I bought 2'X8' pressure treated lattice.Only need I6" wide. What is best way to cut it? skil saw or table saw
Question:It's going under the porch. I'm replacing the lattice that is broken. It's my first homeowner/fixup project since my husband died, he used to do all of this stuff. And I blew it already! I want to get going on it now.. i have all of his tools, all kinds of things. my boys can hold the other end so it doesn't flop but I don't know what saw or size saw blade to use. Also , I should paint it AFTER cutting it, right? thanks!
Answers:
Come on, don't use the small stuff! Get a chainsaw. (Preferably a Husqvarna. Those things are fun.)
Actually, to cut the lattice the Skil saw or a jig saw would probably be better for you. And yes, please paint it after it has been cut and installed. Good luck.
Measure twice Cut once.
Best way to cut is either or.
both a table saw and a skil saw will work with standard wood blades. you might want to check with a scrap piece to see if the blade is sharp and if the # of saw teeth will create a smooth cut and not harsh and splintered. (the more saw blade teeth, the smother the cut will be) Use a size blade that the saw is build for. the skill saw is probably 1 7 or 7 1/4" blade and the table saw is most likely a 10" blade. Just make sure the saw blade is set to a depth that will cut through the material in one pass.
other than that, just use the saw you are more comfortable useing. if the table saw is large enough you can set the saw's guide to 8 or 16 inches to aid in a straight cut all the way down. using a skil saw, the cut will only be as straight as your hand is steady and your guide line is drawn.
as far as painting, no it is not nessasary to paint the cut end as it is treated with chemicals injected into the wood. you can seal it for good measure however it is not nessasary as long as the lattice is not in contact with the ground. if the lattice is already painted, then yes it should be painted to match.
Be extra careful operating power tools and wear all nessasary protective gear to avoid injury.
Table saw is difficult unless you have a panel cutting jig. Use the skill saw or even a hand saw. Use a 1x4 as a straight edge and it will come out great. Paint after cutting and cut finish side up to reduce splintering.
Use the table saw, it is more accurate. Take the stop on the saw and move it 16" from the blade. There is a crank on the front of the saw, underneath (this raises and lowers the blade) crank it till the blade sticks up enough above the table to cut through the thickest portion of your lattice. Feed it through with your sons helping you steady it. Take the sander and smooth any rough edges. Then paint. Attach with very fine nails, or if you want to use screws. drill a 1/8" hole in the lattice wherever you are going to put a screw so it does not split the wood.
For future reference. The people at Home Depot, etc. Will cut stuff like this for you to the size you would like. But, you have the tools, and you can do it. (Wear proper ear, eye, and respiratory protection).
For future reference
i would use a table saw...set fence as stated above and feed it through...the only thing i would do different is , draw a line where your cut is going to be and make sure there are no staples in the way...if there are , pry them out and move them over a little...
Jigsaw works well. Make a chalk line and follow it with your saw. Paint afterward. Good luck.
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