Assembling The Legs And Saddle

Fasten the legs in place by means of screws. The holes in the legs should be large enough to receive the body of the screws freely, but not loosely. Countersink the holes so the heads of the screws will come level with the surface.

The Braces

Prepare the stock for the braces the proper width (Chapter II., Paragraphs 2, 3, 4). Spread one pair of legs to their proper position, and be sure that both legs stand at exactly the same angle with the saddle. Hold a piece of the brace material in position, and mark its shape by running a lead pencil along the outside of each leg. With the T-bevel, test these two lines to make sure they are the same angle; if they are not exactly the same, make them so, and set the T-bevel. Saw out the two braces, making them exactly alike. Bore holes for the screws (Chapter II., Paragraph 9).

In fastening the braces in position, regulate the angle of the legs so they exactly fit the braces. Note: With a keen block plane, plane the ends of the braces until they are exactly even with the outside of the legs. There may be some little variation. Also saw off the top of the legs exactly even with the top of the saddle, and finish with a block plane. Set the saw horse on a level floor, and with a pair of compasses, or with a ruler and lead pencil, mark a line parallel with the floor entirely around each leg; saw off the bottom of the legs to this line.

Notch Block

The notched block on the top of the saw horse is not necessary for sawing purposes, but is quite convenient for holding small pieces of material for planing and other tool operations.

For shop work saw horses are often used in pairs. However, the one horse will give very good satisfaction for small work because the saddle is wide.

Finishing

With a sharp scraper (Chapter II., Paragraph 16), or sandpaper, remove all pencil and tool marks from the work, and finish with a coat of shellac (Chapter II., Paragraph 57).

Optional and Home Projects Employing Similar Principles.

Table Trestle

1. The plan of making a trestle, as shown in Suggestion No. 1, will be very suitable as a support for a portable table. The height may be determined by individual needs. A pair of such trestles, with a wide board top, will afford a convenient portable table for picnics, lawn parties or outdoor home canning work.

Note: There is almost no limit to the application of this trestle principle. It may be used in the construction of temporary stages and platforms, movable laboratory equipment, and many other purposes about the home and school.