A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE!
I can hardly believe it either! It has been nearly TWO YEARS(!) since I’ve made any new blog entries here! Much has happened in those two years, and my resolution for 2009 is to share some of my activities with you. The reason for this entry (aside from its being EXTREMELY interesting subject material) is to permit me to once again learn how to use this communication vehicle.
Tonight’s entry revolves around a structure I first built back in the early 90’s when it was described in Fine Woodworking magazine (Fine Woodworking, August 1992, No. 95, pp. 40-41, by Pat Paterson). It is one of the most well-designed and most useful sets of saw horses (the article calls them “saw ponies”) I’ve ever seen. I have built quite a few sets of them, some as gifts, and have most recently built myself another set. Here is the article and the accompanying diagram. These are built from short 2×4 cutoffs and plywood scraps – items usually available around every garage or workshop!
I’m hoping that anyone wishing to build a set of these will be able to discern the measurements from the article scans I’ve included.
Here is a photo of my old, original worn set of sawhorses and the new set I’ve built in the last few days. Note how “stackable” they are, and in doing so, one can use them stacked to make the working height user friendly. With their solid, no-wobble construction and the splayed legs, these ponies stand solid! Unlike most saw horses, there is no movement whatsoever where these stand! They are wonderful to have around as standing stools to repair a ceiling fixture or do high painting, they make a great paint can stand, or legs for a temporary tool stand. I’ve used them for thousands of things!
You may notice that, while I have sized my sawhorses to the measurements of the diagram, I’ve made a few modifications that I am finding most helpful. I am just beginning the construction of a full set of kitchen cabinets for a house I’m rehabbing, and with my workshop being situated on the second floor of my garage, it is quite difficult for me to deal with full sheets of plywood (particularly the weighty sheets of 3/4 inch birch ply) upstairs, so I needed a means to safely and easily saw my sheets of plywood into more manageable sizes for this project. I recently read an article describing the use of stud hangers to suspend 2×4s between regular, all 2×4 saw horses for this purpose, and in thinking about it, I decided to modify these “pony” horses to do the same thing.
I have never used the hinged top for my saw horses, but have always made openings into the plywood sides for the purpose of utilizing that space to stash tools and the like.
On this set, I decided to create a notch in the plywood that would support a 2×4 suspended between 2 horses.
In the house I’m working on, I removed some original 2×4s which, amazingly enough (duh!) were actually 2 inches by 4 inches in size! They really did make lumber the size they said it was at one time!!! Anyway, to make a long story short, when I modified the set of sawhorses, I used “modern” 2×4s to size the notches. I decided this would be a good opportunity to put the old “odd sized” 2×4s to good use. Great idea, but they would NOT fit into the notches I had made. Easy solution: a few moments at the band saw and, voila!, they fit!
How one chooses to lay out a frame for sawing purposes depends a lot upon how small pieces of plywood one is planning to cut in this manner. Mine will be rather large, so I made a simple frame of the old 2×4s thusly:
One could easily add more cross pieces were it indicated for the cutting one needed to do. At some point in the future, it may be necessary that I make this structure more complex.
Above, the frame is laying atop the double-stacked sawhorses, the ends not yet inserted into the notches. In the photo below, the ends of the 2×4s have been inserted into the notches, thus creating a very solid, flat surface for me to use to cut the plywood.
Below, you can see a full, 4′x8′ sheet of 3/4 inch birch ply leaned against the structure, waiting to be placed on top for cutting.
Here, the plywood sheet has been placed horizontally on the frame, ready to be cut. A nice feature of the stacked horses in this application is that it really creates a comfortable height for this job. I am no longer young enough to be comfortable doing a lot of bending over, so this height is ideal!
I have made plywood guides for my saw that I clamp in place for cutting. This guide is about 5 feet long for horizontal cuts; I also have an 8 foot guide for lengthwise cuts. Here is mwah making the first cut on this sheet of plywood.
Here is that same sheet of plywood, now cut into smaller pieces, all ready to be carried to the second floor workshop. Cutting plywood in this manner using a makeshift arrangement of unsecured 2×4s, etc. can be dangerous. With this frame, the “table” on which the cutting occurs fully supports the plywood and there is no pinching, bucking, etc. at all. I have admittedly made cuts on a less than ideal surface, and have fortunately NOT lost any digits or other body parts to date.
At day’s end, after having cut several plywood sheets, it is a simple matter to remove the frame from the notches, stack the saw ponies, sweep up the sawdust, and head for the recliner!
This is the recliner! More on that later….. Zzzzzzzzz
September 16th, 2009 at 12:28 am
Interesting and articulate article. Somehow, the grammar seems amiss. “I saw a sawhorse” is like double talk that could be like “seeing a seahorse” (a horse by another name?)……Seriously, the items pictured are works of a craftsman’s art, but one wonders, how many sawhorses could one need to horse around on a project, useful as they are. With all that work, one also can readily observe why the craftsman was ready for some Zzzzz…..
