Hello group:
I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my area
to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
myself.
I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much. Is
what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or so
long.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Where do you live (general location). Some one might be just up the
block or section that can help you.
W
"C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Hello group:
>
>I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
>have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
>for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
>what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
>thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my area
>to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
>myself.
>
>I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much. Is
>what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
>reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or so
>long.
>
>Thanks in advance for any and all help.
--
Reply to:
Whiskey Echo Sierra Sierra AT Gee Tee EYE EYE dot COM
Lycos address is a spam trap.
"C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
> putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
> posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
> (this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
> railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
> to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
> standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
> Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
> carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
>
> Also I "cannot" get anyone in my area to make them for me. I've been to
> every mill and lumber yard and they are not interested in such a small
> job, or they overquote to such a high price that it's apparent they don't
> really want to do the job but are more than willing to rip me off if I do
> use their services. Yes I know, it's pathetic, but unfortunately that is
> the situation in this neck of the woods. Good supplies and customer
> service mean little any more.
>
> So ....... if I need a thickness planer then that is what I'll have to
> do. By the time I run around trying to find someone to do the job and
> pay them, it'll probably be cheaper for me to do it myself. Thanks
> again.
If you have to take off 1/2 inch or more consider renting a 16" circular
saw. Most rental outlets carry the makita 16" timber framing saw. Rip the
posts down to size and beltsand.
b
"C.A. Decker" wrote:
> Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
> putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
> posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
> (this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
> railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
> to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
> standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
> Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
> carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
If you could narrow Southern Ontario down a bit perhaps someone read this
news group could help you out. Are you anywhere near Buffalo, NY?
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
(Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)
On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 00:11:39 GMT, "C.A. Decker"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
>putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
>posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
>(this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
>railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
>to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
>standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
>Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
>carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
>
>Also I "cannot" get anyone in my area to make them for me. I've been to
>every mill and lumber yard and they are not interested in such a small
>job, or they overquote to such a high price that it's apparent they don't
>really want to do the job but are more than willing to rip me off if I do
>use their services. Yes I know, it's pathetic, but unfortunately that is
>the situation in this neck of the woods. Good supplies and customer
>service mean little any more.
>
>So ....... if I need a thickness planer then that is what I'll have to
>do. By the time I run around trying to find someone to do the job and
>pay them, it'll probably be cheaper for me to do it myself. Thanks
>again.
there is a pretty good selection of portable thickness planers
available, at a pretty wide price spread. if you're going to do this
one job and you're pretty sure you'll never use it again you might
want to either rent one if you can or buy one for the job and sell it
when you're done. I don't know what the used tool market is like where
you are- you might be able to get a good deal on a used one. don't
forget to compare the cheapies when shopping. the harbor freight stuff
doesn't have the features or build quality of the name brand machines,
but will still do what you need for a pretty low price.
good luck.
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> Oh man - you just died and went to heaven. You have all the right reasons
> for a buying spree. "Hon, I *need* these tools to get those posts down to
> the right size so that everything looks right." Start with a new table
> saw,
> then a jointer, a planer, a bandsaw, a new drill press (don't want to use
> that oily metal one). Man, if only I were in your shoes...
You should be ashamed of yourself recommending he spend all that money on a
few tools. Can you imagine the mess he is going to make with the planer?
Now if you were to add a 1 1/2 HP dust collector. Long Ranger and . . . . .
. . . .
"C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello group:
>
> I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
> have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
> for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
> what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
> thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my
area
> to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
> myself.
>
> I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much. Is
> what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
> reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or so
> long.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Oh man - you just died and went to heaven. You have all the right reasons
for a buying spree. "Hon, I *need* these tools to get those posts down to
the right size so that everything looks right." Start with a new table saw,
then a jointer, a planer, a bandsaw, a new drill press (don't want to use
that oily metal one). Man, if only I were in your shoes...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:5lvkd.2220$Bj2.10@trndny01...
>
> "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > Oh man - you just died and went to heaven. You have all the right
reasons
> > for a buying spree. "Hon, I *need* these tools to get those posts down
to
> > the right size so that everything looks right." Start with a new table
> > saw,
> > then a jointer, a planer, a bandsaw, a new drill press (don't want to
use
> > that oily metal one). Man, if only I were in your shoes...
>
> You should be ashamed of yourself recommending he spend all that money on
a
> few tools. Can you imagine the mess he is going to make with the planer?
> Now if you were to add a 1 1/2 HP dust collector. Long Ranger and . . . .
.
> . . . .
>
>
I hang my head in shame. But honest - it's only because I don't have a dust
collector myself and I just couldn't bear the thought of him getting one and
me still sweeping up my messes.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
"C.A. Decker" wrote in message
> I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
> have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
> for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
> what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
> thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my
area
> to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
> myself.
