How to Cut 4-by-4 Lumber

Various sizes of lumber are used in building projects from decks to play houses and fencing. Support posts in projects around the home often require the use of 4-inch by 4-inch lumber. Available from lumber yards and home improvement stores, 4-by-4 posts are purchased in a variety of lengths. When it is necessary to cut a post with a circular saw, one method will help make the job more manageable.

Post, 4-inch by 4-inch
Square
Saw horses
Circular saw
Safety glasses
Electrical outlet
Extension cord

Instructions

- 1
  Set two saw horses several feet apart based on the length of the 4-by-4 post to be cut. Place the 4-by-4 on the saw horses so the point at which the post will be cut is outside rather than inside the saw horses.
- 2
  Mark the point where the cut will be made on the 4-by-4. Use a carpenter's square and a pencil to mark a straight line across the side of the 4-by-4.
- 3
  Turn the post and continue the line around all four sides of the post. Use the carpenter's square and pencil to continue the line.
- 4
  Put on safety glasses and plug a circular saw into an extension cord or electrical outlet. Hold the saw securely and guide the blade along the cut on one side of the 4-by-4. Cut the post halfway through with this pass.
- 5
  Turn the 4-by-4 over so the side opposite that which was cut is now face up. Line up the saw with the marked line and cut the 4-by-4 post completely through.

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