+1, a circ saw, a square and any elevated surface will work. If you don't have an elevated surface just put the 2x4 you're cutting on top of other 2x4s to elevated it off the ground enough.
Instead of Workmate, I have one of those JawHorses - 3 legs will be stable on any irregular surface (4 legs will always wobble unless it's perfect) and really heavy with a locking "jaw" that clamps with a ton of force or lightly and is operated by your foot. Collapsed down, storage is a breeze as it takes up less than 1 sq ft of floor space.CaptSmethwick wrote: ↑ Yeah, you don't "need" a workbench to cut a 2x4 but you will likely find something like a Workmate handy to have for other projects down the road. I have an ancient one (they've been around since the 60s) and it still sees regular use - It often doubles as the stand for a router table. If that's too rich, get a folding steel sawhorse as they are always handy to have as well.
Every solution has its attributes. The Workmate has a flat surface that doubles as a table - for mounting a router table surface or a bench grinder, it's almost ideal.gr8dlr wrote: ↑ Instead of Workmate, I have one of those JawHorses - 3 legs will be stable on any irregular surface (4 legs will always wobble unless it's perfect) and really heavy with a locking "jaw" that clamps with a ton of force or lightly and is operated by your foot. Collapsed down, storage is a breeze as it takes up less than 1 sq ft of floor space.
If you're working alone frequently, I highly highly recommend it over any workmate. I know it's more $ but you only need to buy this once and you'll thank me when you use it.
I create a temporary worktable/surface by clamping a piece of plywood on it. Setup my mitre saw on it when I do this.
There are many manufacturers of these...this is one example. Google it and you'll see videos on how it's used/usable/function.
https://www.lowes.ca/product/saw-horses ... ion-109233
Clamping things by hand by turning two screw clamp mechanisms is so slow and it doesn't supply much clamping force. The top is too small to be very useful.CaptSmethwick wrote: ↑ Every solution has its attributes. The Workmate has a flat surface that doubles as a table - for mounting a router table surface or a bench grinder, it's almost ideal.
I'm sure the jawhorse is a good tool. Happy to hear a positive review.gr8dlr wrote: ↑ Clamping things by hand by turning two screw clamp mechanisms is so slow and it doesn't supply much clamping force. The top is too small to be very useful.
You can clamp [over 1 ton of clamping pressure] a 3/4" plywood board to the Jawhorse. It can be as big as can fit in between the jaws and because it's really heavy and stable, it's better as a work surface IMO. It'll hold 600lbs of weight. I clamp a wide 3/4" board to it and put my mitre saw on it...I need that width for cutting long 2x4's. You can't do that with a workmate.
Try setting up a Workmate on grass or any non flat ground and tell me it's stable and not wobbling around.
Stability = safety in the workspace.
i got a couple of these a few years ago on sale.. use them a lot for painting and such, super handy to have and well worth the money!
This! It is unbelievable handy, and much more stable than any of the workmate type clamps stands, my workmate clone ended up on craigs list, never used it after I bought mine (ridgid model from HD). Clamp anything, easy as pie. Want a flat base, or a base for a router table/miter saw/whatever? screw a 2x4 to whatever size plywood you want and clamp the 2x4 into the vise. Take it outside and use it to clamp a post level while the concrete hardens. If you work alone, it is the second set of hands you need many times....gr8dlr wrote: ↑ Instead of Workmate, I have one of those JawHorses - 3 legs will be stable on any irregular surface (4 legs will always wobble unless it's perfect) and really heavy with a locking "jaw" that clamps with a ton of force or lightly and is operated by your foot. Collapsed down, storage is a breeze as it takes up less than 1 sq ft of floor space.
If you're working alone frequently, I highly highly recommend it over any workmate. I know it's more $ but you only need to buy this once and you'll thank me when you use it.
I create a temporary worktable/surface by clamping a piece of plywood on it. Setup my mitre saw on it when I do this.
There are many manufacturers of these...this is one example. Google it and you'll see videos on how it's used/usable/function.
https://www.lowes.ca/product/saw-horses ... ion-109233
Until you have one, you have no idea how good it is and how it can be used. Your imagination is all you need....you can create outfeed supports or even support drywall on ceilings by clamping a T piece of wood in there at appropriate heights.phantomfj wrote: ↑ This! It is unbelievable handy, and much more stable than any of the workmate type clamps stands, my workmate clone ended up on craigs list, never used it after I bought mine (ridgid model from HD). Clamp anything, easy as pie. Want a flat base, or a base for a router table/miter saw/whatever? screw a 2x4 to whatever size plywood you want and clamp the 2x4 into the vise. Take it outside and use it to clamp a post level while the concrete hardens. If you work alone, it is the second set of hands you need many times....
There is currently 1 user viewing this thread. (0 members and 1 guest)
