, sanding, painting, varnishing and gluing lumber. However, consider this: unlike sawhorses, tables lack the stable platform that sawhorses provide. Additionally, they are bulky, they weight upwards a lot and take up lots of space you’d otherwise use to store more deserving machines.
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Also, they lack the portability and effortless manoeuvrability that comes with being lightweight and compact. Clearly, they are the less superior option.
Sawhorses, on the other hand, introduce to a world of convenience, ease of use, high-performance, practicality, affordability, and safety. Using them takes way less effort and time. Some of them are foldable and hence take up just a fraction of the space tables take. Plus, you can use them on your own without anyone’s assistance. Because their legs and frames feature high-quality, durable construction, they can comfortably and easily support 100 times their weight and still maintain stoic stability. Essentially, they are a far cry from the heavy, bulky, and unsafe and wobbly tables. And the market has a sea of them.
10 Best Sawhorses
1. Rockwell RK9002
Additional features that stand out include the ability of the jaws to extend an incredible 49 inches, the installation of two rugged wheels that allow for effortless transportation and the all-steel long-lasting construction. Setting it up and tearing it down after you are done is quite easy and quick. Essentially, the Rockwell RK9002 offers the user the best of all works in a portable and easily movable package. An in-depth review of the sawhorse follows in the subsequent paragraphs.
The most glaring difference between this option and its previous version is the ease with which it moves around. The roller wheels of the previous models worked just fine and moving the sawhorse on smooth flooring didn't require much effort. But, that's it. Transport it to a workstation with uneven or textured surface and it becomes a whole different story. Moving it around would require extra effort and lots of patience. The new model has this pair of inline skate-style tires that take away all the effort and time from rolling it both around the workstation and on the rugged and uneven terrain outside. Couple the two rugged wheels with the machine’s relatively lightweight and compact design and you have a machine you can quickly manoeuvre around quickly and with minimal effort on smooth floors.
Greenhorns just starting to learn their way around sawhorses usually find the machines intimidating to set up and disassemble. That’s however not the case with it. The manufacturers ostensibly put a lot of thought into making a user-friendly machine with a very gentle learning curve. The sawhorse is a redesign of the previous model and one that ensures you have the easiest time setting up and tearing down after you’re through with your project.
You don’t need an extra pair of hands as it comes with time and effort-saving leg-locking mechanism. Using it is so easy that you don’t even need both hands for unlocking and folding the legs: a one-hand motion suffices. Also, unlike the previous model, the current sawhorse comes with a new locking system in which the legs are the first to fold and then the clamping lever follows, ensuring everything locks together securely and safely for easy storage or transportation.
The Rockwell RK9002 is undeniably among the number 1 option on the market currently, as is also evidenced by the numerous reviews it garners on such customer-trusted sites like Amazon.com and others. Other sawhorses come in close second by their performance, ease of use and durability pale into insignificance when compared to that of the RK9002. The asking price is a little high but then again, you get what you pay for. Plus, it comes with a generous 60-month warranty, which shows you just how much faith Rockwell has in their product.
- Works exceptionally well in all types of terrains
- Comes with a high capacity weight limit
- The extendable work surface easily accommodates large workpieces
- Has a lightweight and compact design for easy and quick portability
- Provides the user with a generous 60-month warranty
- The instructions are a little ambiguous
1. Rockwell RK9002
Additional features that stand out include the ability of the jaws to extend an incredible 49 inches, the installation of two rugged wheels that allow for effortless transportation and the all-steel long-lasting construction. Setting it up and tearing it down after you are done is quite easy and quick. Essentially, the Rockwell RK9002 offers the user the best of all works in a portable and easily movable package. An in-depth review of the sawhorse follows in the subsequent paragraphs.
The most glaring difference between this option and its previous version is the ease with which it moves around. The roller wheels of the previous models worked just fine and moving the sawhorse on smooth flooring didn't require much effort. But, that's it. Transport it to a workstation with uneven or textured surface and it becomes a whole different story. Moving it around would require extra effort and lots of patience. The new model has this pair of inline skate-style tires that take away all the effort and time from rolling it both around the workstation and on the rugged and uneven terrain outside. Couple the two rugged wheels with the machine’s relatively lightweight and compact design and you have a machine you can quickly manoeuvre around quickly and with minimal effort on smooth floors.
Greenhorns just starting to learn their way around sawhorses usually find the machines intimidating to set up and disassemble. That’s however not the case with it. The manufacturers ostensibly put a lot of thought into making a user-friendly machine with a very gentle learning curve. The sawhorse is a redesign of the previous model and one that ensures you have the easiest time setting up and tearing down after you’re through with your project.
You don’t need an extra pair of hands as it comes with time and effort-saving leg-locking mechanism. Using it is so easy that you don’t even need both hands for unlocking and folding the legs: a one-hand motion suffices. Also, unlike the previous model, the current sawhorse comes with a new locking system in which the legs are the first to fold and then the clamping lever follows, ensuring everything locks together securely and safely for easy storage or transportation.
The Rockwell RK9002 is undeniably among the number 1 option on the market currently, as is also evidenced by the numerous reviews it garners on such customer-trusted sites like Amazon.com and others. Other sawhorses come in close second by their performance, ease of use and durability pale into insignificance when compared to that of the RK9002. The asking price is a little high but then again, you get what you pay for. Plus, it comes with a generous 60-month warranty, which shows you just how much faith Rockwell has in their product.
- Works exceptionally well in all types of terrains
- Comes with a high capacity weight limit
- The extendable work surface easily accommodates large workpieces
- Has a lightweight and compact design for easy and quick portability
- Provides the user with a generous 60-month warranty
- The instructions are a little ambiguous
3. HICO Folding Metal Sawhorse
The use of steel in the construction comes with a multitude of advantages. First, steel in an industrial-grade material renowned for being extra durable and ultra-strong. It extends these properties to the sawhorse. The sawhorse can effortlessly and gracefully take a thorough beating and withstand all the rigors that come with the trade and not show a single point drop both in performance and durability. It will, therefore, provide the user with several years of issue-free and smooth performance. With proper care and maintenance, it can comfortably last more than a lifetime.
With regard to performance, it boasts a holding capacity of up to 1200 pounds. In addition to enhancing longevity, the crossbars on both sides of the sawhorse also create a strong foundation to enable the sawhorse easily accommodate the recommended loads without breakage of folding in. You can similarly customize the height of the machine to match yours, so you work with confidence and comfort for as long as it takes.
You have total discretion to choose a height that best suits you between the allowed range of between 25 inches and 40 inches. The feature makes it one of the flexible and user-friendly units on the market that easily accommodates users of different heights. That's in addition to the built-in mounting holes on the bench top that make short and quick work of transferring the sawhorse into a work table or other usable surface with a plywood sheet in a matter of seconds.
And to make sure you achieve the stability you need to work confidently and accurately, it features a non-slip rubber mat on the top surface. The purpose of the mat is to ensure your projects don’t wiggle about and remain secure all through the course of the project, thereby minimizing any chances of them getting damaged. These, coupled with the handy carrying handle make the Hico Sawhorse Folding Meta Sawhorse one of the sawhorses on the market worth considering for purchase.
In all, if you’re in a desperate search for an affordable yet functional and practical sawhorse that effortlessly handles light-duty to heavy-duty projects and one that comes with the commensurate construction quality, look no further than this sawhorse. It handles up to 1200 pounds of load, it's very easy to use and has stabilizing support braces and a non-slip work surface to give you your money’s worth. We can’t think of a reason to not buy this formidable sawhorse.
- Features a durable all-steel construction
- Ideal for handling heavy-duty projects
- Provides a perfect working height
- Easy to store and transport, thanks to the foldable design
- Lightweight and compact for superior portability
- Provides a stable, safe and durable platform
- A little expensive
4. Stanley 060864R
Transportation is a breeze, thanks to its lightweight and compact design. It guarantees the user a superior working experience with its non-slip rubber working surface. There is also a sturdy and rugged tray connection and two-built-in v-grooves to guard against the possibility of it collapsing under heavy weight and securely hold materials in position for cutting, respectively. You also don't have to break the bank to afford one of these sets, which is quite a surprise because with such innovative and time-saving features, one mostly expects a premium price tag.
