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The best sawhorse can offer a plethora of benefits and serve quite a few different purposes. If you do your research well, you’ll even be able to find some models that can take on the role of workbenches, miter stands – and more! On that note, let us walk you through everything you need to know about them!
Why Buying a Sawhorse?
If it’s your first time shopping for a sawhorse, the first thing you need to know is that these woodworking tools boast a somewhat similar construction across the board. Even though they evolved a lot over the past few decades, at its core, every sawhorse has the same four-legged design.
Two sets of legs joined together by a beam placed on top.
But don’t let their simple, basic design fool you, though. The sawhorses still offer outstanding benefits and make a perfect addition to any workshop, both private and commercial. And as pretty much anyone in the construction or carpentry industry will tell you, they’re an indispensable tool for any self-respecting hobbyist, let alone a professional carpenter.
The best sawhorse is a woodworker’s must-have
What makes them so irreplaceable, you ask?
Well, let’s start with the most fundamental reason why a sawhorse is a must-have:
It’s, by far, the easiest way to support lumber and tackle complex woodworking projects.
It doesn’t end there, though. The best sawhorses open up a world of possibilities for both contractors and hobbyists when it comes to working with 2x4s and large sheets of wood with ease. And when you need a workbench, a sawhorse can step up and fill in that role for you, too.
So, don’t make the mistake of underestimating or overlooking them in favor of complex workbenches and worktables.
Lastly, unlike traditional benches, the modern-day sawhorses come with the advantage of being adjustable, portable, and space-efficient.
Unfortunately for you, though, with so many different options on the market, there’s always a chance of finding a couple of “rotten eggs,” and products that are far from praiseworthy. You’re going to need some help to avoid spending money on a sawhorse that doesn’t meet your requirements or one that falls short regarding features and performance.
That’s why we thoroughly tested and reviewed some of the best products available, and compiled a list of essential tips and tricks on how to pick the right sawhorse for your workshop. And this article is all about sharing our findings and opinions with you. Let’s get down to business!
Meet the Best Sawhorses
The Good: There’s a fine line between compact and portable and sturdy and durable, and the Keter Sawhorse nails it perfectly.
The Bad: Most of its construction resin, so there’s more chance that the tabletop will develop scuffs and scratches.
The Bottom Line: It’s a model we’re comfortable enough to recommend without an ounce of hesitation. Even with the minor downsides in mind, it’s still one of the best deals you’ll find on the market. It’s fantastic by all accounts.
The Good: The WORX offers the best of both worlds. It converts from a sawhorse to a worktable in a matter of seconds.
The Bad: Certain aspects of this product – mainly little details and final touches – need improvement.
The Bottom Line: We consider the quality of construction to be outstanding, and it offers some high-quality features at a reasonable price. However, there are several things that need improving, so keep that in mind if you decide to give it a go.
The Good: The aluminum frame of this sawhorse weighs only 15.4 pounds, making it the perfect balance of lightweight and sturdy.
The Bad: There’s nothing wrong with this product, but we’d like to see some tool attachments included in the deal.
The Bottom Line: With a 1000-pound capacity, light aluminum body, and a straightforward, foldable design, this sawhorse will tackle the largest of projects with ease. It’s no wonder it’s so popular among users. Making this sawhorse tool-friendly is going to cost you, though.
The Good: It’s a multi-functional workstation with one of the best clamping systems we’ve seen on a sawhorse.
The Bad: Its weight-bearing capacity of 600 pounds seems limited compared to competitors.
The Bottom Line: There are certain things we like about this product, such as the all-steel construction and the clamping system. Based on our testing, though, it falls short in some performance-related areas.
That’s only the short version of it, though – read the rest of the article for our detailed opinions.
All of the Factors Considered
Even though they’re a vital piece of equipment in workshops, both commercial and private ones, sawhorses seem relatively simple to the untrained eye. There’s nothing more to them than a pair of sturdy legs, right? With that approach, it’s no surprise that a lot of people still end up buying a product that doesn’t meet their needs. After doing thorough research and testing dozens of products, we’ve put together a list of factors to consider when purchasing a sawhorse.
Build Quality
Sawhorses undergo a lot of stress regularly. That’s why you must take a closer look at the model’s construction quality before you decided to buy it.
