Cutting fence post caps

n0c7 · 07-09-2012, 04:56 PM

I want to cut pyramid style tops on all four sides of 6x6 posts. What size circular saw would I need to complete the 45 degree cuts?

mae-ling · 07-09-2012, 05:36 PM

do you want it to come to a point on top or will there be a flat area at the top?

n0c7 · 07-09-2012, 05:42 PM

Point

loftezy · 07-09-2012, 05:58 PM

If your post is actually 5.5", then the formula is (5.5"/2)*(2^.5) which is roughly a 3.9" cut at 45 degrees.

Why not just buy the premade post caps?

n0c7 · 07-09-2012, 06:10 PM

Need to match the developer and that's what they've done in the area. Some are actually 6" bang on and others vary to 5 3/4".

CopperClad · 07-09-2012, 06:12 PM

Umm.. You would need a saw that would go through 3 7/8 on a 45 degree angle.. So your answer would be a 15'' circular saw.
Or you could just use a regular 7 1/4 circular saw and try and skillfully sawzall the rest.

mae-ling · 07-09-2012, 07:55 PM

Star cut with 7&1/4" circular saw, finish with hand saw, Maybe touch up with belt sander

hand drive · 07-09-2012, 09:49 PM

you could measure down 2 3/4" from the post top and make straight lines all the way around the post and then set a skilsaw at maximum depth on a 45 degree angle and cut all 4 sides. Finish the rest of the cut using a sawzall with a metal blade or a blade with small teeth.

n0c7 · 07-12-2012, 12:18 AM

Everyone,

I screwed up with my degree measurement. It actually appears to be a 25 degree cut. I attempted using a 7 1/4" circular saw on a scrap piece and it leaves a symmetrical 1 1/2" square so what size saw would I be looking at to fully complete the cut?

I could possibly finish the cut by hand or with a reciprocating saw but I have over 20 of these to do so I don't mind renting a larger saw to make life easier(and the result cleaner). Looking at the developer's posts, they seem to have a saw that leaves less than 1/4", looks like a nipple on top.

CopperClad · 07-12-2012, 12:25 AM

25 degree angle on a 6x6 would be a run of 2 3/4'' a rise of 1 5/16'' which would = a diagonal of 3 1/16''.. I think a 12'' circular saw would work.

n0c7 · 07-12-2012, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CopperClad

25 degree angle on a 6x6 would be a run of 2 3/4'' a rise of 1 5/16'' which would = a diagonal of 3 1/16''.. I think a 12'' circular saw would work.

Could you calculate that for a 10" saw? I can rent a 10" alot easier than a 12". If it's within a 1/4" I can live with that.

CopperClad · 07-12-2012, 12:56 AM

Nope sorry. I can't calculate it. A 10'' saw can only cut through 2 3/4'' on a 45 degree angle.. I believe it can cut a 4x4 post on a straight cut from memory.. So with that being said........... Sure. I think you can do it with a 10''.. If it doesn't go all the way through it will leave the nipple effect it seems that other posts in your area have. So do it ! Rent it !

hand drive · 07-12-2012, 07:11 AM

if you have to rent a saw, how about renting a miter saw. set up a bench and set the saw to 45 degrees. flip the post for each cut, done.

**kwikfishron** · 07-12-2012, 07:28 AM

Use a 7 ¼” saw and finish with a Sawzall or hand saw as previously mentioned.

That can be a dangerous cut if your not well familiar and comfortable with a beam saw.

DexterII · 07-12-2012, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwikfishron

Use a 7 ¼” saw and finish with a Sawzall or hand saw.

That can be a dangerous cut if your not well familiar and comfortable with a beam saw.

Yup, and it won't take you near as much time as you might imagine; in less time than you would spend chasing down a saw that you may or may not be familiar with, you can run though them with your circular saw, finish them up with your hand saw, and continue on.