Cutting
off 4 x 4 posts
Do It Yourself
FAQ
When installing wooden posts for a rail fence,
how is the best way to cut off the top of the installed posts to an even
height. Will a chain saw work
or will I need to use a circular saw? They are 4 x 4's.
Most people do not have a saw that will cut through a 4
x 4 in one pass other than a chain saw. It requires a little skill to freehand cut a post
with a chain saw. Also you may not have electric available near your posts, so a gas
powered chain saw may be the only easy alternative.
Most farm style post and rail fence can be a little
rustic. I used a chain saw in my prime. I would mark the angle on one side of the post so
I had a general guide as to where to start so all the posts had the same water runoff
angle. As long as they all were the same that was fine. The rough chain saw cut suited the
rustic style of fence also.
If you want a straight, square cut, use an electric
circular saw. Most people only have one with a 7-1/4" blade, so cutting in one pass
is impossible. Mark three sides of the post with a square. Set the blade so it will cut a
little past half way on the post. Cut one side at a time working on the side immediately
adjacent to your last cut. The third cut will complete the cutoff. Watch out for the
cutoff piece. It can fly off, or bind your saw causing injury. If the cutoff piece is long
enough, have a helper pull up lightly on the cutoff. Make sure the piece is long enough so
you don't make your helper helplessly fingerless. Wear safety goggles so you can read our
pages after you are done. We don't have any in brail.
Author: Frank R. Hoover, Hoover Fence
Co.
25 years+ in the fence business
Copyright 1999 Hoover Fence Co.
May be reprinted as long as the source is acknowledged
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