It often comes down to materials used in the sawhorse’s construction, with the three most common options being metal, plastic, and wood. Each of these materials offers some benefits and drawbacks, but it all comes down to finding something that meets your needs.
Plastic is a good option if you want a lightweight, portable unit, but it doesn’t hold a lot of weight. On the other hand, metal, including aluminum and steel, is exceptionally durable and long-lasting, but it’s typically better suited for fixed locations.
Size
The overall dimensions of the sawhorse and the dimensions of the work surface are yet another thing that should be considered here.
First off, you have to be sure that the size of the sawhorse’s surface fits your needs. It all comes down to the projects you have planned because, if the surface ends up being too small, you’ll have a hard time maneuvering large, heavy pieces of wood on it.
Moreover, for both comfort and safety reasons, you have to ensure that you can reach the tabletop of your sawhorse comfortably. An average sawhorse will be around 31 inches high, but this can vary from 25 to 40 inches, so it’s something you should pay attention to before you buy. Of course, a model with adjustable height levels is your best bet here.
Weight Capacity
You can expect to come across models that can withstand weights of 1000 pounds on average, with some surpassing that limit and going all the way up to 2500 pounds. With such a broad range of options, it’s essential to consider the type of projects you’ll be doing and choose the sawhorse accordingly.
For lighter projects and personal use, a lighter sawhorse with a load capacity of 1000 pounds should be more than enough. However, if you plan to use the sawhorse in a commercial workshop, it’s highly recommended that you dig a little deeper. You should be able to find an industrial-grade unit that boasts a heavy-weight capacity of 2000 pounds or more.
Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to pay more for more substantial, heavy-weight sawhorses, though.
Portability
More and more people nowadays prefer open areas over enclosed spaces, such as the garage, when it comes to working. If you’re one of those people, portability is undoubtedly something you need to consider before buying a new sawhorse. The same goes for contractors who travel to work and have to bring their tools along with them.
One way to ensure that a sawhorse is portable enough to meet your needs is to check if it’s foldable. Also, make sure that it’s compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car and light enough to be carried around freely.
Non-folding, stationary sawhorses are not the best-suited option for portability, as they have a large footprint and can’t be moved that easily. On the other hand, a folding sawhorse, especially a lightweight one, can have a slightly lower weight limit. That’s something to keep in mind when it’s time to make your choice.
Ease of Use
Whether you plan on using it in your garage, at a construction site, or in your backyard, ease of use is one of those features that can make or break a sawhorse. There are a few things that play into the user-friendliness and hassle-free operation, though, which makes this slightly more complicated than it might seem.
One of the first things you need to check is if the unit boasts easy assembly. You want to spend more time working on your project, and less time figuring out how to put the sawhorse together.
Non-slippery feet are also a welcome addition, as they allow for the legs to grip adequately on different surfaces, reducing the risk of potential safety hazards.
Also, if you’ll be moving the sawhorse frequently, be sure to look into foldable designs. They’re virtually unbeatable when it comes to storage and portability.
Now that you know which factors go into making an informed purchase decision take a look at how our top four products compare in all these areas.
In-depth Reviews of 4 Best Sawhorses
Keter Folding Compact Workbench Sawhorse
Key Features
A Construction that Stands the Test of Time
Despite its mostly plastic construction – other than the aluminum legs, that is – it’s more than capable of providing a reliable work area for a wide range of products. In short, it’s a folding sawhorse you won’t rust, crack, or develop dents.
Folds Away When It’s Not in Use
If there’s one thing we’d like to underline as this model’s most notable features, it’s the outstanding compact design. You’ll see quite a few foldable sawhorses today, but none of them transforms into an easy-to-carry, nearly briefcase-sized unit. You’ll have no issues whatsoever with transporting it, either, thanks to the conveniently placed handle.
Doesn’t Give in under a 1000-pound Load
As we pointed out previously, there’s no need for you to doubt its mostly-resin construction. Thanks to the clever addition of aluminum legs, the unit has plenty of sturdiness to it – enough to be rated as suitable for loads of up to 1000 pounds.
