Based on the trestles of a Japanese woodworking bench, these shop horses are a good beginning joinery project.
They’re constructed using the mortise and tenon, the fundamental joint in woodworking. The tenon (end projection) of one piece fits into the mortise (hole) in another piece.
This project uses the drawbore style of mortise and tenon, which is secured by a wooden pin that draws it tight and makes it look great.
Thanks Ben! The 12″ was indeed the result of incorrect porting and should be 1-3/8″. It’s fixed now.
I upload pictures of my horses to [http://www.flickr.com/photos/popdan/sets/72157628365776867/|flikr…]
Notes about finishing this project using hand tools.
These saucy saw horses were intentionally sought-after by myself because I just moved into a home and I didn’t have any type of working surface to create any projects at all. Perhaps I still had the ability to create origami in the kitchen, but origami is only slightly less useless than fine art, so what would be the point?
My garage is small and I needed an operational platform to launch all my home repair projects. Even if I could fit large wood-shop working items in it I certainly couldn’t afford them. Besides traditional woodworking tools being compact, and less expensive than larger power tools; there is a bit of grit and determination behind each piece of steel clad machinery that smells a little bit like manhood.
Since I realized that it is possible for others to attempt to create these saw horses using hand tools, I decided to do everyone a favor and list a few notes about the process below that even Cliffs would be proud of.
– Forget about the 1-2 day initial estimated completion date. I didn’t even plane all the wood in 2 days.
– Most of the time spent on this project is meticulous prep time to make sure that your cuts are accurate and are producing the greatest yield per board. so don’t skimp on this process because it is the most important part.
– Be a nice neighbor and borrow a rickety work table from them, but be prepared to bake them a pie afterwards. there are plenty of blogs to teach you how to bake such sugary items.
– I have included a link to some photos I used to create this project that have a far better description about them that can write in this comment section.
http://bit.ly/10TZeBn It has a few images of tricks i used to make life a lot easier.
– always test the assembly before you commit to glue.
– Don’t forget! Work makes the mind happy, so take it easy on rushing the process because there are plenty of opportunities to fudge it up. Fortunately this is fairly forgiving project so be sure to enjoy yourself while working.
Must have items to compete this project
– A Jack plane : I dont know why boards at home depot or menards have rounded corners on them, but they wont do you any favors, so you must learn to love planing.
– A saw with at most 5 teeth per inch!!! if your saw has more teeth per inch than 5 you are fk’d!
– Measuring tape
– wood working knife: your leatherman will do the trick.
– Chisels.
– Mallet with a plastic end: this is for whacking the snot out of the chisels.
– Hand drill with appropriate drill pits.
– two sharpening stones. 1 fine 1 course & some honing oil keep those blades nice and sharp
– a hand towel: for sweat and tears.
Pingback: Skill Builder: Building Woodworking Low Horses | Make: DIY Projects, How-Tos, Electronics, Crafts and Ideas for Makers
Pingback: I am a Terrible Hypocrite | The Apartment Woodworker
Hi Len! Just found your posts, great job! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience. Where did you find non-pressure treated 4×4 and 4×6 lumber? Really curious. Cheers, Wil
Lowes and Home Depot both carry untreated Doug Fir.
I Really like this Article
In case you’re still keeping tabs – thanks, Len. Simple, clean, solid, exactly what I was looking for.
Are you supposed to cut tenons on the stretchers?
Pingback: From Raspberry Pi to Home Brewing, Here Are 19 Projects To Make From Our Gift Guide | Make:
Pingback: Workhorse Sawhorse – Free Woodworking Plan.com
Step 3 doesn’t include the beam. I admit that this is new to and maybe it’s obvious to a seasoned wood worker but this novice needs it spelled out.
Pingback: Wood Magazine Trestle Table Plans – imagehousedesign
Will try this time.
Send this to a friend