Notching Post with chainsaw

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Giles

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I will be building a large outdoor deck for my home. My plans are to install 6x6 post and then cut the top notch for the headers.
Some time back, I saw a post where someone fabricated a guide for their chainsaw blade.
I think this is what I need but I can't find it with a site search.
Any help?
 
Why would you use a chain saw rather than a circular saw? You indicate this is for a deck on your home, I would want a better finish than a chain saw could provide. Barn work would be a perfect application if no power was available.
 
Freehand it. I have done lots of these. Take your time draw your lines top and both sides go slow. The rim joists will hide any small boo-boos. You can also cut light and finish with a belt sander.
 
chainsaw +/- 1/4"+verance circular saw about 1/16" if your good

go down and rent a "big foot" circular saw thats the way i'd do it hell i'd pull out the recip saw before i'd go to a chainsaw
 
Freehand it. I have done lots of these. Take your time draw your lines top and both sides go slow. The rim joists will hide any small boo-boos. You can also cut light and finish with a belt sander.

Lots of free hand cutting done with a chainsaw on this building.

62151_484378311611886_1320714667_n.jpg


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...5978337.-2207520000.1362162370&type=3&theater
 
I have built plenty of those types of trusses, both with a chainsaw and circular. It is not uncommon to do post & beam construction with,
Handsaws, skilsaws, chainsaws, sawzall, 10" skilsaws (bigfoot), 16" Makita.
What the OP might be looking for is a chain mortiser, its a type of chainsaw made to do plunge cuts.
When that type work of comes up for me there is usually a point in time where you have to use all those saws, at once.
Also better have a 1/2" chuck drill motor to trip over too.
 
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View attachment 282236
chainsaw to cut to rough lengths, circular saws to finish
View attachment 282237
This set required a chain mortiser, concealed steel gusset plates. 8 x 8 beams, 6 x 8 webs.
Multiple saw use, and in the right order. All layout from 2 x 8 templates first. There was no sorry boss I didnt cut it right.

To the OP, it may only be a deck, but plan your moves and cuts. Good Luck
 
If you own a worm drive circular saw . . . .


[youtube]h0R5VjmY71w[/youtube]

Bailey's - Prazi PR7000 Beam Cutter - Fits 7-1/4" and 8-1/4" Worm Drive Saws

Philbert

Thanks --now that's what I have in mind. I would like to fabricate a bar plate that would serve the same purpose as the circular saw base.
I am a retired Tool&Die Maker with MANY tools. I think my T&D skills get in the way sometimes and I go to the extreme. I know there are many ways to cut the post--but I have never seen a Prazi PR7000 Beam Cutter. There are many things that I used to do that I am no longer able to do because of a few health problems, but I take my time and use all the help I can get. I feel that a bar guide would be simple to make and would be of great use for this and other jobs.
I have had THREE different carpenters give me estimates and all of them want to charge a rediculous labor fee---like four/five times the cost of material! Not only that, all of them argue with me that I don't need to do certain things to make the Deck pass local code! I have already started fabrication and will post photos when finished---Thanks for the link.
 
Glad it helped. These are popular with timber framers, as are electric chainsaws. It would be interesting to find out what type of chain works best on kiln dried and/or treated dimensional lumber.

You might be able to rent a beam cutter for the day if it is only for one project (although some guys would call that 'cheating'!)

If you design one, could your guide simply slide over and attach to the bar, perhaps like the depth limiter on the STIHL 461 Rescue Saw? Outdoor Power Tools | STIHL USA Mobile

Keep us in the loop! And include pictures!

Philbert
 
Glad it helped. These are popular with timber framers, as are electric chainsaws. It would be interesting to find out what type of chain works best on kiln dried and/or treated dimensional lumber.

You might be able to rent a beam cutter for the day if it is only for one project (although some guys would call that 'cheating'!)

If you design one, could your guide simply slide over and attach to the bar, perhaps like the depth limiter on the STIHL 461 Rescue Saw? Outdoor Power Tools | STIHL USA Mobile

Keep us in the loop! And include pictures!

Philbert
I have Fabricated a simple flat aluminum plate that will bolt to the guide bar. It will just clear the spikes and extend the full width of the saw--a Stihl 192T with a 14" bar. It will extend from the top of the guide bar to the bottom of the saw.
Like they say--"A picture will be worth more then I can describe"
 
There is a Prazi Beam Cutter on the Charlottesville (VA) Craigslist for $75.00. I am typing on my phone so can't do a link.
 
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