Whether it’s hanging a door or setting drywall into place overhead, there are a number of instances where it would simply be nice to have a friend to help out… or maybe just have a more versatile clamping system – perhaps one that doesn’t take coffee breaks and never drops stuff. The “new” Rockwell JawStand seems to fit that bill nicely, and it does it in a lean and mean package. We put “new” in quotes because this tool has been out before from a company called Triton (MSA200) and is now appearing under the Rockwell name – something that, if it increases availability and distribution, can only be a good thing for consumers. Rock on, Rockwell.
This compact, foldable work stand can support up to 220 lbs – almost as much as me – but, unlike me, it can also clamp workpieces that are as thick as 1-3/4 in. (hey, just like a full-sized door!) and it can then raise them 41 in. off the ground (which is what I need for a good drywall t-support holder!) The built-in clamp features a coated rubber surface on its face to avoid marring workpieces and also deliver a slip-free grip. The support looks rather dainty at first glance, but it’s tripod legs are made from hardened steel, so it’s not going to fall out from under anything you’re giving it anytime soon. Because of its potentially wide stance, it can also pivot its clamp up to 90 degrees, and the head will swivel a full 360 degrees around. That means you can use it where it’s needed, and how it’s needed.
Another thing the JawStand does well is function as a quick extension table or outfeed support for either a miter or table saw. Since it’s collapsible and easy to pull out and use, this gives it a nice flexibility when it comes time to cut those long pieces of trim or plywood. This is the kind of tool that our imaginations ran away with. It can hold a door in place for positioning locks and hinges, raise cabinets in place for a kitchen install, or even secure a T-support for hanging overhead drywall. And that doesn’t even address the uses as a support for simply cutting long pieces of dimensional lumber and trim. Couple this with Rockwell’s JawHorse and you’ve got a powerful one-two knockout punch for all your clamping and support needs.
The JawStand workbench accessory comes already assembled and you can set it up for use simply by flipping out the legs and raising the clamp into place. The entire device – made out of steel mind you – still weighs just 13.2 lbs., so it’s easy to envision picking up this thing and bringing it along on the jobsite or keeping it in your work trailer.
While the body is made from hardened steel, the JawStand also has non-marring and non-slip rubberized feet on the base of each tripod leg. Since it has only three legs, it’s going to be a perfect solution for uneven surfaces, and eliminates the wobble found in four-leg tables.
The clamping support surface can be raised from 25 to 41 inches by loosening the locking knob and lifting the column up and down. There is even a visual scale on the support column that indicates the true working height of the stand – perfect for matching it to an existing table or countertop. As we indicated before, the top of the stand includes two low-friction slides which allow lumber and trim to easily pass over them but retain the direction of travel to reduce drift. The slides also feature a built-in bubble level to ensure everything is perfectly in place before you begin your cut or set your material. This helps compensate in those situations where you have the JawStand situated on uneven ground but still want a level surface.
The Rockwell JawStand (#RK9033) is available for around $60. It carries a 2-year warranty and is also expected to be available through various online and local retailers as well as independent hardware stores, home centers and lumber yards.
