How to Make a Folding Sawhorse

Begin by trimming the ends of the four 36-inch lengths of 2 by 4 studs. Make diagonal cuts at 70-degree angles, with the cuts running parallel to each other at both ends. These four lengths will be the legs of the sawhorse.

Measure and mark a notch on one end of each of the four 36-inch long pieces. Measure 3 inches across the diagonal edge, starting at the 70-degree point and mark the measurement with a pencil. Then measure 3 inches down from the mark at a 90-degree angle and draw a pencil line along the measure. Measure the next line from the end of the previous one at a 90-degree angle to the edge of the wood. The last line will be 1-1/2 inches long. Cut out the notch.

Measure 6 inches down from the 70-degree angle point at the notched ends. Make a mark in the exact middle of the 2 by 4s at the 6-inch distance from the point. Drill a hole at the mark to fit the bolts through when assembling the sawhorse.

Attach the two 33-inch lengths of wood to two of the legs of the sawhorse. Use two deck screws on each side to attach the 33-inch pieces 6 inches in from the ends of the legs, measuring from the top edge of the top piece and bottom edge of the bottom piece. This is the narrow side of the sawhorse.

Attach the 36-inch length of wood to the remaining two legs using two deck screws at each end. Set the 36-inch piece 6 inches from the bottom ends of the legs, measuring from the bottom edge of the 36-inch piece. This is the wider side of the sawhorse.

Assemble the two sides of the sawhorse by placing the narrow side inside the wider side and threading the bolts through the predrilled holes. Secure the bolts by placing the washers and wing-nuts over the bolts and hand-tightening them.

Place a screw-eye in the exact center on the inside of the bottom cross-pieces of each side. Open the loop of the screw-eyes with the needle-nosed pliers, and slip the end links of the chain on to the loops. Close the loops of the screw eyes with the pliers to secure the chain in place. Set up the assembled sides on a flat, level surface and unfold them.

Place the remaining 44-inch length 2 by 4 stud in the notches at the top of the sawhorse. This piece is removable and replacable. Adjust the length of the chain if necessary to ensure that the legs are restrained from slipping outward from the correct angle when the removable piece is in place. Your folding sawhorse is completed.