We were given a Sawhorse Challenge. I thought it was going to be a straightforward project—just cutting some wood and putting it together. But once we started, I realized it was more than that. It was about design, accuracy, teamwork, and making something functional that we could rely on throughout the semester.

The goal was simple on paper: design and build a pair of traditional sawhorses that were 32” high, 36” wide, strong enough to hold ten sheets of ¾” plywood (that’s over 600 pounds!), and durable enough to survive cuts from tools like the circular saw and track saw. On top of that, they needed to be light enough for one person to carry. The challenge was making all of those requirements come together in one design.

Working with My Teammate

I teamed up with Anoushka, and right from the beginning, we worked side by side on measuring, cutting, and problem-solving. We made a point of double-checking each other’s measurements with the tape measure and speed square before cutting. That saved us from mistakes more than once.

What I really appreciated about working with Anoushka was the way we communicated. We divided tasks naturally—sometimes I focused on cutting while she prepped pieces for assembly, and other times we switched. If something didn’t line up, we didn’t blame each other person—we figured it out together.

The Build Process

We used 2x4s for the main structure, screws for fastening, and relied heavily on tools like the chop saw, drill, driver, and clamps to hold everything steady. The layout and cutting phase was where precision mattered most. Getting those angles right determined how well the sawhorses would stand.

Once the pieces were cut, assembly came together quickly. It was satisfying to see the legs, cross braces, and top beam all line up into something solid. When we set the first sawhorse upright, I remember saying, “Okay, this feels real now.”

Testing the Sawhorses

The true test came when the Instructor stacked 6 large and heavy beams (in lieu of plywood sheets) on top. Watching the sawhorses hold that weight gave us a sense of pride—we built something strong and dependable. We also check for wobble. By placing them on an even level surface and Anoushka standing on top of it applying pressure from the top down. Knowing they could handle accidental hits without damaging them, gave us confidence we did it right.

Lessons Learned

This project taught me more than just how to build a sawhorse. I learned how important teamwork is in carpentry, how design decisions affect function, and how rewarding it is to make something with my own hands that will actually be used.

I walked away with a stronger sense of confidence—not only in my carpentry skills but also in my ability to collaborate and problem-solve in real time. And now, every time I set up those sawhorses for a cut, I’ll remember this first challenge and the teamwork behind it.

- OlatutuKrystal Erinosho, September 15th, 2025