Centipede Sawhorse

[jbasen]

Thought I would throw my two cents in.
I was an original kickstarter backer on this and one of the first to get it close to two years ago now. I've used it extensively.

Some notes on it:
Pros:
• Fast and easy to set up. Stores conveniently out of the way.
• Works well with foam on top for cutting ply.
• Sturdy when set up on a flat surface.

Cons:
• Heavy and awkward to carry. Getting it back in the bag is a lost cause. Watch your fingers! I've pinched them a dozen times.
• The rivets attaching the cross supports to the legs do come out over time. Putting new ones in isn't bad. Some of the other parts on it do feel cheap.
• Don't expect to use it as an assembly table.
Horrible on uneven surfaces. The legs just float there and make whatever is on top sag.
• The provided plastic hold downs are useless.

Bottom line:
I use it for one task, it works. I payed $125. I would find an alternative if it was still that price, but at $79 and $49 for the small it's a decent buy.

Any questions, let me know.
Nick

Thanks Nick.  That is all good information. 

I found that getting it small enough to get back into the bag isn't too hard with 2 people but a pain with just one person. 

I'm interested in what you are using for replacement rivets when they fall out.  Are you using pop rivets, small screws and nuts, something else?  Thanks

 

[00A00B00C]

Thanks Nick.  That is all good information. 

I found that getting it small enough to get back into the bag isn't too hard with 2 people but a pain with just one person. 

I'm interested in what you are using for replacement rivets when they fall out.  Are you using pop rivets, small screws and nuts, something else?  Thanks

Pop rivets only because I have a large collection from when my father worked on ships. But screws and nuts would work. Even a wire tie would probably work in a pinch.

 

[jbasen]

Thanks Nick.  That is all good information. 

I found that getting it small enough to get back into the bag isn't too hard with 2 people but a pain with just one person. 

I'm interested in what you are using for replacement rivets when they fall out.  Are you using pop rivets, small screws and nuts, something else?  Thanks

Thanks!

Pop rivets only because I have a large collection from when my father worked on ships. But screws and nuts would work. Even a wire tie would probably work in a pinch.

 

[jimbo51]

I have used my Centipede XL several times in the last few weeks. It is currently being used as a table for painting trim. I have 2 4x4 pieces of 3/4 inch rigid foam. One inch foam would be a bit more stable.

On a reasonably level surface I have had no problem with the Centipede XL being too wobbly. I have used it as a support with rigid foam on top to cut 3/4 inch plywood with my TS55. I had no problems with stability.

The XL model is also very easy to collapse. I just grab a couple of the supports and bounce them up and down while pulling them together. It pulls together very easily. It is also not difficult to get it back into the bag if one works carefully.

I have found it to be a very useful tool and more convenient for cutting sheets of plywood than a pair of sawhorses. Four sawhorses would probably be more useful but the Centipede XL fits in a much smaller space than 4 sawhorses.

 

[sroxberg]

I picked up a Centipede XL set today at my local Lowes for $98.10. They are listed on Amazon and Woodcraft at $150 + so it seemed like a pretty good deal.

I'll report how it works for me, but having a portable table to setup quickly will be a help. I'm planning on using a few 2x4's to stiffen it up and to make placing full sheets of ply onto it easier.

 

[Flynnworx]

I have 2 of the small centipedes  that I set my 3'x5' MFslabs on and that combination is awesome for me. I use my ts55 on it with rail dogs and all kinds of assembly. I just lay the tops on and get cracking.

 

[Gwerner]

I love my Centipede XL, use it mostly as a cutting table for breaking down sheet goods. It's plenty stable for that. Also really handy to have so I can spread out a bunch of parts while the finish dries on them.

 

[Scott B.]

I checked it out at JLC in Chicago a couple weeks ago. Functional and versatile.