Like the top-model sawhorse that it is, it comes with a host of next-gen features. The most outstanding include the high-quality construction, longevity, and high-performance, the latter of which largely informs its high preference among different segments of the population and rave reviews on such customer-trusted sites like Amazon.com. In spite of the pair of sawhorses blending all these different features and specs without any compromises, they are still quite affordable and maintain an incredible structural integrity that goes a long way in minimizing any inadvertent or human error related crumbling. The frames of the pair are made using high-quality, long-lasting materials and are additionally properly balanced and aesthetically appealing at the same time.
In light of their construction using high-quality, commercial-grade plastic, they are prone to rust and corrosion as do machines that feature an all-metal construction. Consequently, you'll be having them around for several years, using them on a wide range of projects before they begin to show the slightest indication of wear and tear or a drop in performance. Each one of the Stanley Twin-Pack Folding Sawhorse in the package is capable of supporting up to 500 pounds of weight, for a combined total of 1000 pounds. It might not sound like much but it is more than most professional, enthusiastic DIYers or the weekend warriors will ever need. The weight rating also makes them ideal for undertaking lightweight to heavy-duty projects easily, quickly and comfortably.
Additional significant features packs that are worth bringing to your attention to help you make an informed choice is the inclusion of an onboard multi-purpose side hanger. In addition to helping you keep most handheld tools you'd otherwise easily misplace, there is also side handles to let you secure flexible ones as you hunker down to get some work done.
The design and construction aims to provide you with an out-of-this-world experience, a fete Stanley has repeatedly replicated with most of its products. The sawhorse enables you to work quickly, effortlessly and accurately, no matter where you are. The machine is stable, easy to use, and transports easily from one place to another, thanks to its collapsible design. Whether you're a homeowner steadily and carefully growing your tools collection or a professional, the reliable and hardworking Stanley will never let you down. If you’re keen on acquiring a strong and portable sawhorse with a load capacity of up to 1000 pounds, this is it.
- Comes with convenient trays for keeping tools
- There are side hangers that securely hold cables
- Features heavy-duty construction using industrial-grade plastic
- Together, the two horses support up to 1000 pounds in load weight
- Has integral V-grooves for securing pipes and lumber
- It is expensive
5. Goplus Heavy Duty Saw Horses
Holding heavy workshop materials for cutting or welding or any other workshop-related activity is a tough and demanding job. In your search for a sawhorse, you want one capable of withstanding the rigors and demands of the activity and one of the best you can find on the market is definitely this option. It features a sturdy and durable construction using commercial-grade metal. Like steel, metal is an ultra-strong yet lightweight material that’s less vulnerable to external shocks and damage.
Using and storing it is quite a cinch. Like most sawhorses on our list, it features a foldable design. Consequently, it does not matter whether there are space constraints in your workshop or garage. The sawhorse folds easily to take up the least space, making it possible to transport with minimal effort in the trunk of your car from one workstation to another or just tuck it away in some corner of the garage. The sawhorse lacks roller wheels or those skate-style tires that most sawhorses use to facilitate portability and manoeuvrability. Manoeuvring around the workstation is, therefore, going to require some lifting.
The legs are nonetheless sturdy and robust and will provide incredible support and stability and traction in all types of terrains, smooth and textured as they sport anti-slip material that guarantee that the likelihood of the machine wobbling about is significantly minimized. Plus, they come with ergonomically designed grip handles to make it easy to carry them around once they are folded down nicely. Each of the sawhorses weighs a mere 8.7 pounds, easy peasy to move around with no hand strain or fatigue at all.
To be blunt, the performance is not comparable to those of top-end sawhorses both on this list and on the market. However, for the homeowner and DIYer in need of something for handling light-duty to medium-duty projects, the model is more than enough. Each of the saw horses making the package is capable of enduring a weight of up to 250 pounds, which brings the total to 500 pounds if you’ll be using both simultaneously. Like the sturdy legs, the work surface has anti-slip properties to ensure your workpiece remains firm and secure all throughout your project, thereby minimizing errors and costly mistakes.
Overall, the Goplus is a sturdy, heavy-duty sawhorse that provides an anti-slip work surface for undertaking a wide range of cutting projects. The all-metal construction and the non-slip legs provide the necessary support and stability to undertaking lightweight and medium-duty tasks. Plus, assembling and folding it is a breeze, the latter of which allows for hassle-free transportation. While the height is not adjustable, it’s smooth and flawless performance easily makes up for that.
