Japanese-Style Low Sawhorses

Woodworking

Japanese-Style Low Sawhorses

Member

$367.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Guest

$448.00 (any noted materials fee included)

Tuition Assistance and Other Policies

Meeting Times
  1. Tue, 9/30/2025 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  2. Thur, 10/2/2025 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  3. Tue, 10/7/2025 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  4. Thur, 10/9/2025 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Tue, 9/30/2025 - Thur, 10/9/2025

See additional date options »




Type:
Class

Location:
Woodworking & Small Boat Studio

Interests:
General Woodworking, Hand Woodworking

About

Make a pair of these handy sawhorses to elevate your projects to a more comfortable working height and protect them from accidental dings by a clutter of tools on your workbench.

The design was inspired by the sawhorses that Japanese carpenters use while working on projects close to the floor, but they are also very helpful as accessories on Western-style workbenches.

The design was featured in a Fine Woodworking article written by the instructor, Len Cullum, who has built a business in Seattle that's focused on Japanese-style woodworking, including garden structures, shoji, doors and furniture. But while Cullum finishes pieces with Japanese-style hand planes, he often uses woodworking machines for earlier steps (just as modern Japanese carpenters do).

In this class, you will mill the wood and cut the joinery with power tools, making it an ideal class if you are relatively new to woodworking. Seasoned woodworkers who enjoy working on a guided project are welcome, too. You will use a table saw, mortising machine, bandsaw, and sanders, plus do a little chiseling by hand.    

Project

The low sawhorses will be made of hardwood, probably cherry. You will have the option of capping each beam with a ½-inch-thick strip of Western red cedar, a soft wood that both protects the horse from your projects and your projects from the horse. If you accidentally cut into the strip, you can replace it.

The sawhorses will be approximately 22 inches long and have legs about 8 inches long. The height will be 7 to 8 inches, depending on whether you add the cedar.

Materials

A $45 materials fee, include in the class fee, covers everything you need.

Prerequisites

Class Policies

  • Ages 14+are welcome.
  • Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid dangling clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

BARN Policies

Instructors or Guides

Len Cullum

I am a self taught woodworker specializing in Japanese style garden structures, architectural elements and furniture.

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