I bought threaded rod and 1/2” square tubing from HD, drilled 2 holes in each end of tubing then marked where to cut then screwed tight to post then ran a reciprocating saw across tubing. Quick cheap easy way that produces great result from me.
Thanks for the tip! I think those that are saying use string line etc are kind of missing the point. Some people are great at cutting a straight line but I know for a fact I can't cut a straight line to save my life lol so this will help me with the deck posts I put in that my wife says are a bit to high! Thanks again.
I cut mine before putting pickets on. I can either a stringline and cut three sides in one continuous walk around the post motion, or set the top stringer and rest the shoe of the saw on the top stringer and cut three sides. Most times it comes out near perfect. I keep it square by keeping the front of the shoe parallel by eye to the post edge while cutting. Three cuts more accurate that two. Two can leave a step many times if not using a speed square for marking, or a jig like in this case.
Wouldn't you rather run a string line after the posts are set up and cut them before you put the fence up? I worked in the fence business here in San Antinio for about 17 or 18 years and I've never seen a jig for cutting off posts. Try running a line and find the grade that way and cut those bad boys before you put up the fence. Much easier. That's how we do it anyway. Fence looks nice though. Just a guess, are you from up North somewhere?
josh mason , I like your plan with the string. That's how I leveled the stringers. The jig just allowed my saw to rest without having too much variation. I'm not the best with a skill saw but used to cut panels for cabinets on a table saw for a living. The jig have me that stability that us stationary saw guys like. And yes, I'm up North. about an hour north of Duluth Minnesota. :-)
A string line doesnt assist in clean cutting the 4X4 posts, it just establishes the level line for the measurement of _where you will need to cut_ . Doesn't matter if the fence is up or down, if the post is set vertical you will still need to make a square cut with some tool and that's where jigs help. in other words, if you're not great with a circular or a reciprocating saw, then you need a jig.
I haven' needed to cut any of the tops to my fence posts because I set the far corner posts the same height first, then i run a string from the tops each corner property posts making sure that I set the posts two feet under ground and my Property seems to be fairly level with no measurable grade. You probably don't dig the necessary depth on each post and your property has variances in grade. I used 8 foot posts.
I hate when fence follows the ground. Level the damn thing. It will be much nicer then just keep slapping panels. Since you have beautiful 5x5 post, put your rails in between then add pickets. Curb appeal matters
Why do you need a chainsaw to go through the whole thing? Couldn’t you use a square to draw the lines on all 4 sides and just make a couple cuts with the circular saw on each post? Just take your time to make them nice cuts?
@@coreybol5408 when you install the fence you put up the 2x4s, then you cut the tops where you want them, and then install the pickets. I’d use a chainsaw.
@@GirthosaurusRex I see what you're saying. When I did mine, I put up the stringers, then I put up the pickets. I considered using a chainsaw but I'm a little too OCD to settle with the chainsaw kerf marks. Around the other side of the house, the fence is much shorter along the sidewalk. I think it would have been a different story if I didn't spend 3 years working in a high-end cabinet shop years back.
@@coreybol5408 I use a cheap electric chainsaw and it makes nice enough cuts for my customers. I struggle using the circular saw sideways to make cuts and end up making it worse!
@@GirthosaurusRex When you used your chainsaw, do you just freehand the cut? I don't have a whole lot of chance to experience with exception to firewood. Nothing accurate haha.
Why do people need to act like hero's and know more than anyone else. RUclips is pretty much for people who want to share information and learn a little. My biggest concern is if you know how to do it so well why are you on this page. Come on man not everyone is a profesional and everyone does things differently.
love the jig you make all the cutting they're accurate.
I bought threaded rod and 1/2” square tubing from HD, drilled 2 holes in each end of tubing then marked where to cut then screwed tight to post then ran a reciprocating saw across tubing. Quick cheap easy way that produces great result from me.
Thanks for the tip! I think those that are saying use string line etc are kind of missing the point. Some people are great at cutting a straight line but I know for a fact I can't cut a straight line to save my life lol so this will help me with the deck posts I put in that my wife says are a bit to high! Thanks again.
Kiss= keep it simple stupid. (not that you are, obviously) but i like it because of the simplicity of it. Nicely done!
I don't have an existing fence, but using the clamp with a few 1 x 4s does the trick for me...Thanks!
Excellent! It worked like a dream! Thanks.
I came to this channel to see this beautiful yellow truck ;))
Oh? I wish I had a truck.
I cut mine before putting pickets on. I can either a stringline and cut three sides in one continuous walk around the post motion, or set the top stringer and rest the shoe of the saw on the top stringer and cut three sides. Most times it comes out near perfect.
I keep it square by keeping the front of the shoe parallel by eye to the post edge while cutting.
