I "needed" some stable saw horses, as all I had were the collapsible kind which are less than sturdy. For materials I used treated lumber (four ACQ 2 x 4 x 8's, and one 2 x 8 x 8' MCQ made both) and poplar dowels as they will see more outdoor than indoor work. Legs are splayed to both sides and ends by 10 degrees.
The first one was done using no power tools. Therefore, I flattened and squared only the pertinent edges.
As I was a bit concerned about lateral stress on the lap joints, I added some 3/8 dowels at opposing 30 degree angles to mechanically lock them. Dowels were installed after initial glue up. I have not seen this elsewhere, so would like some feedback as to your opinions on durability, etc. Good idea or no?
The second one was made using power and hand tools. Now in the get-r-done mode, just used dowelled lap joints all the way. With my little gar-shop, dragging out tools, emptying planer chips, etc, it took as long to make as the first one, even without the dovetails. (Of course that could also mean I am just slow and weak in both Norm and Neander skills!!) Notice that the end cross braces are now inside the legs. Seems on the first one they interfere with the rip slot! :BangHead::BangHead:
With a coat of some left over sealer from my deck, they are ready for work
Pics of the joint work for the hand tooled one are in my photo gallery. Although I did use screws to hold the legs to the top when getting layout lines for the joints, no metal fasteners are in the final pieces. All joints also glued with TB III.
Thanx for looking. Critiques welcomed.
Go
The first one was done using no power tools. Therefore, I flattened and squared only the pertinent edges.
As I was a bit concerned about lateral stress on the lap joints, I added some 3/8 dowels at opposing 30 degree angles to mechanically lock them. Dowels were installed after initial glue up. I have not seen this elsewhere, so would like some feedback as to your opinions on durability, etc. Good idea or no?
The second one was made using power and hand tools. Now in the get-r-done mode, just used dowelled lap joints all the way. With my little gar-shop, dragging out tools, emptying planer chips, etc, it took as long to make as the first one, even without the dovetails. (Of course that could also mean I am just slow and weak in both Norm and Neander skills!!) Notice that the end cross braces are now inside the legs. Seems on the first one they interfere with the rip slot! :BangHead::BangHead:
With a coat of some left over sealer from my deck, they are ready for work
Pics of the joint work for the hand tooled one are in my photo gallery. Although I did use screws to hold the legs to the top when getting layout lines for the joints, no metal fasteners are in the final pieces. All joints also glued with TB III.
Thanx for looking. Critiques welcomed.
Go