Bauer Saw Horse

Transforming Your Workspace with Harbor Freight’s Most Versatile Support System

In the world of DIY projects and professional construction, having reliable support for your materials can make the difference between a smooth workflow and a frustrating experience. Among the various options available today, the Bauer Saw Horse stands out as an exceptional value proposition for both weekend warriors and seasoned professionals. This unassuming workshop essential has been gaining popularity for good reason, combining durability, versatility, and affordability in a package that deserves a closer look.

As someone who’s spent countless hours in workshops and on job sites, I’ve learned that the humble saw horse is far more than just a simple support structure. It’s the unsung hero of woodworking projects, an essential companion for cutting, assembling, and finishing. Today, I want to share my insights on the Bauer Saw Horse – a tool that has revolutionized my workflow and might just do the same for yours.

What Exactly Is the Bauer Saw Horse?

The Bauer Saw Horse, available exclusively through Harbor Freight Tools, is a robust work support system designed to provide a stable platform for cutting, assembling, and supporting various materials during construction and DIY projects. Unlike the rickety wooden saw horses of yesteryear, the Bauer model represents the evolution of this essential workshop tool.

At its core, the Bauer Saw Horse is a folding steel work support that combines modern engineering with practical design elements. Its primary purpose remains unchanged from traditional saw horses – to elevate your workpiece to a comfortable height while providing unwavering stability. However, the similarities end there.

The Bauer model features a steel construction with strategic reinforcements at critical stress points. This modern approach to the classic design results in a product that maintains the familiar silhouette of a traditional saw horse while incorporating contemporary materials and engineering principles.

What truly distinguishes the Bauer Saw Horse is its thoughtful design elements. The top beam features integrated channels and notches designed to securely hold pipes, lumber, and other materials without slipping. These seemingly minor details make a significant difference when you’re in the middle of a complex cut or assembly.

The Cost Factor: Is the Bauer Saw Horse Worth the Investment?

Let’s address one of the most common questions right away: the price. The Bauer Saw Horse strikes an impressive balance between affordability and quality, typically retailing for around $29.99 per unit. Harbor Freight occasionally offers these on sale for as low as $24.99, particularly during their special event sales.

For a pair—which is how most people purchase saw horses—you’re looking at approximately $60 at regular pricing. This positions the Bauer model in the mid-range of the market: more expensive than basic plastic options but significantly more affordable than premium brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee, which can easily run $50-80 per horse.

What makes this pricing particularly attractive is the value proposition. The Bauer Saw Horse delivers professional-grade performance at a price point accessible to hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. When you consider that a good set of saw horses can last for years or even decades with proper care, the cost per use becomes negligible.

Moreover, the investment pays dividends beyond mere durability. The time saved by having a reliable, stable work platform translates to more efficient project completion and fewer material losses due to unstable cuts. For anyone who values their time and materials, the Bauer Saw Horse represents an excellent return on investment.

Where to Purchase the Bauer Saw Horse

As a Harbor Freight exclusive brand, Bauer tools, including their saw horses, are available only through Harbor Freight’s retail and online channels. This exclusivity is both a benefit and a limitation.

The benefit is consistent pricing and availability. Harbor Freight has over 1,100 stores across the United States, making the Bauer Saw Horse accessible to most consumers without prohibitive shipping costs. Their website (harborfreight.com) also offers the convenience of online ordering with options for home delivery or in-store pickup.

For those who prefer to see and feel a product before purchasing, visiting a physical Harbor Freight store allows you to examine the build quality firsthand. The staff can often provide insights on how the Bauer model compares to other options they carry.

The limitation of this exclusivity is that you won’t find these at big box hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, nor on platforms like Amazon. If you don’t have a Harbor Freight nearby, you’ll need to factor in shipping costs when calculating your total investment.

To find the nearest Harbor Freight store, their website features a store locator tool that can guide you to the closest retail location. If you’re planning a purchase, I recommend signing up for their email newsletter or checking their monthly flyer for potential discounts, as tools like the Bauer Saw Horse are frequently featured in their promotional campaigns.

