This year we have been doing a lot of decks and fences, and to simplify leveling the tops of all the posts I devised the jig that is shown in the drawing.
The post cutoff jig is a four-sided box with inside dimensions 1/16 in. larger each way than the cross section of the posts. The four sides of the box meet in the same plane at the top, where they are secured with screws. The two long, narrow sides hang down about 10 in. for a clamping surface.
First we plumb and stabilize all the posts, letting their tops run wild. Then we mark the desired height on one post, and transfer that height to the rest using a water level. Below each mark we measure down and scribe a second mark. This measurement is equal to the distance from the sawblade to the edge of the saw’s shoe.
Now we drop the jig over the post, clamp it so the top edge is on the lower mark and use the top of the jig to guide the saw along all four sides of the post. If the piece that’s being cut off is longer than 1 ft. or so, then have a helper lift up on it as you’re finishing the cut so that it won’t bind on the blade or fall on you.
—Timothy Pelton, Fairfield, IA
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #40
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The saw should be set to leave a slight bevel when the tops of the posts are exposed to weather. Cutting them off leaving a flat top will encourage water penetration and faster weathering.
Good tip,, put a cap on top