How To Cut A 4×4 Post With A Circular Saw


A circular saw is a craftsman’s best friend. Because of its mobility and adaptability, it is the first option of every skilled handyman. Due to its versatility, it is the optimal power tool for cutting a variety of materials. There are several models and specifications on the market, and you may use them to cut wood, metal, and even concert brickwork. Thus, all that remains is for you to choose the appropriate one.

Cutting a small piece of wood is very simple, but cutting a thick piece of wood, such as a 4×4 post, will be challenging.

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How To Cut A 4×4 Post With A Circular Saw

To cut a 4×4 post using a circular saw, you need a speed square and pencil. Put on a pair of thick gloves and boots to protect the most exposed portion of your body. Protect your eyes and ears by using safety goggles and ear plugs. Since you will be working with a large piece of wood, if possible please keep an assistant nearby to adjust and assist you in rotating it.

Step 1: Stabilize Your Workpiece

You may place the 4×4 wood piece on a flat surface, sawhorses or even a table to rest.

Step 2: Measuring and Marking

Proper measuring and accurate labeling will aid in the cutting process significantly. It is recommended to use a speed square and pencil to draw the lines and ensure that all lines intersect at correct angles on all sides of your 4X4.

Step 3: Line Up Your Circular Saw To Start Cutting

Now, grasp the blade with a relatively strong handgrip and gently press it. After the initial cut, flip your 4X4 over to make a 2nd pass with your saw. Turn again to create 3rd pass and you’re finished.

2 Ways to Cut a 4×4 With A Circular Saw Video

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In this video Fix it Flip will show you two different ways to cut a 4×4 board without the use of a miter saw. Instead you will be using a circular saw and a hand saw. Both methods will help you make smooth, accurate cuts.

How Do You Rip A 4×4 With A Circular Saw?

One creative way to rip a 4X4 with a circular saw is to run a pass with your saw down your line on the top side of the 4X4. Then flip it over and run another pass with your saw. Depending on the size of your saw you may need to finish splitting the 4X4 with using a hand saw to cut through the remaining material.

Can A 6 ½ Circular Saw Cut A 4×4?

Yes, it is possible to cut a 4X4 with a 6.5 inch circular saw. Because the cut depth of this size saw won’t fully cut through the material in just one pass you will need to rotate your workpiece and make multiple cuts to fully separate the wood.

How Do You Cut A Post With A Circular Saw?

Secure your post in place on your cutting surface, mark your cut line with a speed square and run your circular saw through your post. If your post is too thick to cut with one pass then you will need to mark all sides of your post and rotate the post making multiple cuts until your able to fully cut through the material.

How Thick Of Wood Can A 6 ½ Circular Saw Cut?

A 6.5 inch circular saw can cut through a max thickness of 4.36 inches but you will need to have the ability to rotate the wood to achieve this and may need to us a hand saw to finish the cut.

A 6.5 inch circular saw has a 90 degree max cut depth of 2.18 inches and a 45-degree angle, this saw will cut 1-5/8″ deep, because the blade can’t cut more than half of it’s diameter plus it is held in place by an arbor and also the base plate prevent some cut depth.

How Deep Can A 7 1/4 inch Circular Saw Cut?

A 7-1/4 inch inch circular saw can cut through a max thickness of 5 inches but you will need to have the ability to rotate the wood to achieve this and may need to us a hand saw to finish the cut.

7 1/4-inch circular saw blade has a max cut depth of 2.5 inches because the blade can’t cut more than half of it’s diameter plus it is held in place by an arbor and also the base plate prevent some cut depth.

Circular Saw Size

https://youtu.be/bbOIEgsXBU4

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Let’s take a look at the depth cut for different sizes of circular saws. This will provide valuable information for when you need to pick what’s right for you.

What Other Saws Can You Use to Cut a 4×4?

You can use other saws like Hand Saw, Jigsaw, Chainsaw, Table Saw, Reciprocating Saw, Smaller Miter Saw, Radial Arm Saw and 12-Inch Miter Saw to cut 4×4 post.

Using a 12-inch mitre saw, the 10-inch radial saw or a slide saw is the ideal method to cut a 44, but such equipment isn’t always accessible. Other instruments, such as reciprocating saws, handsaws and circular saws, can be used to create precise cuts with a little imagination. Whatever tool you decide to use, make sure to follow safety protocols. Avoid the temptation to remove safety features to increase the depth a saw can cut. It’s not worth the risk and may damage the tool’s motor, as it is not designed to cut to depths that go beyond its safety guards.

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Kevin Nelson

I will always have a special place in my heart for woodworking. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. We built tables, shelves, a backyard shed, 10' base for a water slide into the pool, 2 story fort playhouse with a fire pole, and so much more. This woodworking blog allows me to write helpful articles so others can enjoy woodworking as much as we have.

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