May Not Withstand Heavy-duty Work
Although it boasts a 1000-pound capacity, we’ve noticed that it does vibrate when you use power tools on it. Also, the plastic makes it more susceptible to scuffs and scratches. We feel like heavy-duty work may not what this sawhorse is built to withstand.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
The Keter is made from weather-resistant materials, handles loads of up to 1000 pounds, and folds down into a surprisingly compact size when it’s not in use. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a weekend DIY enthusiast, a hobbyist getting into woodworking or a seasoned professional. You’re going to appreciate the convenience of adding this product to your collection of woodworking tools.
What to Watch Out For
There’s nothing sub-par about this product, even though most of it is made of resin. It incorporates metal where it counts – the legs. However, we do have our concerns about the tabletop’s surface developing scratches from sharp edges and power tools used on it. That’s mostly a matter of aesthetics, though, and it won’t affect the overall structural integrity of the sawhorse.
The Conclusion
After taking the time to weigh in on the price to value ratio, we can declare this one of the best deals you’ll find. It does have some minor downsides to it, but the only one worth noting is that it’s not best suited for heavy-duty projects. The positives outweigh the negatives, though, so don’t be surprised to hear that we highly recommend it – and that it gets our stamp of approval!
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
WORX Pegasus Multi-Function Work Table and Sawhorse
Key Features
Give Plastic a Chance to Impress You
Although it’s not the most robust frame you’ll come across, it still feels thick and durable. Moreover, the construction is reinforced with aluminum, adding to the structural integrity of the unit. Overall, we feel like the plastic-and-aluminum combo holds up well and cuts the weight down significantly.
Goes from a Sawhorse to a Worktable in Seconds
With the hinged tabletop design, the Pegasus allows you to switch from worktable to sawhorse mode in a matter of seconds. To make it even more convenient, folding it flat is just as easy – and the leg-lock system ensures that it’s safe and secure, too.
A 300 to 1000 Pounds Load Capacity
With the exceptional versatility come two different load capacities. The unit’s sturdy legs lock securely to support loads of 300 pounds when in worktable mode and can withstand up to 1000 pounds when converted into a sawhorse without folding or buckling under the weight.
Might Not Be Suitable for Taller Individuals
It boasts a standard sawhorse height of 32 inches, which is designed to be comfortable for most people. However, we couldn’t help but wonder if the lack of adjustable legs may present an issue for taller individuals or projects that require lifting or lowering the working area.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
The design that allows you to use it both as a sawhorse and a worktable make this a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to buy a versatile woodworking tool. Its plastic-and-aluminum frame nails the balance between sturdiness and portability. To top it all off, it gives you the option of connecting several Pegasus worktables to accommodate more substantial pieces!
What to Watch Out For
Although none of the issues we’ve experienced with this model could count as deal-breakers, as pointed out earlier, certain aspects of it need improvement. It all comes down to little details and final touches. We hope to see WORX incorporating a handle that would make transporting the unit more comfortable and adding a set of height-adjustable legs in their future designs. Improving the clamping system wouldn’t hurt, either.
The Conclusion
This one is a bit tricky. We love the overall quality of construction and the versatility it brings to the table because not everyone has the budget for high-end models. But even though it excels in most areas, there are still some issues that we hope to see addressed sometime in the future. We’re comfortable recommending it, but you need to be aware of these downsides before you buy.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
DEWALT Miter Saw Stand Heavy Duty
Key Features
Lightweight But Handles Heavy Loads
Weighing only 15.4 pounds, the aluminum construction of this DeWalt product is exceptionally light. Surprisingly enough, though, it doesn’t compromise sturdiness and is more than capable of handling significant amounts of weight with a load capacity that goes up to 1000 pounds.
No Room for Adjustments
Although the height of 32 inches should be more than enough for most individuals, we still believe that the addition of height-adjustable legs would be a welcome improvement of its design. Right now, there’s no way to customize it if you’re over six feet tall or working on uneven terrain.
Comfortable and Hassle-free
The straightforward setup and the foldable design are the two aspects of this unit that shouldn’t be overlooked. Everything about it seems very well thought-out and user-oriented. With setup levers and a transport latch, the legs are a perfect example of what we mean by that.