September 16th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Just what I’ve been looking for. Thanks.
Oh, ignore the grammar police.
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 pm
I think zee zawhorses are woonderful……
November 17th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
why are they called saw horses? where did the name come from?
November 22nd, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Wikipedia defines a sawhorse as a beam with 4 legs used to support a board or plank for sawing. A pair of sawhorses can support a plank forming a scaffold. A horse by another name could be called a circus horse or pony that can support a dancing girl because it has 4 legs and a plank giving her a platform on which to perform. Amost as good as Lee’s sawhorses, eh?, John. Or better yet, that good looking chair has at least 4 feet and is undoubtedly more comfortable than the 4 hard legs of a saw horse.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:41 am
I am experiencing some trouble with seeing your blog correctlly via the most recent version of Opera. It’s fine in Explorer 7 and Firefox however.Have a wonderful day.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Howdy I found your article by accident, I was surfing around the net for Hawaii flooring installers when I came upon your site, I must say your website is very interesting I just love the theme, its astounding!. I’m in a bit of a rush in this instance to fully read through your webpage but I have favorited it and also signed up for your RSS feeds. I will be back in a day or two. Thanks for a great blog.
February 14th, 2010 at 12:28 am
It has been a long time since new material has been posted. Hopefully 2010 will see new resolutions made and kept better than those of 2009. Perhaps your life has been too busy this past year. May it quiet down giving you time to pursue your hobbies in a more restful and relaxed fashion…..Your creative blogging of woodworking and harps are always interesting to peruse.
February 14th, 2010 at 12:30 am
By the way, hopefully everyone will enjoy a Happy St. Valentine’s Day
March 23rd, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Stools – White,Bar from Designs
March 24th, 2010 at 11:59 am
I’ve been reading a few posts and really and enjoy your writing. I’m thinking of linking to your posts from my site , just let me know if it’s feasible , thanks !
May 1st, 2010 at 2:52 am
Nice blog. This is one of the most incredible grad eu post Ive read in a very long time. The amount of information in here is stunning great, like you practically wrote the book on the qxbid subject. Your blog is good for anyone who wants to understand this subject more. Great stuff; please keep it up with nice bloging град.eu!
May 2nd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I would like to thank you for sharing this information. I am such a neat freak and appreciate anything that helps to declutter my life. Here are some methods and information I use. Click Here
May 30th, 2010 at 2:06 am
Hi there, nice writing. Want to get cash for blogging? Check out: http://bit.ly/PaidWriting
June 14th, 2010 at 3:15 am
Encontré tu blog por pura casualidad. Excelente. Nos vemos!
June 17th, 2010 at 12:38 am
you’ve answered my queries. i’m glad i came across this info on your blog.. thanks!
September 20th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Hello, sry for my bad english but Ih ave identified your site and would say that I come across your posts great simply because they have give me new ideas and new aspects. Thank you for this facts.
September 20th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Hello Admin , i love w/ Your posting.
September 30th, 2010 at 3:59 am
Excellent collection
October 4th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
excellent luck as end users
December 13th, 2010 at 4:56 am
That is Too decent, when it comes in india wish it can make a Rocking place for youngster.. wish that appear true.
December 25th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Merry Christmas to you and yours!….May everyone who reads your blog enjoy the warmth of the season and the joyousness of the music which creates peacefulness in the mein and heart that hopefully fosters the desire for world, national, and personal inner peace and good will. Also, looking at your blog, it apparently continues to elicit interest. Time to add some more pictures to your blog? When you have the time sometime.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
whoah, exactly what I was looking for, thanks for putting up
January 23rd, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Very great post! Thanks for sharing!
January 28th, 2011 at 2:02 am
I simply wanted to construct a note to be able to thank you for these fabulous advice you are sharing here. My long internet research has now been paid with reputable concept to go over with my family members. I would repeat that many of us visitors are rather blessed to live in a magnificent place with very many perfect professionals with beneficial pointers. I feel somewhat grateful to have come across your web page and look forward to some more entertaining times reading here. Thanks a lot once again for a lot of things.
February 3rd, 2011 at 12:44 pm
whoah, exactly what I was looking for, thanks for putting up
February 20th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Thank you pertaining to spreading the following wonderful subject material on your web site. I ran into it on the search engines. I am going to check to come back once you publish much more aricles.
April 9th, 2011 at 8:26 am
For a nice and reading all of your current comments here which is the thing that I have been researching for. I am currently taking Prometrium as well as the Vivelle patch plus the side effects tend to be more severe versus menopausal flashes. I should say also have tried natural hormone compound lotions and it also did not work.
May 5th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
I must say your article is well written and got a load of information in it. Great work!
May 14th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
hank you for that tips! I’d not have gotten this without any help! Can it be alright to reference reasons for having this on my website basically include a backlink for this webpage?