- Features sturdy and durable construction using commercial-grade metal
- Foldable design
- Using it is a cinch
- Ergonomically designed grip handles
- Has a total weight load capacity of 500 pounds
- Lacks roller wheels or skate-style tires
6. ToughBuilt - Folding Sawhorse
If you’re looking for striking features, it comes with a sea of those. Let’s begin with the quality of construction. The manufacturer’s use of steel for the construction of the sawhorse means they boast an incredibly stout weight capacity and can easily accommodate most weight loads that professionals and DIYers handle on a frequent basis. The package comes with a pair of sawhorses and each one has a weight load capacity of 1100 pounds. Combined, they offer the user a high load capacity of 2200 pounds. In light of the durable, rugged construction, the ToughBuilt TB-C550 provides the user with unmatched value for their money, making it possible for them to do various projects involving sawhorses without a single worry about the possibility of them breaking or squeaking.
Closely related to support and stability is the feet of the ToughBuilt TB-C550. They have a rubberized, non-slip material at the extreme end that enhance stability in all types of terrains. Whether you’ll be working from the comfort of your house or warehouse where the smoothness of the floor is a guarantee or travelling away, the legs will prevent wobbling under different circumstance.
Still, the legs open and fold very easily and with minimal effort on your part, which in turn makes it simple and easy to transport it from one place to another or store in the garage or move around with it in the trunk of your car. They come with a convenient handle that for effortless and hassle-free carrying. Since the edged are rolled, they ensure comfort and safety and will not at any point stab you or tear your clothes as you carry the machine in your hands.
Additional features include the comfortable and accommodative work surface that securely and safely hold your workpiece in place. If it's a job that necessitates stability, you won't have to go to the trouble of fashioning different objects to act as extra support. The inclusion of 2 by 4 support arms easily transforms the two sawhorses into a robust and steady job site table. The feet also have pivoting capabilities to enhance portability.
In all, if you need an efficient, reliable, pocket-friendly and safe sawhorse to use around the house and on the job site, don’t hesitate to go with this option. It provides the user with a comfortable working height, has a collapsible design for quick and easy transportation, the feet are easy to fold and unfold and have a non-slip material to increase stability and accuracy. The steel frame has a powder coating and zinc plate to lengthen the machine's lifespan and keep away rust and corrosion. With its combined load capacity of up 2200 pounds, the ToughBuilt TB-C550 is a perfect choice for DIYers and professionals in search of an easy-to-use, versatile, durable and affordable sawhorse.
- The frame folds and unfolds easily and quickly
- Capable of supporting a weight load of 2200 pounds
- Zinc plating minimizes the likelihood of rust and corrosion
- Has a spacious work surface
- It’s lightweight and compact hence very portable and easy to store, transport
- Low profile design necessitates bending over most time
7. DEWALT DWX725
Despite the big name, DeWalt’s flagship sawhorse, the DeWalt DWX725, shares most of its features and specs with the vast majority of other high-end sawhorses on the market. For instance, it features a lightweight and compact design that won’t present any challenges during transportation and storage. We wouldn’t want to spoil the fun by listing all the instrumental features in the introductory paragraph, would we? To learn more about the awesome sawhorse, keep reading.
The construction quality is up there with those of other top-end sawhorses on the market. Those tough, demanding cutting jobs will no longer be a problem with the DeWalt DWX725 at your disposal. The aluminium the manufacturer uses for its construction is resistant to both corrosion and rust, meaning that you can use it comfortably and confidently in multiple settings, irrespective of the prevailing weather conditions. The design of the sawhorse clearly optimizes it for tough projects. In addition to the miter saw mount, it boasts a maximum load carrying capacity of 1000 pounds in spite of being so lightweight and compact.
Like most other sawhorses on and outside of this list, setting it up takes a few seconds and is a straightforward, effortless endeavour that you can ask your 13-year old sister or daughter to do it. To make setting up even easier, there are lock levers on the legs to take away the time and effort the process would otherwise take up. The same goes for collapsing it down after or in between uses. You don’t require that much effort.
