Jawhorse for Chainsaw Use

[Philbert]

These have been around for several years: basically, a 3-legged, folding saw horse with an integrated clamp / vise. I have seen versions sold under the 'Rockwell', 'Triton', 'WORX', 'Rigid', 'WEN', and 'Franklin' brand names.

I have a couple of saws and chains to evaluate, and need to cut lots of cookies, so I found a used one on Craig's List to see if I can hold some of the limbs more stable than in a saw buck. Anybody else use these with their saws?





The photos show a 5-1/2 diameter log clamped in place with the standard, rubber jaws. Some models offer a 'log jaw' accessory with metal teeth. I did not see any still offered for this model, but the photo, below, shows a set for the Triton version. These use 3 points of contact for securing irregularly shaped logs or limbs.



I may try to make some out of 'U'-channel, with bucking dog style teeth cut in.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

Other Saw Uses?


Sharpening was the first chainsaw use that I thought of. The Rockwell log jaw accessory, apparently, has built in spacers to hold the guide bar with enough clearance for the chain to be rotated when sharpening. I will just cut some 1/4" spacers to try this. Maybe glue some magnets to them, to hold them to the bar.

Philbert

 

[JimBear]

I have never seen such an animal as that, it looks handy. I just use my splitter as a vise if I need to cut some cookies testing chains & such.

 

[dustinwilt68]

I have the same one, use it as an extra hand when there is none around, also makes a bench with some wood and a 2x4.

 

[Philbert]

I have never seen such an animal as that, it looks handy. I just use my splitter as a vise if I need to cut some cookies testing chains & such.

These are popular with some for carpentry / home improvement stuff: cutting lumber, shaving doors, etc. Lots of fun infomercials!

If I owned a hydraulic log splitter, I would probably use that too, especially for larger logs. For some past evaluations, I used a ratchet strap and my picnic table, which let me cut right up to the nibs:



The portability of the Jawhorse is also attractive - easy to transport than my picnic table!

Philbert

 

[Woodpecker]

These are actually fairly widely used with the chainsaw carving crowd. Very handy unit.

 

[Philbert]

These are actually fairly widely used with the chainsaw carving crowd. Very handy unit.

That makes sense.

I carve (but I only carve cookies!).

Philbert

 

[kneedeepinsaws]

*edit*
I see now ur using them for cookie cutting, nice

 

[Philbert]

I see now ur using them for cookie cutting, nice

Yeah, probably not the most efficient choice for bucking firewood lengths.

But possibly could use it for saw racing: up to about 12" cants!

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

A Couple More Shots in Use

Used the Jawhorse to cut over 100 cookies yesterday, just using the standard, rubber jaws.

Holding odd shaped wood for cutting test cookies (click to enlarge):



Holding rounds for noodling (!) - (click to enlarge):



EDIT: I should point out the obvious: this thing is almost completely made out of metal, so a little bit of aiming, when cutting close to the jaws with a chainsaw, is a prudent thing to do.

Philbert

 

[Philbert]

I Really Like This Thing . . .

Continued to use the Jawhorse over the past few days to cut up a couple hundred (?) test cookies, and to buck half a face cord of limbs into 16" pieces. I held wood up to 6-1/2 inches in diameter, using only the standard, rubber jaws: makes me wonder if the 'Logjaws' are worth it. Solid, secure, easy to set up and move, folds down for compact storage.

As noted above, this thing is made almost completely out of metal, and I did nick the chain once when noodling (places chain much closer to the legs). So I 'engineered' a complex, integrated safeguarding system, using a scrap 2X4 and some duct tape that seems to work ("If the women don't find you handsome, they ought to find you handy!"):




I also conducted a proof-of-concept investigation of another application near to my heart (sharp eyes will see that there is no grinding wheel used in this test, and that it involves a 'clone' grinder - I wasn't going to risk my good, Oregon grinder and wheels for such a risky adventure!):



Keep your eyes open for these on the local CL, etc., and give one a try!

Philbert

 

[CrystalRiver1]

These have been around for several years: basically, a 3-legged, folding saw horse with an integrated clamp / vise. I have seen versions sold under the 'Rockwell', 'Triton', 'WORX', 'Rigid', 'WEN', and 'Franklin' brand names.

I have a couple of saws and chains to evaluate, and need to cut lots of cookies, so I found a used one on Craig's List to see if I can hold some of the limbs more stable than in a saw buck. Anybody else use these with their saws?

View attachment 249413

View attachment 249412

The photos show a 5-1/2 diameter log clamped in place with the standard, rubber jaws. Some models offer a 'log jaw' accessory with metal teeth. I did not see any still offered for this model, but the photo, below, shows a set for the Triton version. These use 3 points of contact for securing irregularly shaped logs or limbs.

View attachment 249414

I may try to make some out of 'U'-channel, with bucking dog style teeth cut in.

Philbert

Got me hunting all over Amazon & Fleabay for one now! LOL
I see tons of use for one or two...

 

[trooney]

I am going to give one a try. $75 bucks. I have other uses for it too.

 

[sundance]

I am going to give one a try. $75 bucks. I have other uses for it too.

@trooney Used? Or did you find a new one that cheap? I'd like to try one for various things but not at the $130+ prices I see.

 

[trooney]

@trooney Used? Or did you find a new one that cheap? I'd like to try one for various things but not at the $130+ prices I see.

That is used but like new. Thats why I'm going to jump on it. Aint paying over $100 for 1.

 

[Philbert]

I paid $75 for mine, used, in very good condition, from Craig's List.

Prices are all over the place: I hate to quote, because things change so fast, but just some examples today:
$270 for the extended plywood Rockwell 'Sheet Master' model at The Home Depot, but the standard WEN version is $130 at the same place!
Triton version $135 on Amazon, and a 'no-brand' model there for $110.
The Harbor Freight version $130 (before coupon discounts).
Some NOS on local CL for $130.
'No-brand' on eBay $100 shipped, and others up to $700 (!!!).

I have not compared the quality of different brands, side-by-side, but there are some videos on YouTube that do this. Only tip I can offer is to search for both 'Jawhorse' and 'Jaw Horse' - I got different results. That description seems to apply to multiple brands, although, likely trademarked by one company.

Philbert

 

[Al Smith]

I've got a Ridged chain pipe vice that comes in handy for a lot of things besides threading pipe

 

[CR888]

They are very good for DIY projects, I remember my father buying one made under the Triton brand 25+ years ago. His circular saw bench was Triton too both in that orange colour.

 

[Philbert]

I remember my father buying one made under the Triton brand 25+ years ago.

They may have been the originators of these.
http://www.tritontools.com/en-US/Home/About

Philbert

 

[Guido Salvage]

I have one that I use almost exclusively for my woodworking projects, mostly for holding cutting boards while I sand them. I have planed up several blocks of various sizes that I can put under them and clamp the ends of the boards. Here are a couple of pictures. Just so you are aware, the moving clamp slides out and can be reversed for larger items.