Ever find yourself wishing you had a sturdy workbench, but then realize you don’t have a lot of space? That’s a common problem for DIYers and woodworkers. When you need to cut wood or assemble projects, you need a stable surface. But not everyone has a big garage or workshop. This is where portable saw horses become a real game-changer.
Choosing the right portable saw horse can feel overwhelming. There are so many different types, and they all claim to be the best. You want something that’s strong enough for your projects but also easy to carry and set up. It’s tough to know which ones will hold up and which ones will just get in your way.
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important features and help you find the perfect portable saw horses for your needs. Get ready to make your projects easier and more enjoyable!
Our Top 5 Portable Saw Horses Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Portable Saw Horses Detailed Reviews
1. CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse
Rating: 9.3/10
Need a sturdy and reliable setup for your DIY projects? The CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse, Folding (CMST11154) is here to help. This sawhorse is designed to make your work easier and safer. It’s built tough for demanding jobs and folds up neatly when you’re done.
What We Like:
- Super strong: It can hold up to 1,000 pounds when you use two together.
- Easy to carry and store: Special latches let you stack two sawhorses. This makes carrying them simple and saves space in your garage or truck.
- Stays put: The rubber pads on the bottom give it extra grip. This stops it from sliding around while you’re cutting.
- Quick to set up: The legs fold out easily. You can set them up or take them down in a flash.
- Ready to go: It comes with one sawhorse right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only one included: You’ll need to buy a second one to get the full weight capacity and stacking benefit.
- Might be a bit heavy for some: While it’s durable, carrying two might be a bit much for younger or less strong users.
This CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to build or fix things. It’s built to last and makes your work safer and more efficient.
2. Bora Portamate Speedhorse XT Sawhorse Pair- Two pack
Rating: 9.5/10
The Bora Portamate Speedhorse XT Sawhorse Pair (PM-4550T, Orange) is a heavy-duty tool designed for contractors and carpenters. This two-pack of sawhorses makes setting up your workspace quick and easy. They are built tough to handle demanding jobs on any site.
What We Like:
- Super Quick Setup: These sawhorses set up in just 1.6 seconds! You just pull a lever, and they’re ready to go. This is much faster than old-fashioned sawhorses.
- Adjustable Height: You can change the height from 30 to 36 inches in 1-inch steps. This helps you work at the most comfortable level for your project.
- Stable on Any Ground: Each leg can be adjusted separately. This means you can make the sawhorses level even if the ground is bumpy.
- Strong and Reliable: Each Speedhorse XT can hold up to 1800 lbs. Together, they can support a massive 3600 lbs. The long metal top offers a stable surface.
- Easy to Fold Up: Folding them down is just as fast as setting them up. You pull levers on both ends, and they fold away. It doesn’t matter which leg you fold first.
- Ready to Use: They come fully assembled, so you can start using them right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bright orange color might not be everyone’s preference for a tool.
- While durable, they are heavier than some lighter-duty sawhorses.
Overall, the Bora Portamate Speedhorse XT Sawhorse Pair is an excellent investment for professionals who need fast, stable, and adjustable work supports.
3. BORA Workhorse Saw horses 2 pack Folding Heavy Duty Legs
Rating: 8.8/10
The BORA Workhorse Sawhorses 2 Pack Folding Heavy Duty Legs, Metal Saw horse with 2×4 Bracket Built in Bottle Opener Professional Saw Horse for Woodworking Carpenters Contractors PM-3350T are a game-changer for any job site or workshop. These aren’t your grandpa’s sawhorses. They are built tough and designed for serious work.
What We Like:
- These sawhorses are incredibly strong. Each one holds 1350 lbs, so the pair can handle 2700 lbs.
- Setup is super fast. A quick latch and gravity do the work, making them 10 times faster than old-style sawhorses.
- You can build a bigger workbench. Built-in 2×4 brackets let you connect them easily.
- They are easy to carry and store. The folding design is compact and portable.
- The metal legs lock securely. This creates a stable A-frame without fiddling with individual latches.
- A cool built-in bottle opener is a nice touch for breaks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are durable, the folding mechanism might show wear over many years of very heavy use.
- The price point might be a bit higher than basic sawhorses, but the features justify it.
Overall, these BORA Workhorse sawhorses offer a fantastic blend of strength, speed, and convenience. They make setting up and tackling your projects much easier and more efficient.
4. Amazon Basics Rectangular Folding Sawhorse – Set of 2
Rating: 9.2/10
Need a sturdy and reliable setup for your DIY projects? The Amazon Basics Rectangular Folding Sawhorse – a set of two – offers fantastic support for a variety of tasks. These sawhorses are built to handle serious work, making them a go-to for anyone tackling home improvement or construction.
What We Like:
- These sawhorses are super easy to set up and fold down. You can carry them to different places without a fuss.
- They can hold up to 900 pounds when the weight is spread out evenly. That’s a lot of support!
- The locking braces and non-slip feet keep everything steady and safe. Your materials won’t slide around.
- You can use the fold-out stoppers as a handy little shelf for tools or to keep things tidy.
- Each sawhorse has hooks to hold your materials or wrap up extension cords, keeping your workspace organized.
- They come all put together and ready to use right out of the box. No assembly needed!
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are sturdy, some users might wish for a slightly heavier-duty material for extremely demanding, long-term industrial use.
- The orange and grey color is bright, but some might prefer a more subdued, neutral color for their workshop.
Overall, these Amazon Basics sawhorses are a smart and practical choice for any project. They provide excellent stability and helpful features that make your work easier and safer.
5. Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
Rating: 8.9/10
The Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse is a super handy tool for anyone who likes to build, fix, or create things. It’s like having a portable workshop that you can take anywhere. You can use it as a sturdy workbench or flip it into sawhorses to support your projects. It’s built tough but also easy to carry and store.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up and fold down.
