don't really want to 'try' a chain saw nor do i have one.....just want to know what has worked best for a 'straight' horizonal cut...
2007-10-18 12:57:56 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
chain saw is easiest
Circular saw works, but will take seveal cuts on either side
Good old elbow grease and a strong bow saw
Leave it there and decorate it
2007-10-18 13:00:57 · answer #1 · answered by Tray B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hand circular saw (skillsaw) is what most carpenters would use. Takes two cuts, one from each side and would take only a few seconds for each side. To cut a post square, I make the first cut, leave the saw in the cut (not running), turn the corner to cut the front edge, then turn the corner again with the saw still in the cut to cut the back side. Leaves you with a clean square cut. By the way, chain saws make horrible cuts, very rough, and sawzalls are not much better.
As far as the rot is concerned, the top of the post is the least of your problems. Fence posts are going to rot away at the ground long before you have any problems at the top.
2007-10-18 22:34:57 · answer #2 · answered by diver0604 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've installed miles of fencing in my time and with all due respect, The generally accepted method is to install posts at the same height; most especially over the course of a level surface. That simply equates to running a line, using a string level and then digging the post holes to appropriate depths.
No matter the substance of the post.
At the very least; that saves you the after the fact effort you're asking about.
Steven Wolf
2007-10-19 00:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't want a straight, horizontal cut... angle it so water drains -- 1/4" per foot of slope is what's usually spec'd for drainage, but I figure 1/4" across the fencepost is better.
That said, I've trimmed fenceposts with a backsaw (because it's more rigid and it's easier for me to handle while balanced on a ladder) and with a bow saw (like you use for trimming trees).
Bowsaw was faster and worked just fine.
2007-10-18 20:13:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your not in a hurry and stealth is required then you might try a shark tooth hand saw, does a good job and is very quiet. If we don't give a damn about neighbors I would ram it with the car and collect on the insurance, works better after a rain shower you know the ground was wet and I couldn't stop :) I have other sick and twisted ideas if you need them!
2007-10-19 19:27:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Had you mentioned what sized post you wer using I could be more specific. As you have said they are alredy installed and are uneven in height, I would use a chalk line and mark all to the same height and use a circular saw that will make the cut in one pass.
2007-10-19 00:42:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think a reciprocating saw would be easier to handle than a chain saw, and a lot safer. If you're attaching decorative post caps or finials on top, and you use pressure treated wood, you shouldn't have any problem with rotting.
Good Luck!
2007-10-18 20:10:02 · answer #7 · answered by Katherine H 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
wrong a straight cut allows the water to sit on the top and rot.
Cut with a hand saw for trees on an angle.
People often put tin cans on top to keep it from rotting also.
2007-10-18 20:01:34 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a chainsaw but if I didn't I would rent either an electric chainsaw or an electric reciprocating saw to do more than one post. If it IS only one post, i would use my carpenter's hand saw or my bow saw.
Bert
2007-10-18 21:13:23 · answer #9 · answered by Bert C 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
reciprocating saw with an "ugli" blade (thats the name of a blade with large teeth that cuts very fast. secondly , any SHARP hand saw will work
2007-10-18 20:58:18 · answer #10 · answered by paulj2 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