[bootsybus]

I'm making raised planter beds and liked the look of interlocking corners that I saw online -- here's an example from an artist in Vermont (first attachment).

I'm attempting this myself and have 2 questions:

1) What tool would you use to notch the end of the boards to get the cleanest/straightest cuts? I used a chop saw and then jigsaw, but wonder what would be ideal? I have access to plenty of tools from the tool library in my town.

2) Any suggestions on how to get a nice tight fit, for aesthetics purposes? I'm using rough redwood 2x8s, so maybe the 'rough' is the problem. I'm getting decent connections but not great.

Here's my results so far (2nd & 3rd attachment) -- serviceable but if I can get a tighter fit I'd like to.

Ignore the cracked area on the bottom notch -- I can avoid that problem on the next corner!


Thanks! First post here, lots of projects

 

[de-nagorg]

I am an old school advocate.

I would use a pull saw!

Irwin makes great ones available in most DIY centers.

Yes it takes muscle power, but you have greater control, and get a better cut with the fine teeth.


ED

PS. Welcome to the group, there is plenty of well educated people here to advise on most all home improvement related subjects.

 

[bootsybus]

I am an old school advocate.

I would use a pull saw!

Irwin makes great ones available in most DIY centers.

Yes it takes muscle power, but you have greater control, and get a better cut with the fine teeth.


ED

After looking over one of my carpentry books I was thinking of giving this a shot. I have the patience but I'm not sure I have the skill to keep it straight -- certainly seems harder to line up than a jigsaw! But I'll head to the tool library and see what they've got.

Thanks!

 

[de-nagorg]

Practice a little on some scrap, You will pick it up fast and wonder why you never did this before.

I find it easier than all that extra work to use those power saws.


ED

 

[joecaption]

A jig saw is the last tool I'd pick for making a straight cut, thicker the materal the more the cuts going to be off.
One cuts not deep enough so the corners are not matching.
Where's the screws to pull it all together?
It's a flower bed, why does it need to be perfect?

 

[bootsybus]

A jig saw is the last tool I'd pick for making a straight cut, thicker the materal the more the cuts going to be off.
One cuts not deep enough so the corners are not matching.

Yeah -- exactly why I figured there's probably a better way to an accurate cut. Suggestions?

Where's the screws to pull it all together?

No screw -- you drill through the notch and insert a dowel / aluminum rod / rebar etc. Nice and clean (and easy to take apart should you need to.

It's a flower bed, why does it need to be perfect?

It doesn't. I'm spending more time on this than I should, but why not?

 

[bootsybus]

Practice a little on some scrap, You will pick it up fast and wonder why you never did this before.

I find it easier than all that extra work to use those power saws.


ED

Ok cool. I looked online at some pull saws - I've never really used one. You recommend Irwin? I haven't had the best experience with their products, but could be user error

 

[joecaption]

Google "Kreg pocket hole jig"
Why would you ever have to take it apart?

 

[bootsybus]

Google "Kreg pocket hole jig"
Why would you ever have to take it apart?

Kreg -- cool system, I can imagine a few uses for it...just not this one.

Why would you ever have to take it apart?

To move it? For fun? Because you can?

 

[de-nagorg]

Ok cool. I looked online at some pull saws - I've never really used one. You recommend Irwin? I haven't had the best experience with their products, but could be user error

I do recommend a quality brand, some of those oddball brands are made from junk , not true steel.

Irwin is what I have, but many other brands are probably just as good.

Like I suggested practice a little first to learn the saws basics of operation, I can cut a 4X4 flush and true with it in the ground before others can get their power saw set up.

ED

 

[bootsybus]

I do recommend a quality brand, some of those oddball brands are made from junk , not true steel.

Irwin is what I have, but many other brands are probably just as good.

Like I suggested practice a little first to learn the saws basics of operation, I can cut a 4X4 flush and true with it in the ground before others can get their power saw set up.

ED

Thanks Ed. I look forward to it. Looks like the kind of thing I'd enjoy -- I've seen a section of these at the tool library and been meaning to give them a shot. I'll post pictures tomorrow. I'll test on Doug Fir first

 

[carpdad]

To get a joint better than the photo, you first have to put the lumber into the jointer and plane to get the pieces into same dimensions. When you measure off the cut lines, etc, you are measuring from different reference points for each piece of lumber.
Even the furniture builders pull the pieces together for gluing. Sometimes, two pieces are put into a jig, clamped and the joint of two pieces is cut at once, which produces a mirror image. But even then, they are clamped for gluing.
This is just something I've read about. I never made a joint that way.
You can use screws to pull the joint and cap the screw head.
Hand saw will not help you. Only way for a novice is finish grade lumber and table saw.

 

[Oso954]

Both of the long cuts for the notches look slightly angled or tapered to me. It is more noticeable in the 3rd pic on the left side where the pencil lines are visible.

I would use a good trysquare and check the cuts.

 

[bootsybus]

Both of the long cuts for the notches look slightly angled or tapered to me. It is more noticeable in the 3rd pic on the left side where the pencil lines are visible.

I would use a good trysquare and check the cuts.

I used a square but just wasn't precise or talented enough to get clean cuts. Next time!

 

[bootsybus]

Am I on the wrong forum here? Got a PM which said:

"This is an outdoor planter box for gawd sake. If you practiced until the joints were perfect to your satisfaction, in 30 days or less they will look other than perfect, I guarantee it. Just build it and save the fine joinery for fine indoor furniture."

Now I know there are trolls all over the internet, but this seemed a bit over the top for a DIY forum. But as I'm new here, let me know if I should focus on 'bigger' stuff.

(To the person who sent it to me -- I can't send PMs yet with my account, but if I could I'd say 'Thanks! To each his own, eh?')

 

[de-nagorg]

Don't let one grumpy fool get to you.

For the most part the group here appreciate QUALITY work just as much as you do.

Besides this forum is supposed to be about learning new skills, not pleasing the rest of the world.

ED

 

[bootsybus]

Got a pull saw from my fav lumberyard, excited to give it a shot (or pull, as it were).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bootsybus]

Got a pull saw from my fav lumberyard, excited to give it a shot (or pull, as it were).

Pretty pleased with my first notch via pull saw. It's not perfect BUT being cut by elbow grease makes me less ornery about the imperfections! Thanks for the tip!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nik333]

I am an old school advocate.

I would use a pull saw!

Got a pull saw from my fav lumberyard, excited to give it a shot (or pull, as it were).

How is a "pull saw" different from a fine-toothed hand saw? Besides the handle? Not an expert woodworker,:wink2:just used them fr a young age, as taught by my dad.

 

[de-nagorg]

How is a "pull saw" different from a fine-toothed hand saw? Besides the handle? Not an expert woodworker,:wink2:just used them fr a young age, as taught by my dad.

The pull saw cuts on the pull stroke, and gives the user much better control.

The fine tooth hand saw is for rip cutting, and cuts on the push stroke allowing the blade to wander off line too much.

Similar to the old style scalpel vs the laser scalpel.

Of course the pull saw was invented in centuries past, and the push saw in more recent invention.


ED