Find someone with a planer. Just about any place that sells hardwood lumber
should be able to do the milling for you.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 11/06/04
Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
(this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
Also I "cannot" get anyone in my area to make them for me. I've been to
every mill and lumber yard and they are not interested in such a small
job, or they overquote to such a high price that it's apparent they don't
really want to do the job but are more than willing to rip me off if I do
use their services. Yes I know, it's pathetic, but unfortunately that is
the situation in this neck of the woods. Good supplies and customer
service mean little any more.
So ....... if I need a thickness planer then that is what I'll have to
do. By the time I run around trying to find someone to do the job and
pay them, it'll probably be cheaper for me to do it myself. Thanks
again.
Hello group:
I've gotten a lot of good suggestions. Hand planers, saws, etc. - all good
suggestions. I don't have a lot of woodworking tools but as suggested I
can rent, or even borrow, as long as I know the correct tool to get. Even
the idea of building up the posts from smaller lumber sounds good. I also
like the idea of looking into a local woodworking club, or perhaps even a
community college. As this is an old house I'm trying to duplicate the
appearance of the original posts as much as possible so as to keep things
looking correct. This as much a restoration as it is a repair. I think I
now have a good idea of what direction I need to go in.
Thanks again for all the suggestions. You've all been very helpful.
"C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
> putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
> posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
> (this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
> railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
> to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
> standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
> Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
> carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
>
> Also I "cannot" get anyone in my area to make them for me. I've been to
> every mill and lumber yard and they are not interested in such a small
> job, or they overquote to such a high price that it's apparent they don't
> really want to do the job but are more than willing to rip me off if I do
> use their services. Yes I know, it's pathetic, but unfortunately that is
> the situation in this neck of the woods. Good supplies and customer
> service mean little any more.
>
> So ....... if I need a thickness planer then that is what I'll have to
> do. By the time I run around trying to find someone to do the job and
> pay them, it'll probably be cheaper for me to do it myself. Thanks
> again.
is there a woodworking hobby club in your area? how about a custom cabinet
maker?
C.A. Decker wrote:
> Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
> putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
> posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
> (this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
> railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
> to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
> standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
> Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
> carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
>
> Also I "cannot" get anyone in my area to make them for me. I've been to
> every mill and lumber yard and they are not interested in such a small
> job, or they overquote to such a high price that it's apparent they don't
> really want to do the job but are more than willing to rip me off if I do
> use their services. Yes I know, it's pathetic, but unfortunately that is
> the situation in this neck of the woods. Good supplies and customer
> service mean little any more.
>
> So ....... if I need a thickness planer then that is what I'll have to
> do. By the time I run around trying to find someone to do the job and
> pay them, it'll probably be cheaper for me to do it myself. Thanks
> again.
You don't say what tools you have. There may be a way to do this with an
inexpensive accessory for something you already have, but until we know
what you have making such a suggestion would be shooting blind.
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
In article <[email protected]>, "C.A.
Decker" <[email protected]> wrote:
Just to throw out some ideas --
Fencing places usually carry 5" diameter round posts (treated wood).
You could get a cheapo portable planer to remove 1/4 to 1/2 inch from
the width of a 6x6.
Dick
>
> I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
> have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
> for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
> what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
> thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my
> area
> to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
> myself.
>
> I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much. Is
> what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
> reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or
> so
> long.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all help.
If I understand your description of the problem, you do not need to
match the size of the total post. You only need to match the size where
the railings join. Thus you can use an oversize post and remove
material only where the rail joins. You can remove material in a
restricted zone with a router or with shallow cuts with a saw.
Dick
> C.A. Decker wrote:
>
> > Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing,
> > not
> > putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace
> > the
> > posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the
> > railings
> > (this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing
> > between
> > railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
> > to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
> > standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
> > Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
> > carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
> >
hi decker,
get one of these electric hand planers. you only have to plane 2 sides to
bring it to size. just buy the lumber larger than your finished size. I have
one of these hand planers and they work really great. another thing is that
when your planing a huge piece of lumber it is so heavy that you can't
really use a benchtop jointer or even a 6 inch jointer cause of the weight.
here is a link to the electric hand planer.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=32222
good luck
yor friend in Christ,
Gregory :)
"C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Perhaps I need to clarify. I'm replacing posts for a porch railing, not
> putting up a new fence. The railing is fine, I just need to replace the
> posts, which are square in cross section. In order to reuse the railings
> (this is an old house), and in order to maintain the same spacing between
> railing sections so that everything goes back in the same place, I have
> to use posts with the exact same dimensions. These posts are not a
> standard size, so no, they are not available commercially. I live in
> Southern Ontario in an urban area, and all that the lumber yards here
> carry are 4x4's and 6x6's.
>
> Also I "cannot" get anyone in my area to make them for me. I've been to
> every mill and lumber yard and they are not interested in such a small
> job, or they overquote to such a high price that it's apparent they don't
> really want to do the job but are more than willing to rip me off if I do
> use their services. Yes I know, it's pathetic, but unfortunately that is
> the situation in this neck of the woods. Good supplies and customer
> service mean little any more.
