The next generation work stand
Rockwell Jawhorse
Because woodworkers also engage in home improvements, this sturdy, all-steel unit has its place both indoors and out. At 43 pounds with a 39 × 39" footprint, the Rockwell Jawhorse offers stability while serving as a rugged portable workstation. In addition, the three-legged stand boasts a one-metric ton clamping capacity with a range from 0" – 37", not to mention a load support of 600 pounds.
The Setup
The quick-locking steel legs make setup fast (under one minute), and the unit folds up just as smoothly, with the single leg at one end serving as a tote handle.
To lock the jaws in place, simply press the release lever to “unlock” and pump the foot pedal one time to free the sliding jaw. Then snug the sliding jaw and workpiece against the fixed jaw, adjust the lever to the “lock” position, and pump the foot pedal to tighten the grip. The soft jaws hold the workpiece without marring its surface, and they can hold round as well as flat items. The sliding jaw also reverses to grip sheet good parts and other wide workpieces such as glue-up panels.
Trial Run
I clamped tubing, 2-bys, and doors equally well in the Jawhorse with solid stability.
Next, I attached a plywood base to my mitersaw and clamped it on the Jawhorse, creating a cut-off station. You could set up any benchtop power tool in this manner.
Finally, I gave the two-part Work Table accessory a try (Rockwell offers several accessories that expand its versatility; see Best Application). It screws in place to the clamp jaws, though I can’t say the installation was intuitive. Once in place, this work table (with dogs) secured round, flat, or odd-shaped parts for sanding, scraping, and more.
Best Application
The Jawhorse acts as a strong, portable, go-anywhere work stand and clamp. In a small, cramped woodworking shop, it could prove invaluable as a quick-change artist, as you switch it from a clamping station to a benchtop power tool stand. Outdoors, use it for countless DIY tasks from deck building to non-woodworking assignments. If your day job requires an occasional work stand, keep a Jawhorse in your pickup to solve all kinds of problems—pipe cutting, carpentry, and so on.
Besides the Work Table already mentioned (#412424, $69.99), some of the other Jawhorse accessories are a Plywood Jaw for handling large sheet goods (#149678, $59.99), a Miter Saw Station to attach to your mitersaw (#412423, $79.99), and a Saddlebag for storing hand tools (#412422, $24.99).
Tester’s Take
In a woodworking shop, the Jawhorse has limited application, but is invaluable to a DIYer. It’s priced right, considering the versatility and portability.
#412024 $179.99
Tester: Don Hamrick
