If you need to cut a 4×4 post, then the ideal tool is a large 12” miter saw. This saw has the blade diameter needed to chop through a 4×4 in a single pass, so if this is an option for you it’s the way to go.
Standard circular saws with 7 ¼” blades can only cut 2 ½” deep, so making the cut in a single pass isn’t possible. “A miter saw isn’t always an option though; if you need to cut a 4×4 on the job while you’re installing fence posts then a circular saw is a better option, as it can cut through a 4×4 in 2 or 3 passes, and is far more portable than a 12” miter saw. Line up your saw with the cut line from step 1, slide the blade in the existing groove, and complete the second cut.
In this article, I’ll guide you on how to cut 4×4 lumber with ideal sized circular saw. For general infrequent work, you can use your usual circular saw and blade and make several passes. For more regular work it would be best to invest in the right beam saw such as Makita 5402NA 16-5/16-Inch Circular Saw.
If it is your first time purchasing a circular saw and you intend to use it to cut 4×4, you might get confused about which circular saw size is best for cutting 4×4. The sizing of the circular saw refers to the size of the saw blades that fit the circular saw. The size of the diameter of the saw blade will also dictate the depth of cut the circular saw can produce.
The best way to cut a 4×4 post is by using a 12-inch miter saw, 10-inch radial arm saw, both of which can cut completely through a post in one pass, or a standard circular saw that can make precise cuts in two passes with the help of a simple jig. For a fence post or even a deck support post that’s going to rest on gravel and be supported by a cement base, an uneven end in which the cut is off by 1/8th of an inch won’t make much of a difference as that end will be buried in 2 or more feet of cement. Cut the first side, follow the cut line, rotate the board 180 degrees, and cut the second cut line completely through the post.
If your post is too thick to cut with one pass then you will need to mark all sides of your post and rotate the post making multiple cuts until your able to fully cut through the material. A 6.5 inch circular saw has a 90 degree max cut depth of 2.18 inches and a 45-degree angle, this saw will cut 1-5/8″ deep, because the blade can’t cut more than half of it’s diameter plus it is held in place by an arbor and also the base plate prevent some cut depth. 7 1/4-inch circular saw blade has a max cut depth of 2.5 inches because the blade can’t cut more than half of it’s diameter plus it is held in place by an arbor and also the base plate prevent some cut depth.
what size circular saw to cut 4×4 Related Question:
Will a circular saw cut through a 4×4?
Circular Saw. A circular saw is one of the best means of cutting a 4×4 post. Most people own a circular saw, its portability makes it easy to cut 4x4s from the ground, and they can make precision cuts by using a relatively simple trick.
What size miter saw Do I need to cut a 4×4?
It shouldn’t be a matter of whether a 10-inch miter saw can cut a 4×4, but rather what miter saw is better suited for cutting 4x4s? The short answer is, you need a 12 inch miter saw.
Will a 7 1 4 miter saw cut a 4×4?
No not with one cut. You would have to turn the 4×4 over. Blade is a 7 1/4″ diameter, same as a hand held circular saw.
How deep can a 12 inch circular saw cut?
To sum up, a standard circular saw can offer a cutting depth of 2.5 inches as the maximum, but you can adjust the depth to match your requirements. It’s easy by moving the blade up and down to align against the material before starting to cut.
Can a 10-inch table saw cut a 4X4?
Yes, a 10-inch table saw can cut a 4X4. However, it can not cut it all in one go. It can only cut material that is 3.5 inches thick, so you will have to do it twice. A 12-inch table saw will be able to cut a 4X4 in one go.
What is the advantage of a sliding miter saw?
The most common reason a sliding miter saw is used than that of its non-sliding counterpart, is because of this sliding versatility, as it allows you to work with larger boards, and can assist in projects that are just too difficult to pull off with a non-sliding miter saw.
What size board will a 10-inch sliding miter saw cut?
Saws start to differ when you look at their blade diameter—commonly 10 inches or 12 inches. The bigger the blade, the deeper and wider its maximum cut. Typically, a 10-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 6 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 4 at 45 degrees; a 12-inch miter saw will cut a 2 x 8 at 90 degrees and a 2 x 6 at 45 degrees.
Is a 7 1 4 miter saw worth it?
Let me help you then; if you’re someone who needs to work with wider or relatively larger boards often and often, it’s better to choose the 7 ¼ miter saw. But if you need to make bevel cuts every once in a while, then a 10-inch miter saw should be your go-to!
Can jigsaw cut 4×4?
Jigsaws work best for cutting softwood that’s no more than 1-1/2 in. thick and hardwood up to 3/4 in. thick. In short, a jigsaw can cut a 2×4 comfortably, however cutting a 4×4 would not be ideal.
Can a 7 1 4 miter saw cut a 2×6?
45° Miter Cut Capacity (max height) 2” 45° Miter Cut Capacity (max width) 2×6.
How thick of wood can a 7 1 4 circular saw cut?
Circular Saw Sizes Standard-size saws use 7 1/4-inch blades and can cut a maximum depth of about 2 1/2 inches.
How deep can a 10 inch circular saw cut?
Makita 5104 14 Amp 10-1/4-Inch Circular Saw This large cutting capacity sidewinder can reach depths of 3 ¾ inches at 90 degrees, which allows users to easily cut into some timbers.
How do I know what size circular saw to get?
Circular Saw Features Blade capacity determines the maximum depth of cut a saw can achieve. The larger the blade, the deeper the cut. The most common blade diameter is 7-1/4 inches. Most saws with blade capacities of 6 inches or more can cut through 2-inch dimensional lumber at a 45-degree angle in a single pass.
Can I use a bigger blade on my circular saw?
The answer is generally this is not a great idea. A larger blade will put excess stress on the motor, and may not have enough strength to provide the cutting power at the tooth you need.
How deep can a 6 1 2 inch circular saw cut?
The 18V Brushless Lithium Ion 6-1/2 Inch Deep Cut Circular Saw (C18DBALQ4) is a revolutionary cordless circular saw utilizing a 6-1/2″ blade which allows a 2-19/32″ cutting depth, making it one of the deepest cutting cordless circular saws on the market. This circular saw has a similar cut capacity as a 7-1/4″ saw!