Weight Capacity: How Much Can the Bauer Saw Horse Handle?

When it comes to workshop supports, weight capacity is arguably the most critical specification. After all, a saw horse that buckles under load isn’t just ineffective—it’s potentially dangerous.

The Bauer Saw Horse boasts an impressive weight capacity of 1,500 pounds per pair under evenly distributed load. This translates to 750 pounds per individual horse, which exceeds the requirements for most DIY and even many professional applications.

This substantial capacity makes the Bauer model suitable for supporting heavy lumber, multiple sheets of plywood, or large workpieces like doors and countertops. Even when loaded near capacity, the Bauer Saw Horse maintains its stability without concerning flex or wobble, inspiring confidence during critical cuts and assemblies.

It’s worth noting that this weight rating applies to vertical loads. Lateral forces—such as aggressive pushing or pulling—are a different consideration. The Bauer’s triangular leg design provides good resistance to lateral movement, but it’s always best practice to apply force downward rather than horizontally when working with any saw horse.

For context, competing models in similar price ranges typically offer weight capacities between 900-1,200 pounds per pair, positioning the Bauer as an above-average performer in this crucial metric. This generous capacity ensures that the Bauer Saw Horse can grow with your ambitions, supporting increasingly complex projects as your skills develop.

Storage Solutions: The Folding Functionality of the Bauer Saw Horse

One of the most practical features of the Bauer Saw Horse is its folding design. Workshop space is precious, and tools that occupy minimal storage footprint when not in use earn their keep in ways beyond their primary function.

The Bauer model collapses to a remarkably slim profile—just under 4 inches thick when fully folded. This allows a pair of horses to be stored against a wall, behind a door, or even hung on appropriately rated wall hooks, keeping your workspace clear when these supports aren’t needed.

The folding mechanism itself deserves praise for its straightforward, reliable design. Unlike some competitors that require complex manipulations or use flimsy plastic locks, the Bauer employs a simple yet secure metal locking system. This approach strikes the right balance between ease of use and structural integrity.

To fold the saw horse, you simply release the locking mechanism on each leg assembly, fold the legs inward against the center beam, and secure them in the closed position. The entire process takes seconds and can be accomplished with one hand once you’re familiar with the mechanism.

Unfolding is equally intuitive—release the storage locks, extend the legs until the working locks engage, and you’re ready to begin. This toolless setup makes the Bauer Saw Horse particularly valuable for those who frequently move between job sites or who need to quickly reconfigure their workspace for different projects.

Single Unit or Set: How the Bauer Saw Horse Is Sold

Harbor Freight sells the Bauer Saw Horse as individual units rather than in pairs or sets. This purchase model offers flexibility but requires some planning on the buyer’s part.

Most woodworking and construction applications require a minimum of two saw horses to create a proper work surface. By selling individual units, Harbor Freight allows customers to purchase exactly the number they need—whether that’s the standard pair or multiple units for supporting longer materials or creating more complex work stations.

The individual unit approach also provides a practical path for replacement if a single horse becomes damaged. Rather than replacing an entire set, you can simply purchase a replacement for the affected unit.

For most home workshops, a pair of Bauer Saw Horses provides an ideal starting point. Professional users might consider purchasing four or more units to accommodate larger projects or to create multiple work stations simultaneously.

When purchasing, remember that Harbor Freight occasionally offers “buy one, get one” promotions on selected tools. Keeping an eye on their sales circulars might allow you to acquire a pair at a significant discount.

Material Composition: What Makes the Bauer Saw Horse Durable

The Bauer Saw Horse is primarily constructed from heavy-gauge steel, with strategic use of high-impact plastic for non-load-bearing components. This hybrid approach maximizes strength while maintaining a manageable weight.

The main support beam and leg assemblies utilize powder-coated steel, offering excellent resistance to bending and warping under load. The powder coating serves a dual purpose: enhancing visual appeal while providing a barrier against rust and corrosion.

