Replies

1. 
   Boxduh | Nov 04, 2003 04:41am | #1

   Try using a large piece of some kind of flexible film, like the mylar they used to use for making engineering drawing copies, to wrap like a tube around the column and align cylindrically so as to be able to draw your cut line.  Then saw carefully with power, or use a good hand saw.  Err on the plus side if you can.  Files or a belt sander can fine tune your result.

2. 
   Humdinger | Nov 05, 2003 06:49am | #2

   Metal strapping works good. That's the narrow strapping that building materials delivered to the job site are often secured with. Measure and mark the desired length of the column and wrap the strapping around it to register on your marks for a pretty accurate cut line.

   Don

3. 
   JeffBuck | Nov 07, 2003 07:29am | #3

   even paper works just fine ... wrap it around and make the pencil line ...

   I used to be real careful with those things till I got used to it ...

   helps to have a helper ...

   set it on the horses ... clamp a coupla clamps to keep it from rolling off ... on on each "side" .... then have the helper "roll" the post around as you guide the circular saw.

   I like to "float" the saw shoe about a 1/2 inch about the column.... and just hold tight with 2 hands .... helper controls the feed/cut rate.

   A quick hit with the belt sander dresses it up if needed .. not usually ...

   my painter caulks the joint anyway.  make sure to make more weap holes at the bottom if you cut them off .... and don't caulk them shut.

   regular carbide tip blade works fine ...

   don;t sweat it.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite