Making full dimension 4x4's fit 4x4 Column Bases

[avanderhoorn]

Hi All

As it turns out I am now the proud owner of 14 4x4 Column bases and 14 4x4 posts. At the time I did the purchase, I made the mistake of not picking up that the 4x4 posts are actually full dimension. As far as I know, this turns out to be a sticky problem as I can't purchase column bases that will work with the full dimensions and I already purchased the ones I have (although they aren't set in concrete yet).

Thinking about the problem, I think I'm best to trim down the bottom 8" of each post to fit the base. Besides being a little time consuming, my main problem is that I don't really have any tool 100% suited to the task. Ideally a table saw would work best, but I'm thinking I could use a jigsaw on a track or maybe use a router with a bit that has a top bearing running on a template. Neither seems that appealing but I'm thinking that the jigsaw is my current best option.

Does anyone have any better ideas?

Cheers

 

[rst]

I'd use a router to only take 1/4 slots on the two side that accept the straps.  After routing be sure to use some sort of wood treatment for the slots as often treated posts do not have the treatment all the way through.

 

[rizzoa13]

You could probably take your jigsaw and cut the top of the cut 8" up and then take a chisel and mallet and split the piece on the bottom. You could sliver it and it would stop at the cut you made. We do it al the time framing you can take the claw of your hammer and split a 2x4 right in half.

This is assuming that the 4x4 sits in the bracket and gets bolted together and that it's not a compression fit. Admittedly splitting it from the end won't give you a perfect sliver but if you just need to get it close enough to slip it in and bolt it it'll work for you.

 

[duburban]

I'd use a router to only take 1/4 slots on the two side that accept the straps.  After routing be sure to use some sort of wood treatment for the slots as often treated posts do not have the treatment all the way through.

Do this…

I think it'll be your challenge to set the post bases exactly where they belong in the concrete to make your notches as small as possible, obviously the more wiggle room the better.

 

[tjbnwi]

It may be easier to get the proper base. The Simpson numbers are ABU44RZ or ABW44RZ.

http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/ABA-ABU-ABW.asp

Tom

 

[avanderhoorn]

Thanks for the ideas. If I go down the router route what sort of bit would I be best to use. I'm having trouble finding one that has a cutting length of 2". Anyone know of one?