May 25th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
You made numerous suitable directs many. The checked out on the on the topic and found most people can be partnered with along with your web pages. check out our family only at : Kids Soccer Cleats
June 12th, 2011 at 6:23 am
Hello.This post was extremely motivating, particularly because I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Wednesday.
June 21st, 2011 at 8:44 pm
USA Medical / Business / Consumer Opt in Email Marketing Lists
We have high quality lists priced as low as $30 per list. For a catalog and free samples please contact me at this email address: harry.johnstone@gmx.us
August 21st, 2011 at 3:11 pm
That’s a nice idea using double stacked saw horses!!! I must admit that I’m getting a little tired with all of the backaches.
September 2nd, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Hey! I just want to give a huge thumbs up for the good info you’ve gotten right here on this post. I might be coming again to your blog for more soon.
September 7th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
How fantastic to read articles that is thus well-written, I used to be mesmerized through all the info, plus the method it was offered.
September 16th, 2011 at 6:22 am
Wanted to say that it’s nice to know that someone else also mentioned this as had trouble finding the same info elsewhere. This was the first place that told me the answer. Thanks…
September 16th, 2011 at 10:07 am
Hi there, simply changed into aware of your weblog via Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to be careful for brussels. I?ll be grateful for those who proceed this in future. Many other people will be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
September 20th, 2011 at 6:13 am
when we attend about webpage we Love us for your very bestthing. We would like to save its.
October 7th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
I loved up to you will receive performed right here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nevertheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you would like be delivering the following. ill indisputably come more earlier once more as exactly the similar just about very regularly within case you shield this hike.
October 12th, 2011 at 2:22 am
Individual Health Insurance Coverage…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…
October 13th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
14 inch band saw…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…
October 14th, 2011 at 11:56 am
Was ist gegenwärtig für die meisten Unternehmen ungeheuer wesentlich? Neben einer hervorragenden Produktpalette bzw. einer herausragenden Dienstleistung ist es ungeheuer wichtig , dass der Endabnehmer die Dienstleistung bzw. das Leistungsspektrum erkennt. Dabei ist eine hervorragende Positionierung bei Online-Suchmaschinen einer der am rasantesten wachsenden Vertriebskanäle. Dabei können relativ regionale Keywords zu einem vergleichsweise günstigen Preis einen hohen Gewinn führen. Nach dem Terminus Immobilien Bremen beispielsweise ca. 10.000-mal monatlich gesucht . Es ist dabei selbstverständlich , dass jeder Interessierte , der genau nach Immobilien Bremen sucht , auch konkret nach Immobilien in Bremen und der näheren Region sucht. Eine hohe Positionierung bei Suchmaschinen würde damit sehr präzise die Kunden erreichen, die die Firmen auch erreichen möchten . Der Begriff Immobilien Bremen ist dafür ein gutes Exempel, denn es ist beeindruckend wie viele Anfragen die Immobilienanbieter generieren, die bei diesem Begriff gut positioniert sind. Und diese positive Beobachtung gilt sicherlich nicht nur für Immobilien Bremen, sondern auch für viele andere Begriffe .
October 21st, 2011 at 6:50 am
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a wonderful activity on this matter!
October 24th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
whoah this blog is great i really like reading your articles. Keep up the great paintings! You realize, a lot of persons are searching around for this information, you can aid them greatly.
October 28th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the web the simplest factor to bear in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as other folks consider concerns that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , other folks could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
November 10th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
comment2, best friend quote pictures, frosty snowman coloring pages, download 3d wallpapers, page 3 wallpapers, tadpoles, fox snake, cars wallpapers free, world cup body painting, president obama, scary pictures, fashion models wallpapers, katie holmes pixie cut, american indian tribe symbols,
November 10th, 2011 at 9:14 pm
hemmroids…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…
November 13th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
Nice weblog right here! Additionally your site quite a bit up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link for your host? I desire my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
November 21st, 2011 at 1:23 am
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually realize what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also discuss with my site =). We may have a link change contract among us
November 21st, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
how to calculate compound interest…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…
November 30th, 2011 at 8:04 am
whoah this weblog is excellent i love studying your articles. Keep up the good work! You recognize, a lot of people are hunting round for this info, you can help them greatly.
December 5th, 2011 at 9:36 am
You’re in point of fact a good webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a great process in this matter!
December 7th, 2011 at 7:02 am
I am think to have my own blog like this one, dear modirator, teach me how to make blogs
December 7th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Hawaiian Massage…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…
December 8th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
best las vegas seo experts…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…
December 9th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
I liked up to you’ll obtain carried out proper here. The caricature is attractive, your authored material stylish. however, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be turning in the following. sick for sure come more earlier again since precisely the same nearly a lot ceaselessly inside of case you protect this increase.
December 20th, 2011 at 5:29 am
Nice blog right here! Also your site a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your affiliate link for your host? I want my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
December 30th, 2011 at 12:20 am
amberen for weight loss…
[...]Lee Harps » Blog Archive » A Horse (by any other name) might be called a SAWHORSE![...]…