The lightweight and compact design makes folding it in between projects or after use a breeze. Once fully collapsed, it takes up a small amount of space, allowing you to transport it from one job site to another quickly and with relative ease. It even fits in the trunk of the car and takes up just a small percentage of the floor space in your garage or workshop. You can even walk home with it. The paltry weight of just 15 pounds and the built-in handle substantially simplify the endeavour.
For professionals and DIYers searching for a pocket-friendly, user-friendly, durably constructed and high-performance sawhorse, it is just the right one for you. The 1000 pounds carrying capacity pair nicely with its compact, lightweight and collapsible design. The sawhorse additionally has a generous 36-month warranty that indicative of its high-quality performance and durability.
- Comes with an impressive weight capacity
- Features a lightweight and compact design
- Legs are robust, stable and easy to fold
- Easy to store and transport
- Cost-effective
Setting it up is both quick and straightforwar
- Non-adjusting legs
- Lacks mounting brackets
8. Target Precision Rugged Buddy
As has been our tradition for this buying guide, we'll begin by deconstruction the quality of construction to reveal the features and specs that make it stand out. The Target Precision brand has more than three decades of hands-on experience manufacturing high-quality products that consistently meet, satisfy and even exceed the performance and durability expectations of its customer base. This model, for instance, is made from high-quality, industrial-grade tubular steel. Therefore, it goes without saying that it provides the user with unmatched resilience, durability, and strength. Interestingly, the Target Precision Rugged Buddy 34-Inch Folding Sawhorse Legs for One Complete Sawhorse is lightweight and compact, with a weight of just 12 pounds, and yet it is capable of supporting a weight load of up to 1000 pounds.
People enamoured of it are understandably apprehensive of its lanky design, concerned that it might lack the stability to support 1000 pounds of workload. To quell those fears, keep in mind that the legs of the sawhorse feature sturdy locks to secure their position when you set it up. In addition to this, the legs come with anti-slip, rubberized grips to provide strong and dependable traction on different floor types to prevent any accidental slippage in the course of work.
The feet remain stable and secure irrespective of the terrain on which you’re working, be it smooth or rough. The bottom line is that at no point does it put your safety at risk. In addition to letting you order a customized work surface or tailor make one for yourself, it also boasts a foldable design. Without the feature transporting and storing the sawhorse would have been quite the nightmare.
It comes with several signature features. The sawhorse legs feature a rugged, long-lasting construction and have stabilizing features that comfortably and easily support up to 1000 pounds of load weight, in spite of weighing a paltry 12 pounds. The legs also have non-slip, non-scratch rubber tips that provide maximum stability and traction. Plus, they are collapsible for easy and quick transportation and storage. They are also affordable and very easy to use. It doesn’t get better than this, does it?
- Heavy-duty construction supports a weight load of 1000 pounds
- Easily withstands the rigors of the trade
- Lightweight and compact for effortless transportation
- Robust steel legs have rubberized, soft grips for superior stability and traction
- Has remarkable latches and mounts easily and quickly
- Release tang jams occasionally
- A little on the pricey side
9. WORX Pegasus
As a worktable, it easily supports a weight load of up to 300 pounds and a maximum of 1000 pounds as a sawhorse. The sawhorse cum worktable features a lightweight and compact design that pairs nicely with its foldable design to make for easy and effortless manoeuvrability, portability, transportation, and storage. It has these convenient and time-saving quick clamps and clamp dogs that enable the user to safely and securely hold a wide range of workpieces. The icing on the cake, though, is the ease of use and affordability. Continue reading for an in-depth review of the WX051.
It provides you with a safe and secure working surface for doing a wide range of workshop projects that include but not limited to cutting, sanding, painting, varnishing, and gluing different things. Like mentioned earlier, the sawhorse also doubles up as a worktable. Whether you're planning on using it as a sawhorse or a worktable, it easily supports and holds up to 300 pounds and 1000 pounds of workload, respectively. Unlike cheap, off-brand variants on the market, the Worx Pegasus WX051 feature a strong, robust construction using high-quality and very durable materials. Provided you work within the recommended weight limit, the chances of the machine breaking, caving in or collapsing on you are very remote.