The top surface of the beam incorporates rubberized inserts designed to increase friction and prevent workpieces from sliding during use. These inserts also provide some protection against marring delicate surfaces—a thoughtful touch that reflects the practical design philosophy behind the product.

Connection points and high-stress areas feature reinforced welding and thicker material, addressing the common failure points that plague lesser saw horses. The folding mechanisms use solid metal components rather than the plastic hinges found in budget alternatives, significantly extending the operational lifespan of the unit.

The feet of the Bauer Saw Horse deserve special mention for their clever design. Made from durable non-marking rubber, they provide excellent grip on various surfaces while preventing damage to finished floors. This detail makes the Bauer suitable for use in both workshop environments and finished interior spaces—versatility that proves valuable for in-home renovation projects.

Comparative Analysis: Bauer vs. Other Saw Horse Brands

The saw horse market spans a wide range of price points and quality levels. To properly contextualize the Bauer offering, let’s compare it to several prominent alternatives.

At the entry level, plastic saw horses from brands like Task Force or Performance Tool typically retail for $15-20 each. While more affordable, these models generally offer lower weight capacities (often 500-800 pounds per pair) and significantly shorter service lives. Their plastic construction, while lightweight, tends to develop stress cracks around connection points after repeated use.

In the mid-range alongside Bauer, we find brands like WORX and Husky offering steel-plastic hybrid designs in the $30-40 per unit range. These competitors generally match Bauer’s weight capacity but often lack the refined details like the rubberized work surface or the stability-enhancing foot design.

Moving to the premium segment, professional-grade options from DeWalt, Milwaukee, or TOUGHBUILT command prices from $50-90 per unit. These high-end models offer marginal increases in weight capacity (typically 1,800-2,200 pounds per pair) and additional features like adjustable height or integrated clamping systems. However, the core functionality remains similar to what the Bauer provides at a substantially lower price point.

What distinguishes the Bauer in this comparative context is its exceptional value proposition. It delivers approximately 80-90% of the performance of premium models at roughly half the cost. For all but the most demanding professional applications, the Bauer Saw Horse represents the sweet spot of performance versus investment.

Heavy-Duty Applications: Is the Bauer Saw Horse Up to the Task?

The term “heavy-duty” can mean different things to different users. For a weekend DIYer, it might refer to occasionally cutting pressure-treated 4×4 posts. For a professional framer, it could mean supporting multiple full sheets of ¾-inch plywood throughout an eight-hour workday.

The Bauer Saw Horse is designed to satisfy the first definition and capably handle much of the second. Its 1,500-pound pair capacity places it firmly in the professional-capable category, though perhaps not at the extreme end occupied by specialized contractor-grade equipment.

For construction tasks involving dimensional lumber (including 2×12 and 4×4 stock), the Bauer performs admirably. The stable platform facilitates accurate cuts, while the robust construction withstands the vibration of power tools without concerning flex or movement.

Where the Bauer truly shines is in its versatility across applications. From serving as supports for painting doors to functioning as the foundation for temporary job site tables, these horses adapt to varied tasks without specialized attachments or modifications.

For extremely heavy applications—such as supporting stone countertops or multiple layers of concrete backer board—the Bauer remains serviceable but may not offer the same margin of safety as dedicated heavy-duty supports costing two to three times as much. In these extreme scenarios, the prudent approach would be to use additional supports to distribute the load more widely.

The Perfect Height: Dimensions of the Bauer Saw Horse

Working height significantly impacts both comfort and precision in any workshop task. The Bauer Saw Horse stands at approximately 32 inches tall when fully deployed—a height that represents a thoughtful compromise between different applications.

This 32-inch working height positions most materials at approximately mid-torso level for average-height users. This elevation is ideal for power saw operation, as it allows for natural arm positioning and good visibility of cut lines without excessive bending.