>
> So ....... if I need a thickness planer then that is what I'll have to
> do. By the time I run around trying to find someone to do the job and
> pay them, it'll probably be cheaper for me to do it myself. Thanks
> again.
On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 02:57:42 GMT, "C.A. Decker"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>This size is not commercially available, so I
>thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts.
All timber is available in all sizes - you just need to find a
supplier that machines timber, rather than just being a retail shop.
Find a better timber yard, ideally the one who is making these posts.
--
Smert' spamionam
"C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello group:
>
> I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
> have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
> for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
> what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
> thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my
area
> to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
> myself.
>
> I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much. Is
> what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
> reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or so
> long.
>
> Thanks in advance for any and all help.
You could send me the posts, I can do them on my table saw. I have a nice
jig arrangement that allows me to cut them by using multiple passes and
flips.
On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 03:32:52 GMT, "Mike Marlow"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>
>"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:5lvkd.2220$Bj2.10@trndny01...
>>
>> "Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> > Oh man - you just died and went to heaven. You have all the right
>reasons
>> > for a buying spree. "Hon, I *need* these tools to get those posts down
>to
>> > the right size so that everything looks right." Start with a new table
>> > saw,
>> > then a jointer, a planer, a bandsaw, a new drill press (don't want to
>use
>> > that oily metal one). Man, if only I were in your shoes...
>>
>> You should be ashamed of yourself recommending he spend all that money on
>a
>> few tools. Can you imagine the mess he is going to make with the planer?
>> Now if you were to add a 1 1/2 HP dust collector. Long Ranger and . . . .
>.
>> . . . .
>>
>>
>
>I hang my head in shame. But honest - it's only because I don't have a dust
>collector myself and I just couldn't bear the thought of him getting one and
>me still sweeping up my messes.
I picked up a sheet of 1/4" hardboard at HD today for drawer bottoms,
and the guy mentioned that it was a slow day, and if I wanted any cuts
made, he'd do it free...
I thought that he was kidding, so I said "yeah, I need three 11" x 8'
sections cut out of the sheet, then the 3 sections cut to 14 1/2 x 11"
drawer bottoms"...
damned if he didn't say "no problem" and put it on the panel saw
(several times) and did my work for me... the panel saw didn't really
impress me, but the dust collector on that sucker was awesome...
It mush have been 6 feet tall and had a blower the size of my router
table.. I WANT IT!
On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 02:57:42 GMT, "C.A. Decker"
<[email protected]> vaguely proposed a theory
......and in reply I say!:
remove ns from my header address to reply via email
How much do you need to take off?
Circular saw?
>Hello group:
>
>I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I do
>have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
>for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
>what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
>thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my area
>to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
>myself.
>
>I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much. Is
>what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
>reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or so
>long.
>
>Thanks in advance for any and all help.
*****************************************************
Dogs are better than people.
People are better than dogs for only one purpose. And
then it's only half of ofthe people. And _then_ most
of them are only ordinary anyway. And then they have a
headache.........
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "C.A. Decker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Hello group:
> >
> > I'm more of a metal worker than a woodworker, but every now and then I
do
> > have to make something in wood. I need to replace some rotted out posts
> > for a railing. I need a size something less than 6x6 to exactly replace
> > what was there before. This size is not commercially available, so I
> > thought I'd cut down some 6x6 cedar posts. Couldn't find anyone in my
> area
> > to do the job for me so I guess I'll have to buy a machine and do it
> > myself.
> >
> > I don't want to spend big bucks as I probably won't use it that much.
Is
> > what I'm after a thickness planer and if so, what size do I need to do a
> > reasonable job on these 6x6's? The posts will be short, only 3 feet or
so
> > long.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for any and all help.
>
> Oh man - you just died and went to heaven. You have all the right reasons
> for a buying spree. "Hon, I *need* these tools to get those posts down to
> the right size so that everything looks right." Start with a new table
saw,
> then a jointer, a planer, a bandsaw, a new drill press (don't want to use
> that oily metal one). Man, if only I were in your shoes...
> --
>
If you only need to something occasionally. it may be possible to have
somebody do the millwork for you. Many of these charge a minimum fee amd
flat hourly rate. With the right equipment, a job like this would probably
be done inless than an hour. I have done this a number of times when I
didn't have a shop handy. I even did it when I had a shop but didn't have
the tools do do a particular operation.
Some cabinet shops may be able to do it for you. Some lumber yards have a
millwork operation where you buy the lumber and have it milled. Or even ask
around for somebody with a well equipped shop.
I know full well the differences between metal and wood shop. I love
woodwork but end up doing more metal work because I design things that need
to be made from metal. And it takes a large space and bigger investment in
equipment to do both well.