It takes its name from the similarity of these X-shaped supports to sawbucks.
[1] In addition to the supports, a sawbuck table is distinguished by a sturdy central rail and key-tenon joints holding the supports and central rail together.
[2] The design is sufficiently sturdy that some sawbuck tables have remained in regular use for over 200 years.
[4] Picnic table builders continued to experiment with sawbuck designs having separate benches until the invention of the modern A-frame picnic table in 1926.
[5] Sawbuck-style picnic tables continue to be used, for example for backyard applications where attached seating is not required.