The width of the top beam measures about 4 inches, providing sufficient surface area to support materials securely while remaining narrow enough to facilitate clamping arrangements. The length of this top support spans approximately 43 inches, offering a generous platform that accommodates everything from narrow trim pieces to full-width plywood sheets when used in pairs.

When considering these dimensions, it’s worth noting that the height is fixed—the Bauer model does not offer adjustable legs. While adjustable height can be convenient for specialized applications, fixed-height designs typically offer greater stability and higher weight capacities, reflecting Bauer’s focus on robust performance rather than feature proliferation.

For most users, this fixed 32-inch height represents the optimal compromise. It’s high enough to prevent back strain during extended use but low enough to maintain stability under load. Those requiring variable heights might consider pairing the Bauer horses with shop-made platform extensions for specific applications.

Portability Factor: Weight and Carrying Convenience

Mobility matters in both professional and DIY contexts. Tools that can easily transition between storage and use—or between different work areas—enhance workflow efficiency and reduce setup time.

Each Bauer Saw Horse weighs approximately 13 pounds. This weight places it in the middle of the portable support spectrum: heavier than plastic alternatives (typically 5-8 pounds) but lighter than premium all-steel models (often 18-25 pounds).

This weight represents an effective balance between portability and stability. The horses are light enough to carry with one hand, yet heavy enough to resist movement during aggressive cutting or sanding operations.

The folded dimensions—approximately 43 inches long by 32 inches high by 4 inches thick—create a manageable package for transport. A built-in carrying handle integrated into the top beam facilitates one-handed transport, a thoughtful touch that proves particularly valuable when navigating crowded job sites or workshop spaces.

For professionals who frequently transport tools between locations, the Bauer Saw Horse’s combination of reasonable weight and compact folded profile makes it an excellent choice. It occupies minimal space in service vehicles while providing professional-grade performance upon deployment.

Supporting Large Materials: Performance with Plywood and Sheet Goods

One of the most demanding tests for any saw horse system is supporting full sheets of plywood or other panel goods. These materials present challenges in both weight distribution and stability during cutting operations.

The Bauer Saw Horse excels in this application, particularly when used in pairs. The 43-inch length of each horse provides adequate support for the 48-inch width of standard plywood sheets, with minimal overhang at either end. When properly positioned, a pair of Bauer horses creates a stable platform that minimizes sheet deflection during cuts.

The top surface design includes subtle channels and raised portions that enhance grip on sheet goods, reducing the tendency for materials to shift during cutting operations. This feature proves particularly valuable when making partial cuts that don’t benefit from the stabilizing weight of the operator.

For breaking down multiple sheets, professionals often create a temporary cutting table by placing a sacrificial sheet of lower-grade plywood across two saw horses. The Bauer model’s flat top surface accommodates this arrangement perfectly, creating a solid work surface that rivals dedicated cutting tables in stability while offering superior portability.

It’s worth noting that when supporting sheet goods, proper horse placement becomes crucial. Positioning the horses at approximately the quarter points of the sheet (rather than at the extreme edges) optimizes support while maintaining accessibility for cutting operations.

Accessories and Add-ons: What Comes with the Bauer Saw Horse?

The Bauer Saw Horse is sold as a standalone support unit without included accessories or attachments. This minimalist approach contributes to its competitive pricing while allowing users to customize their setup according to specific needs.

While the horses don’t include dedicated clamping systems, their design accommodates most standard woodworking clamps without modification. The relatively narrow top beam proves advantageous for C-clamps and trigger clamps, allowing secure fastening of workpieces to the support surface.

For those seeking enhanced functionality, the aftermarket offers various compatible accessories. These include saw horse brackets designed to transform a pair of horses and standard lumber into a robust temporary work table. These brackets typically cost $15-30 per set and significantly expand the utility of the basic saw horse setup.

Some users enhance their Bauer horses with shop-made additions, such as plywood tops with integrated bench dog holes or fence systems for repetitive cuts. The simple, sturdy design of the base unit provides an excellent foundation for these customizations.

