For smaller wood pieces, the process of cutting is typically less involved and can be done by a wider variety of tools. When it comes to posts, such as a 6×6 though, what are the tools that can be used to cut such a thick piece of lumber successfully?
The tools that can be used to cut a 6×6 include a miter saw, circular saw, chainsaw, chop saw, reciprocating saw, and a handsaw. For the cleanest cut with the most accuracy, a miter saw is the best tool to use when fitted with a 10 inch blade.
A 6×6 post is not as commonly used in comparison to hardwood lumber pieces such as a 2×4 or a 4×4, but this size of lumber can be used for a multitude of different purposes. With this being the case, you may find yourself using this lumber piece for a particular project, but it can become daunting when cutting is necessary. If you are looking to cut a 6×6, continue reading below to see what tools will work well for this and which should be avoided.
What Can You Use to Cut a 6×6?
There are many different reasons why someone may choose to use a 6×6 rather than the more common 4×4, such as having a piece of lumber that can support a larger amount of weight without having to use reinforcements, changing the overall look of a project that will have a post in plain sight, or are building a hand-made swing set, but when it comes to cutting, you may find yourself rather stumped. If this is the case for you, read on to see what can be used.
The tools that can be used to cut a 6×6 include a miter saw, circular saw, chainsaw, chop saw, reciprocating saw, and a handsaw. For the cleanest cut with the most accuracy, a miter saw is the best tool to use when fitted with a 10 inch blade.
Can You Cut a 6×6 With Miter Saw?
A miter saw has a circular rotating blade that is ideal for projects that need a finished look without having to go in after the cut has been made. Even more, miter saws can easily deliver straight and crosscuts without having to think hard about the implementation of sharp angles. If you have a miter saw and are needed to cut a 6×6, can this tool get the job done?
A miter saw can cut a 6×6, but the saw should be fitted with a 12 inch blade. Even with a blade of this size though, you will have to make multiple cuts on this size of lumber, so it is important to mark the cuts before you begin sawing to ensure the cut is even across all sides.
Can You Cut a 6×6 With Circular Saw?
The circular saw is similar to the miter saw when it comes to obvious appearances, as this tool is also fitted with a round rotating blade. The difference between these saws though is that the miter saw is designed to make clean cuts and the circular saw is intended more for ripping, which means the outcome of the edges of an item will be rather jagged. Knowing this, is a circular saw appropriate for cutting a 6×6?
You can cut a 6×6 with a circular saw, but the cut will be rough when completed and you will need to finish the cut with a tool such as a handsaw. Equipped with a 7-¼ inch blade, the saw can cut through all sides when rotated, but around 1 inch of thickness will need to be finished off.
Can You Cut a 6×6 With Chainsaw?
Everyone knows that a chainsaw can rip through some of the thickest fallen trees without a problem and can trim even the wiriest of overgrown wooden patches, but when it comes to something like a 6×6, is a chainsaw ok to use or is this tool a bit too powerful? For those of you wondering if a chainsaw will do, continue reading below.
You can cut a 6×6 with a chainsaw, but it is important to ensure that the blade is sharp and that the material is securely placed or laying on the ground and tightly held in place to prevent movement as the power from a chainsaw can easily rock the timber and result in potential danger.
Can You Cut a 6×6 With Chop Saw?
A chop saw is another tool that resembles quite a few others due to its circular rotating blade, but this saw is one that is used for those projects that need to produce a multitude of cuts without having the worry of making a clean cut during the process. The primary function of a chop saw is to make straight cuts, which may make it seem ideal when it comes to cutting a 6×6, but can this tool be used on such an item?
A chop saw can be used to cut a 6×6 so long as it is fitted with the right blade size. When using a chop saw to cut a 6×6, fit it with a 10 inch blade and mark the cut on all sides before beginning. Although a clean cut will eventually be achieved, multiple cuts will have to be made on all sides.
Can You Cut a 6×6 With Reciprocating Saw?
A reciprocating saw is one tool that stands in stark contrast to the other tools previously mentioned, as this tool is a handheld device and is fitted with a relatively short and thin blade at its end. A reciprocating saw is ideal for cutting through thinner pieces of wood and making difficult angled cuts in small areas. Knowing this, would a reciprocating saw be able to cut through something as wide and dense as a 6×6?
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 16, 2022.
You can cut a 6×6 with a reciprocating saw, but it will take multiple passes on each side as well as a finishing cut with another tool (such as a handsaw) to cut through the connected wood in the center once all sides have been cut as far as the tool will allow.
Can You Cut a 6×6 With a Hand Saw?
Although a handsaw is one tool that may be classified as old school when compared to more recent woodworking products, this tool has stayed around for a variety of different reasons. The handsaw has a very long blade which allows for cuts on wider pieces of wood, is muscle-powered, which is great for those wanting more control, and can cut through thick items well as long as the individual using the hand saw has the stamina, but can it cut a 6×6?
A 6×6 can be cut with a handsaw as the blade is long enough to handle the width of the lumber and the tool saw through the thickness so long as the user is capable of maintaining the sawing motion for such an item. For the easiest cut, always be sure the blade is sharp.
How to Cut a 6×6 Properly
When cutting a piece of lumber as wide and as thick as a 6×6, you should be sure that the tool you are using is not only capable of the cut, but is safe to use without putting the individual in danger. For those of you looking to cut a 6×6, continue reading to see what tool is most appropriate for cutting such an item.
To properly cut a 6×6, a miter saw is the most ideal tool due to its ability to make accurate cuts, but also leave smooth edges, but this tool requires the 6×6 to be rotated and cut on all sides. If you want to cut the 6×6 in one pass, a chainsaw will be the best option, but will not be as accurate.
The tools that can be used to cut a 6×6 include a handsaw, miter saw, reciprocating saw, chainsaw, circular saw, and a chop saw. For those who want a single cut, a chainsaw is the best option, but for those who need accuracy and a clean edge, a miter saw should be your go-to.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 16, 2022.