The work surface is capable of holding a broad range of materials, both regular and irregular. It comes with four clamp dogs and two quick clamps for safely and securely fastening all types of differently shaped materials. The aim is to give you a peace of mind and the confidence you need to get to work all day long with minimal interruptions and distractions. If you want a bigger work surface to comfortably accommodate large workpieces, you can consider buying two of the sawhorses as the design allows them to easily join together. The design is an especially important one is you frequently handle large workpieces and want to ensure they are as secure as possible before you start working on them.
It also aims to provide the user with accuracy and stability as they work. To this end, the machine comes with built-in leg lock system to guarantee that the legs remain firmly in position throughout the course of your project. The legs are similarly all-terrain and can, as a result, be used in multiple settings be it at home or out in the field. To this add the ability of the fold up nicely after work, making it a cinch to transport and store after work. Again, allow us to reiterate: it provides you with everything you need to make for a comfortable and enjoyable working experience.
To summarize, there are several varieties of sawhorses on the market. However, only a handful can hold a candle to the performance, ease of use, versatility, and affordability of the Worx Pegasus. As a sawhorse, it easily supports almost 1000 pounds and 300 pounds as a worktable. The sturdy legs lock securely and steadily. The machine is also lightweight and compact, weighing a mere 35 pounds and is very portable and easy to keep away, thanks to its foldable design. For professional and DIYers alike looking for a heavy-duty yet lightweight and affordable sawhorse, this option is more than ideal.
- Sports a generously large work area
- Table and sawhorse each support up to 300 and 1000 pounds respectively
- The design is foldable for easy transportation and storage
- It’s lightweight
- Cost-effective
- Has a handy storage compartment
- Comes pre-assembled and ready to go
- A little bulky
10. 2x4basics 90196
In addition to that, the sawhorse is incredibly versatile and highly customizable. You only need a screwdriver to quickly set it up after which in securely and safely holds workpieces measuring 2 inches by 4 inches. Fret not if you have larger workpieces like 4 inches by 8 inches plywood or need a surface for priming wood trim since the comes with a useful dual-shelf design. It does get better. Keep reading to find out how.
It lets you quickly and easily create a highly customizable, stable and robust sawhorse by adding 2 inch by 4 inch work surfaces of your own. The design allows you to easily transcend the limitations of standard size sawhorses by taking advantage of the 8-foot length and 4-foot height of the machine. The sawhorse allows for double capacity use, seeing as it features two levels. Plus, you can comfortably adjust the height of the machine to a level you find most convenient. The four brackets are for securely and safely and tightly holding your workpiece in place so it does not wobble about as you work. Because of the way they are placed, they are ideal for holding both regular and awkward workpieces.
Setting up and assembling it is quite a cinch. All you need is a saw, powered screwdriver and a couple of 2 by 4 lumber pieces. Even though it does not collapse like some unit on our list, it is nonetheless lightweight and compact, meaning that you don’t risk breaking your back moving it around the workshop of moving it from one place to another. Additionally, it comes with a generously long 24-month warranty to cater for the repair or replacement of defective parts and components.
Anyone who’s ever tried to cut 4 by 8 sheets of priming wood knows it’s an onerous, time-consuming and energy-draining task. With it, however, it's a straightforward and effortless undertaking, especially in consideration of the customizability of the sawhorse. the sawhorse has sturdy feet with rubberized, soft grip ends which when you fair with the industrial-grade construction of the frame, provides a platform capable of supporting up to 2000 pounds of load weight.
Assembling the sawhorse takes a matter of seconds and it offers the user two levels of double capacity. One last reason why you should buy it, aside from its awesomeness and affordability, is the fact that it comes with a 24-month long warranty. Now you have every reason to just drop everything else you doing right now, even if that means you’ll stop reading this, and order one of these.
- The height is adjustable
- Arrives in twos
- Easy and quick setup
- Lightweight and compact design
- Features heavy-duty and robust construction
- Legs become hard to lock with time
Criteria for Choosing the Best Sawhorses
Unfortunately for you, picking out a sawhorse from a market that has a sea of them is not the same as picking out oranges in a supermarket aisle. Some of the units on our list cost quite a lot and you don’t want to pour lots of money on a sawhorse that doesn’t address your needs. Neither do you want to compromise on important aspects and features like performance and ease of use if you want to the best performance. To help you pick out a sawhorse that best meets your needs, we’ve dutifully put together a list of the critical features to pay attention to as shop around.