Harbor Freight occasionally offers Bauer-branded accessories that complement their saw horses, though availability varies by region and season. Keeping an eye on their tool catalog may reveal compatible additions that extend the functionality of your basic set.

Weather Resistance: Using the Bauer Saw Horse Outdoors

Construction and renovation projects frequently require working in outdoor environments, exposing tools to elements that can accelerate wear and deterioration. The Bauer Saw Horse’s suitability for these conditions depends on both its materials and design details.

The powder-coated steel construction offers good initial resistance to moisture and humidity. Unlike bare steel alternatives that quickly develop surface rust, the coating provides a protective barrier that significantly delays corrosion onset under normal conditions.

The rubber components—including the non-slip surface inserts and feet—are formulated to resist degradation from UV exposure and temperature fluctuations. This material choice enhances the product’s longevity in outdoor settings compared to models using standard plastics that become brittle with sun exposure.

That said, the Bauer Saw Horse is not explicitly marketed as weatherproof or designed for permanent outdoor storage. Prolonged exposure to rain, snow, or extreme temperatures will eventually compromise even the best protective coatings and accelerate wear on mechanical components like the folding hinges.

For contractors who regularly work outdoors, the Bauer represents a practical middle ground. It withstands occasional weather exposure during daylong projects without immediate damage, but should be stored in protected environments when not in use to maximize service life.

Warranty and Consumer Protection: Bauer’s Guarantee

Harbor Freight backs the Bauer Saw Horse with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. This period allows purchasers to thoroughly test the product across multiple projects and return it if it fails to meet expectations.

Beyond this initial window, Bauer products typically carry a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This coverage addresses manufacturing flaws but excludes damage resulting from misuse, abuse, or normal wear and tear.

While this warranty period is shorter than those offered by premium tool brands (which often range from 3-lifetime limited warranties), it provides reasonable protection during the period when manufacturing defects are most likely to manifest.

Harbor Freight’s customer service has improved significantly in recent years, with more streamlined warranty claim processes. Most stores can handle warranty issues directly, reducing the complications sometimes associated with mail-in warranty programs.

For many users, the value proposition of the Bauer Saw Horse makes the shorter warranty period an acceptable trade-off. The savings compared to premium brands effectively self-insures against potential failures beyond the warranty period.

User Experiences: Reviews and Ratings for the Bauer Saw Horse

Customer feedback provides valuable real-world perspective on any product’s performance. The Bauer Saw Horse has accumulated substantial review data through Harbor Freight’s website and various woodworking and DIY forums.

Overall ratings typically average between 4.3-4.7 out of 5 stars, reflecting generally high satisfaction among purchasers. Positive comments frequently highlight the horses’ stability, ease of setup, and value relative to price point.

Professional users particularly appreciate the horses’ capacity to support substantial loads without wobbling—a critical factor when making precision cuts. DIY reviewers often mention the intuitive folding mechanism and compact storage profile as key advantages over older designs.

Critical reviews, while less common, provide insight into potential limitations. Some users report that the locking mechanisms can become less positive after extensive use, though this rarely results in complete failure. Others note that the fixed height occasionally proves inconvenient for specialized applications, though this reflects the inherent limitation of non-adjustable designs rather than a flaw specific to the Bauer model.

Perhaps most tellingly, many reviewers mention owning multiple pairs of Bauer Saw Horses—a strong endorsement of their performance and value. This repeat purchase behavior suggests that initial impressions remain positive through extended use.

Setup and Operation: Using the Bauer Saw Horse Effectively

The Bauer Saw Horse’s user-friendly design makes setup and breakdown remarkably straightforward, but a few techniques can enhance both efficiency and safety.

To deploy from the folded position, place the horse on a level surface with the folded legs facing upward. Release the storage lock mechanism by depressing the spring-loaded pin, then swing each leg assembly outward until the operating locks engage with an audible click. Verify engagement by applying light pressure to the top beam—properly locked legs will exhibit minimal movement.