Three cuts more accurate that two. Two can leave a step many times if not using a speed square for marking, or a jig like in this case.
Great job on your fence- thks i am doing this tomorrow have 6 post for a privacy fence off the patio
Dude, that's gonna bring you some joy. We love the privacy.
Haha cool I was getting sad that we in nz can't find the repro jig but ur idea great ty very much
Thank you so much for the help!!
I'm really glad it did. It was a method a could afford to do myself and still make it as perfect as I'm willing to accept 😁
Thanks for posting. Good method and very helpful.
MARVELOUS, ty 🥰
You're welcome!!
That's a really good tip
Did that kid say, "Hi Mr. Wilson?"
What is the name of the style of your fence?
Wouldn't you rather run a string line after the posts are set up and cut them before you put the fence up? I worked in the fence business here in San Antinio for about 17 or 18 years and I've never seen a jig for cutting off posts. Try running a line and find the grade that way and cut those bad boys before you put up the fence. Much easier. That's how we do it anyway. Fence looks nice though. Just a guess, are you from up North somewhere?
josh mason , I like your plan with the string. That's how I leveled the stringers. The jig just allowed my saw to rest without having too much variation. I'm not the best with a skill saw but used to cut panels for cabinets on a table saw for a living. The jig have me that stability that us stationary saw guys like. And yes, I'm up North. about an hour north of Duluth Minnesota. :-)
I try that next time
A string line doesnt assist in clean cutting the 4X4 posts, it just establishes the level line for the measurement of _where you will need to cut_ . Doesn't matter if the fence is up or down, if the post is set vertical you will still need to make a square cut with some tool and that's where jigs help.
in other words, if you're not great with a circular or a reciprocating saw, then you need a jig.
I haven' needed to cut any of the tops to my fence posts because I set the far corner posts the same height first, then i run a string from the tops each corner property posts making sure that I set the posts two feet under ground and my Property seems to be fairly level with no measurable grade. You probably don't dig the necessary depth on each post and your property has variances in grade. I used 8 foot posts.
Rocks in the ground prohibited depth consistency of the fifty+ posts. Otherwise, that's a good plan.
Nice idea
It all works but a chain saw less hassle if you have asset to one
I hate when fence follows the ground. Level the damn thing. It will be much nicer then just keep slapping panels. Since you have beautiful 5x5 post, put your rails in between then add pickets. Curb appeal matters
Very cool! This is exactly what I needed to see!!!!!! :D :D :D :D
Wouldn't you want to create an angle at the top of the post, for water to run off?
I actually thought about that. I'm eventually going to add copper fence post caps.
What is wrong with a sharp hand saw?
I definitely would cut off before pickets are installed...then they won't show above your nice fence....
In hindsight, I would too
Use a reciprocating saw much easier
Wouldn’t a reciprocating saw be easier than a circular saw and look much better than a chainsaw?
Damn rookies.
Why do you need a chainsaw to go through the whole thing? Couldn’t you use a square to draw the lines on all 4 sides and just make a couple cuts with the circular saw on each post? Just take your time to make them nice cuts?
Is this even legal what your doing?
My dog ears are horizontal..so now how?
Fence guys cut the post 1st, so you don't cut it after.
The solution is to cut them before you put the pickets up
Besides avoiding having to walk around the fence, what's the point? I'm open to your reasoning but so far it just sounds like an opinion.
@@coreybol5408 when you install the fence you put up the 2x4s, then you cut the tops where you want them, and then install the pickets. I’d use a chainsaw.
@@GirthosaurusRex I see what you're saying. When I did mine, I put up the stringers, then I put up the pickets. I considered using a chainsaw but I'm a little too OCD to settle with the chainsaw kerf marks. Around the other side of the house, the fence is much shorter along the sidewalk. I think it would have been a different story if I didn't spend 3 years working in a high-end cabinet shop years back.
@@coreybol5408 I use a cheap electric chainsaw and it makes nice enough cuts for my customers. I struggle using the circular saw sideways to make cuts and end up making it worse!
@@GirthosaurusRex When you used your chainsaw, do you just freehand the cut? I don't have a whole lot of chance to experience with exception to firewood. Nothing accurate haha.
Go to stodoys webpage if you'd like to build it yourself.
Go to woodprix if you'd like to build it yourself.
If you knew what you were doing you wouldn’t have to cut post off after fence is done. They should be done correct before rails are on
This IS for people who don't know what they're doing. That's my reason for being here, why are you here?
@@randomaxe662 haha true
Why do people need to act like hero's and know more than anyone else. RUclips is pretty much for people who want to share information and learn a little. My biggest concern is if you know how to do it so well why are you on this page. Come on man not everyone is a profesional and everyone does things differently.