How To Cut Off Deck Boards

jeclarke

I need some advice on cutting off my new deck boards (Procell) to the correct length. I have most of them installed and they need to be trimmed back 1-2". It wouldn't be an issue except I am using Certainteed railing and I have the post pipes already installed, so I can't run my circular saw with the motor resting on the deck. It needs to be mostly hanging in space.

What tool should I use to make nice straight cuts?

thanks,

mickeyco

Should have cut your boards before you installed the railings. Don't know how tight it is but maybe a smaller circular saw like the battery operated one or you could use a sawzall to cut it close to the final dimension and use a portable power planer with a wood straight edge guide to finish it to the final dimension.

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DesPro

Would you have the clearance to use a 3 1/4 hp router ? Possibly with a straight edge clamped above or below the decking and use a 1/2" shank bearing guide bit ?

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HallisseyDesign

Can you get a jig-saw on it? A nice jig-saw can handle that.

Forry

I usually do what I can with the worm-drive, cut the rest with a jig saw, then even things out with a belt sander.... first sand the ends straight, then lightly round the top of the cut. Makes a beautiful edge.

nywoodwizard

I've done the same install but was able to use my right handed skillsaw carefully and finish it off the the jig saw,if you are not feeling confident,then either use a good jig saw with a very sharp blade with either a jigsaw fence or clamp down a straight edge and cut slow,jig saw blades have a habit of going were they want to go and bend very easy,a router will also work fine with a clamped down straight edge,and may need two passes.Sure it isn't just as easy to remove some of the post supports and then reinstall,its only a few bolts ? Make sure your post supports are in the right spot before you cut anything,could be about 3" from the unfinished edge if the outside is doubled up which should give you more that enough room to use a skillsaw + your over hang,or next time pad out the support post another 1 1/2"

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