For maximum stability, ensure all four feet make solid contact with the ground. On uneven surfaces, positioning the horses so that the legs run perpendicular to any slope helps maintain stability. For extremely uneven terrain, consider using shims under specific feet to prevent rocking.

When supporting long materials, proper horse spacing becomes crucial. For dimensional lumber, spacing the horses at approximately one-third of the total material length from each end provides optimal support while minimizing deflection. For sheet goods, position the horses to support the sheet at its quarter points rather than at the extreme edges.

To fold for storage, reverse the deployment process: depress the operating locks on each leg assembly, fold the legs inward against the center beam, and secure them using the storage locks. The folded unit can be stored vertically against a wall or horizontally on a shelf, depending on available space.

Technical Specifications: The Numbers Behind the Bauer Saw Horse

For those who appreciate precise technical details, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Bauer Saw Horse specifications:

• Height (deployed): 32 inches
• Length (top beam): 43 inches
• Width (top beam): 4 inches
• Weight: 13 pounds per unit
• Capacity: 750 pounds per horse (1,500 pounds per pair)
• Folded dimensions: 43″ × 32″ × 4″
• Material: Powder-coated steel with rubber gripping surfaces
• Color: Bauer blue with black accents
• Model number: 56667

The top beam features a maximum span of 43 inches, providing substantial surface area for supporting various materials. This dimension represents an effective compromise between stability (wider is better) and portability (narrower is more manageable).

The 4-inch width of the top beam deserves particular attention, as it influences both material support and clamping capability. This width provides sufficient surface area to support even narrow stock securely while remaining compatible with standard woodworking clamps.

Replacement Parts and Long-Term Maintenance

Even the most durable tools eventually require maintenance or component replacement. The Bauer Saw Horse’s relatively simple design minimizes potential failure points, but certain components may require attention over time.

Harbor Freight does not currently offer a comprehensive selection of replacement parts for the Bauer Saw Horse. However, common wear items like the rubber feet can often be replaced with universal alternatives available through hardware stores or online retailers.

For the locking mechanisms, which represent the most complex components of the design, replacement typically requires contacting Harbor Freight customer service directly. They can sometimes provide replacement lock assemblies for current model years, though availability varies.

Preventative maintenance can significantly extend service life. Periodically cleaning the folding mechanisms and applying a light lubricant to pivot points helps maintain smooth operation. Inspecting the rubber feet for wear and replacing them before they deteriorate completely prevents potential damage to working surfaces.

For the metal components, addressing any damage to the powder coating helps prevent rust from gaining a foothold. Touch-up paint in matching colors can be found at automotive supply stores and provides effective protection for minor scratches or chips.

Conclusion: Is the Bauer Saw Horse Right for Your Workshop?

After thorough examination of its features, performance, and value proposition, the Bauer Saw Horse emerges as an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Its combination of substantial weight capacity, thoughtful design features, and accessible pricing makes it one of the most compelling options in today’s market.

For DIY enthusiasts upgrading from makeshift supports or entry-level plastic horses, the Bauer represents a significant improvement in stability and durability without requiring a premium investment. The enhanced safety and precision this stability provides makes it a worthwhile upgrade even for occasional users.

Professional contractors seeking reliable job site supports will find the Bauer horses deliver performance comparable to much more expensive alternatives. While they may lack some specialized features of premium models, their core functionality and durability satisfy the requirements of most construction and renovation applications.

The value proposition becomes particularly apparent when considering cost per use over time. With proper care, these horses should provide reliable service for many years, amortizing their already reasonable purchase price across countless projects.

Perhaps the most compelling endorsement comes from the pattern observed in user reviews: people who purchase one pair of Bauer Saw Horses frequently return to buy additional sets. This repeat purchase behavior speaks to the product’s ability to deliver on its promises and exceed expectations.

If you’re in the market for workshop supports that balance quality, functionality, and value, the Bauer Saw Horse deserves serious consideration. Their reliable performance will allow you to focus on the creative aspects of your projects rather than worrying about the stability of your work surface—and that peace of mind is perhaps their most valuable feature of all.