- You can use it as a workbench or sawhorses – very versatile!
- It can hold a lot of weight, up to 300 lbs as a workbench and 1000 lbs as sawhorses.
- You can connect more tables to make a bigger workspace.
- It has a good-sized surface area for many projects.
- It’s made of strong plastic and metal but only weighs 30 lbs.
- It comes with clamps and clamp dogs to hold your work steady.
- There’s a built-in measuring guide, which is really convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s lightweight, some might find the plastic surface could be scratched easily with very rough use.
- The included clamps are good, but for very heavy-duty clamping, you might need to buy stronger ones separately.
Overall, the Worx Pegasus is a fantastic and flexible tool for any DIYer. It makes working on projects much easier, whether you’re in the garage or out in the yard.
Your Go-To Guide for Portable Saw Horses
Portable saw horses are super helpful tools for anyone who works with wood. They are strong stands that hold your wood steady while you cut it. This guide will help you pick the best ones for your projects.
1. Key Features to Look For
A. Stability and Load Capacity
When you buy saw horses, check how much weight they can hold. This is called the load capacity. You need them to be strong enough for the wood you use. Look for saw horses that can hold at least 500 pounds. More is usually better for bigger projects.
B. Portability and Folding Design
The “portable” part is important! Most good saw horses fold up easily. This makes them simple to carry and store. Some have handles or wheels to make moving them even easier. Check how compact they get when folded.
C. Adjustability
Some saw horses let you change their height. This is great because you can match the height to your workbench or your own height. Adjustable saw horses make your work more comfortable.
D. Work Surface and Clamping Options
Think about the top surface of the saw horse. Is it flat and wide? Some have special grooves or holes. These can help you clamp your wood down securely. Clamps stop your wood from moving while you cut. Look for saw horses that have these features if you use clamps a lot.
2. Important Materials
A. Metal (Steel and Aluminum)
Metal saw horses are very strong and last a long time. Steel is super tough but can be heavy. Aluminum is lighter and won’t rust, but it might not be as strong as steel. Both are good choices for durability.
B. Wood
Wooden saw horses are often cheaper. They can be strong, but they can also be heavier than metal ones. Wood can also get damaged by water. If you get wooden saw horses, keep them dry.
C. Plastic
Some saw horses are made of strong plastic. These are usually very light and easy to carry. They are good for lighter jobs. Make sure the plastic is thick and feels sturdy. Cheaper plastic might break easily.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A. Build Quality
Look at how the saw horses are put together. Are the joints strong? Are the welds neat if it’s metal? Good build quality means they will last longer and be safer to use. Cheaply made saw horses might wobble or break.
B. Non-Slip Feet
Rubber or non-slip feet are a big plus. They stop the saw horses from sliding around on smooth floors. This makes your work safer. Saw horses without these might move when you don’t want them to.
C. Ease of Setup and Takedown
How easy are they to unfold and set up? Can you do it quickly? If they are hard to set up, you might not use them as much. The same goes for folding them back down for storage.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A. For the DIYer
If you do projects around the house, like building shelves or fixing fences, portable saw horses are perfect. They make cutting wood much easier and safer. You can set them up in your garage or backyard.
B. For the Professional
Carpenters and construction workers use saw horses all the time. They need ones that are tough and can handle heavy loads. Being able to fold them up makes them easy to transport to different job sites.
C. Versatile Uses
Saw horses aren’t just for cutting. You can use them as extra tables for painting, sanding, or holding materials. Some people even use them as temporary desks or stands for large items.
Choosing the right portable saw horses will make your projects much smoother and safer. Think about what you’ll use them for most, and pick a pair that fits your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in portable saw horses?
A: The main Key Features are strong stability, a good load capacity (how much weight they can hold), an easy folding design for portability, and if they are adjustable in height. Also, consider the work surface and if they have clamping options.
Q: What are the best materials for portable saw horses?
A: Strong materials like steel and aluminum are excellent for durability. Some sturdy plastic saw horses are lightweight, and wooden ones can be a budget-friendly option, but they need to be kept dry.
Q: What makes a portable saw horse of good quality?
A: Good quality comes from solid construction, neat welds (for metal), non-slip feet to prevent sliding, and how easy they are to set up and fold down. Better built ones last longer and are safer.
Q: How do portable saw horses improve user experience?
A: They make tasks like cutting wood much easier and safer by providing a stable surface. Adjustable heights and clamping options also add to a more comfortable and efficient work experience.
Q: What are some common use cases for portable saw horses?
A: Common use cases include DIY projects like building or repairing, professional carpentry and construction work, and as temporary work surfaces for painting, sanding, or holding materials.
Q: Is a higher load capacity always better?
A: Yes, generally a higher load capacity is better because it means the saw horses are stronger and can handle heavier materials. This makes them more versatile for different projects.
Q: Should I worry about saw horses being too heavy?
A: If portability is very important to you, then weight is a factor. Aluminum or good quality plastic saw horses are lighter than steel ones, making them easier to carry and move.
Q: How do I know if a saw horse is stable enough?
A: Look for a wide base and sturdy construction. Saw horses with non-slip feet also contribute to stability. If they feel wobbly when you test them, they might not be stable enough for your needs.
Q: Can I use portable saw horses for outdoor projects?
A: Yes, you can use them outdoors. However, if they are made of wood, it’s best to protect them from rain and moisture. Metal saw horses, especially aluminum, are generally better for outdoor use as they won’t rust.
Q: Are there any safety tips I should know when using portable saw horses?
A: Always ensure the saw horses are set up on a level surface. Make sure they are fully unfolded and locked into place before putting any weight on them. Never overload them beyond their stated capacity, and always use clamps to secure your workpiece when possible.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!