Size and Dimensions
When the criterion of size and dimensions springs up, people tend to confuse it with ease of use even though there is a vast difference between the two. Size here refers to the physical attributes of the sawhorse, as in, is it big or small? For industrial-grade projects such as cutting, sanding, painting, varnishing and gluing, you need a work surface is large enough to comfortably accommodate the whole workpiece. In this case, you’ll need a big machine with some considerable width and length. For smaller DIY projects, though, a standard size should suffice. Also, keep in mind that fully-fledged sawhorses will need some substantial floor space for storage unless they feature a foldable design.
Performance
There’s a trivial difference between the performance and construction quality of a sawhorse but for the sake of greenhorns, let’s keep it simple and separate the two. Performance in our case would mean the weight load capacity of your machine. High-end and heavy sawhorses generally have a higher weight load capacity compared to their cheaper, run-of-the-mill counterparts. They also come with a correspondingly premium price tag. Consequently, they are reserved for industrial and heavy-duty applications.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something for occasional or light-weight use around the house or for an average-sized workshop, a standard one should be able to address your needs adequately. It is important that you consider your unique needs before committing your money. It beats the purpose compromising on quality, performance, and durability by going for a cheap, humdrum sawhorse for handling heavy-duty projects on a daily basis.
Construction Quality
Cutting, sanding, painting, varnishing or gluing workpieces on a sawhorse puts a lot of stress on the structural integrity of the machines. It, therefore, needs to possess a commensurate high-quality construction to allow it comfortably and easily withstand the pressure. It’s for this reason that manufacturers resort to using a wide array of ultra-strong yet very lightweight construction materials when manufacturing sawhorses. Most commonly, they use aluminium, steel, metal, iron high-grade plastic or other equally strong industrial-grade material. Sawhorses made from the first three materials are considerably more expensive than their other counterparts. But, to their credit, they are longer lasting and capable of putting up with heavy weight loads without collapsing.
Ease of Use
If you are a stickler for hassle-free, straightforward operation then pay great attention to the convenience features your preferred sawhorse packs. And there are several of them. First, look out for the ease of setting it up. If it takes more than ten minutes with a little help, it would be best to expand your search further afield. The feet should be sturdy and robust and have a way of preventing them from slipping as you work in different terrains. To this end, check whether or not they have rubberized, soft grips at the end to increase traction. Is the work surface of your sawhorse at a comfortable or ideal height? If it’s too low, there will always be the temptation to bend over to reach the workpiece more conveniently which, at the end of the day, could trigger back and shoulder pains.
Lastly, moving a large and heavy sawhorse around the workshop or the garage can indeed be a daunting task. There is also the risk of throwing your back out if you’re not that physically fit. To guide against these possibilities, it would be prudent to go for a lightweight and compact sawhorse that’s also foldable for easy, quick, convenient and hassle-free transportation and storage. The final decision rests with you, though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a sawhorse a must-have tool for an enthusiastic woodworker?
A: The shortest answer is no. However, without one, working with different wood pieces is going to prove to be one hell of a task. The aim of the sawhorse is to take the time, effort and inconvenience away from the process. They are capable of accommodating large workpieces safely and securely as compared to having some help.
Q: Do sawhorses require any maintenance?
A: there is very little to do in the way of maintenance. If your unit is wooden, then it would be prudent to take care not to saw right through it. Also, making a point of religiously using it on flat, even surfaces can go a long way in increasing its lifespan. On a different note though, sawing and cutting different workpieces is a fairly dangerous undertaking. To ensure you finish in one piece, it is highly recommended that you wear the right safety gear: long boots, goggles, gloves and the like.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a comprehensive buying guide solely dedicated to arming you with all the information you need to enable you to make an informed choice. Equipping yourself with the right tool is the first step towards achieving the best results. Keep in mind though that no one sawhorse is the absolute best. Your choice should take into consideration the nature of the project you intend to undertake with the sawhorse. And our list endeavours to provide you with the best ones on the market. They are portable, affordable, easy to use, practical, high performance, long-lasting and feature high-end construction quality to provide you with several years of reliable, smooth and trouble-free performance. Honestly, it doesn’t get better than this.