It’s Going to Cost You
We avoid talking about price tags unless we find it necessary, and as you can tell by now, we do. The initial price may be far from expensive, but additional costs are waiting for you around the corner, including buying all the tool attachments separately.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
One of its main advantages is certainly its compact and lightweight design, along with a surprisingly straightforward and effortless setup. You’re getting a 15.4-pound sawhorse that can be folded in a matter of seconds, and if portability is a deciding factor for you, we highly recommend giving this one a chance.
What to Watch Out For
Other than the fact that the legs aren’t height-adjustable, we didn’t have any deal-breaking issues with this particular model. What did bug us about it, though, was the price. Besides the initial investment, which could be considered reasonably priced, you’re pretty much required to continue spending money on it to improve its functionality. All the accessories and tool attachments have to be purchased separately.
The Conclusion
If we were to judge these products based solely on customer reviews, this DeWalt sawhorse could end up on the top of our list of recommendations. It’s compact and straightforward, and its light aluminum body hides an impressive 1000-pound load capacity, so it’s ready to withstand even the toughest of projects. Make sure that you’re prepared to spend a few extra bucks on all the attachments and accessories that are left out from the original package, though.
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
Rockwell JawHorse Portable Material Support Station
Key Features
All-steel Construction Means Business
Although we’ve proven that plastic can be just as good when it comes to sturdiness, an all-steel construction still ensures a lot more rigidity and strength. Overall, it feels solid and well-made, and that’s always a plus when it comes to any woodworking tools, let alone sawhorses.
Too Much Weight But Not Enough Capacity
With the all-steel construction and the weight of over 40 pounds, we have to admit that we expected a bit more out of this unit’s load capacity. However, it’s only capable of handling up to 600 pounds. The weight to capacity ratio left us feeling underwhelmed.
Top-notch Clamping System
If there’s one thing that gives it an edge over the competitors, it’s the impressive force of up to a ton – 2205 pounds of it, to be precise – of its integrated clamps. Plus, the system is controlled by a foot lever, allowing for the convenience of hands-free operation.
A Tripod Base with a Single Adjustable Leg
A sawhorse typically features a four-legged design, which makes this model, with its tripod base, a somewhat unique option on the market. But with only one adjustable leg, it’s also its biggest downfall – there’s not nearly enough stability on uneven terrain.
Customer Reviews
Who Should Buy this Product
It’s not only a sawhorse; it’s also a versatile, multi-functional workstation. As such, it can be a welcome addition to any DIY-enthusiast’s or hobbyist’s woodworking tools arsenal. It has the potential to replace your workbench, miter stand, welding stand, and bench vice, all while maintaining a user-friendly setup and providing an unmatched clamping force.
What to Watch Out For
There are quite a few things regarding this product’s design and performance that left us feeling both confused and underwhelmed. The three-legged design with a single adjustable leg was one of them – using it on uneven surfaces is a less-than-stable experience. Also, we expected more out of its weight-bearing capacity, as it weighs significantly more than its competitors, but still falls short in that department.
The Conclusion
We can’t argue with the fact that this is a sturdy, long-lasting product with an exceptional level of versatility to it. You’re not just getting a sawhorse here – you’re getting a multi-functional workstation. However, with a price tag as steep as that, we expected to see more from it performance-wise, and based on that alone, we’re not comfortable with labeling it as a “worthy investment.”
Purchase this Product on Amazon.com
The Best Sawhorse – Keter Folding Compact Workbench Sawhorse
Sometimes it’s tricky to single out a specific product as the best. When all the testing and researching is over, all of them have something unique to offer to you, the user. This time around, though, that’s not the case – after all the testing and careful deliberations, we have a clear winner in mind. The best sawhorse currently on the market is the Keter Folding Compact Workbench Sawhorse.
No other product we came across or tested could match its price to value ratio. What you’re getting is an easily portable, highly reliable sawhorse with substantial load capacity and a reasonable price tag. In short, it’s our best pick for today!
The Conclusion
We have the rule to highlight a particular product as the best out of the bunch. That said, as always, we strongly encourage you to make your choice based on your specific requirements. All of the options we’ve discussed today have something valuable to offer – and they’re all a solid choice. As long as you take all the factors explained previously into account, we’re sure you’ll be able to make an informed decision. After all, that was our goal all along. If you found the info presented in our article helpful, share it with others, too! Remember to have fun with your next woodworking project and see you next time!
