Chain saw or like the old timers drill and chisel.
Hand Tools For Timber Framing Pt.3 - Chisels & Slicks (youtube.com)

 

Oscillating multitool. 2" at a time, chip it out, and cut the next 2".

 

I assume using the word "stumped" was unintended.

You're going to have to chip away at it using one of the above suggestions. Curious as to the why. That post looks to have seen many days.

 

Lol. That actually was no pun intended... I'm stretching a 6x6 across the top of these and going to call it a swingset. I was a little disappointed in the quality - typically the ones we get are in better shape than this, but hopefully this lasts for many years to come. I may treat the base to discourage rot and may throw some paint on to help increase the life of the posts.

 

If there are no nails, like Neal said, plunge cut w/a chainsaw.
If there are nails, I'd use a sawzall w/a demo blade.

Since you've made the vertical cuts, do more of them close enough together that a hammer/chisel can be used.

HTH...Don.

 

How deep? Do this all the time. Depending on depth and how aggressive you want to get, like Neil said, chainsaw, or circular saw is always my choice. Big 14".

The key here is you cut the slot, then cut a bunch of slot cuts down the center, as close to each other as possible, then simply use a screwdriver between then and break the tabs off. You will be left with a slightly bumpy floor. That is either cleaned up with skillful sideways plane cutting with the chainsaw or circ, or can just use a wood chisel.

All in the woodworking 101 handbook......lol

 

So for those of you that mentioned a chainsaw... would you be opposed to using a chainsaw to make a plunge cut?

 

I wouldn't be opposed to doing that myself, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone else without knowing their experience/comfort level with a chainsaw. It can be a bit tricky, especially working from a ladder, which I assume you would be. Of course it's up to you to assess whether you believe you can accomplish it safely.

 

Just be careful if you're on a ladder. Even that small chainsaw can bind up and kick back.

 

Went pretty well! Definitely wouldn’t have wanted to use a gasser - that little 20v was pretty nimble though!

 

Finally got the swing done! Hopefully I get a good start on the rest of the playset this weekend.

(ignore the small rickety one on the right, most of it is going to playset heaven soon)

 

That looks pretty stout.

 

Yep, that’s what I was hoping for! I actually wanted 12” posts but these ended up being 14” at the top and 17” at the base! Kinda worked out though, this way I had more post after cutting out the chunk for the 6x6.

My 7 year old son wasn’t making it move and he was really going on one of the swings. But to be sure, I hopped on and had him watch to make sure nothing was moving too much. My stomach hadn’t felt those butterflies in a LONG time… . 😁

To finish up I’m hoping to treat the base of the posts to help against rot and put some sort of coating on the tops to keep water from sitting. With any luck I’ll have to replace the swings at least once while the framing keeps on goin’.