Any good techniques for marking and cutting logs used for posts, so they have nice level bases and tops when stood up plumb?
I’ve got a way I’m going to try using my PLS2 palm laser, and my Stihl, but I am anxious to hear some input from others.
My timberframer buddy uses a digital smart level, chalkbox, a chainsaw with a slab of UHMW plastic screwed to one side of the bar, and a nifty guide box he made, to do this.
Gene Davis, Davis Housewrights, Inc., Lake Placid, NY
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Replies
How many do you need to do? One time job or production? Diameter?
I had 21 each once to do, 14 inch to 24" plus diameter. Simply eyeballed the initial chainsaw cut and made sure to error on the obtuse angle side. Checked with square 2 ways, then trimmed by eye with chainsaw and power planer. Got a surprising number of the last few right on the first time by eyeball.
I sometimes do like your buddy does, with the UHMW guide blocks and a jig (BTW, the jigs can be made for doing decorative cuts on logs and timbers or beams).
If your logs are pretty straight, you can wrap a length of shake paper or a length of wide metal flashing around the log and mark the cut line...an old method but quite accurate.
I do those on my 36" SCMS. You mean you don't have one?