DIYbanter - View Single Post - Notching deck boards

The Medway Handyman

wrote:
On 18 Sep, 19:32, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
wrote:
I've just completed stage one of my deck (getting the frame in
place). Possibly not up to the standard of many on here, but it is
solid, level, straight and rigid; I'm pleased.

I'm installing posts for a handrail on the inside of the frame,
which means I'll be cutting large notches in the deckboards to
accommodate the posts. I'm concerned that this will be the most
likely place where I'll make a really visible cockup, so I thought
I'd ask for some advice on how to do this neatly.

The tools I have at my disposal a-
- jigsaw (advice on type of blade recommended)
- tenon saw
- hacksaw
- Makita 12v drill / driver (and assorted bits)
- padsaw
- brute force (!)

The bit i struggle with is achieving the horizontal cut between the
two vertical cuts to make the gap wide enough for the post.

Any joiners tips for a neat finish gratefully received.

Not a joiner, just a general wood butcher & deck builder :-)

Mark the two lines for the vertical cuts. Start cutting the right
hand vertical one with a jigsaw but halfway along the vertical line
veer off to the left until you meet the horizontal line. Cut along
the horizontal line until you reach the left vertical line.

Now cut straight up the left vertical until you meet the horizontal
& a bit will fall out - like half a capital 'D'.

Cut along the horizontal until you meet the right horizontal line.
Continue the original cut along the right hand vertical.

Hope that makes sense, easier to show you than describe it.

Many thanks. That was the way I was thinking of heading, though in
the past I've tried things like drilling a 10mm hole in the corner so
that I could start the jigsaw in there. I've never got a good result
though. Presumably if I was doing this *a lot* then something like
the Fein would come into play.

I have the Bosch version of the Fein but prefer the jigsaw because its much
faster - also the blades for the Bosch are very expensive (£6+ each) and
don't last that long.

Thanks (as ever) for your help. When finished I shall put up some
photos just so you can all share your opinions (positive or otherwise)
of what my handiwork.

Look forward to seeing them.

--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk