By Paul Bianchina
Whether you have a need for large timbers to support heavy loads or whether you're more interested in the massive, open-beam look they can provide for different projects, working with larger-dimension lumber can present some different challenges than those faced with more conventional framing lumber. From cutting to drilling, these large beams and posts require some special consideration and some special tools don't hurt either.
Cutting Options
Cutting a large timber to size can certainly be done with a chainsaw - but not very cleanly. For most operators, chainsaw cuts are typically too ragged and splintered for a nice appearance and it's difficult to make an accurately square cut.
One option is to make multiple passes with a circular saw. Lay the timber on a pair of sawhorses and mark the cutting line on one face. Cut along the line with your circular saw at its maximum depth, then rotate the timber one time to expose the adjacent face. Mark this face next using the saw kerf you just made as a guide and make the second cut. Rotate, mark and cut the timber two more times-and depending on your cutting and marking accuracy, you should arrive back at the original cut line. If the four cuts were not enough to cut all the way through the board, finish it off with a sharp handsaw.
To simplify this process you might consider using a beam saw. Beam saws are simply powerful circular saws equipped with massive blades that range from 10 to more than 17 inches (compared to the 7 ¼-inch blades found on the typical circular saw). Larger beam saws will cut more than six inches deep, allowing you to cut 6x lumber in one pass and 12x lumber in two. Beam saws can be purchased from most tool dealers for around $400 to $600, depending on size, or you might just want to rent one for a day or two.
Another option is to equip your circular saw with a Prazi Beam Cutter. The Beam Cutter replaces the blade on your 7 ¼-inch circular saw with a small bar and chain similar to that used on a chainsaw. The Beam Cutter utilizes your circular saw's motor and housing, so the price is very reasonable at about $130 - and since it uses the saw's base plate and handle as well, it's capable of considerably greater precision and control than you can get with a standard gas or electric chain saw. Beam Cutters are available from many tool dealers, or through mail order tool catalogs.
Drilling with Power
In addition to cutting beams to length, it's often necessary to drill holes for bolts, pegs and other fasteners, as well as for wiring and plumbing. Boring a large diameter hole through 12 or 14 inches of solid wood can tax the motor power of smaller electric drills and most standard wood boring bits won't make it all the way through, even when drilling in from opposite sides.
To ensure adequate power for boring large timbers - especially for multiple holes - you need a drill with enough power. Look for a drill such as Milwaukee's ½-inch Hole-Shooter or Hole Hawg or DeWalt's ½-inch Spade Handle drill, which feature heavy-duty designs and powerful motors in the 7 to 7 ½ amp range. Prices for these and similar heavy-duty drills range from $200 to over $300, so they're affordable for anyone with a lot of holes to drill. Got just a few? - they can be rented as well.
To compliment a drill this powerful, you need some equally large and rugged drill bits. Ship auger bits, with sharp screw tips to pull the bit solidly into the wood and wide, spiraling shafts for fast chip removal, are the bit of choice for most plumbers, electricians and timber framers. There are a wide variety of sizes available, from 11/16-inch to 1 ½-inch in diameter, and lengths ranging from 6-inch to 18-inch.
For larger and deeper holes, you might consider Milwaukee's line of Selfeed Bits in diameters ranging from 1-inch to 4 5/8-inches. The bits have a screw tip to pull them rapidly into the wood and cutting teeth around the outer perimeter that cut cleanly and quickly. Another nice feature is that you can add shank extensions to any of these bits - they range from 5 ½-inches to 24-inches in length, and combine to give you tremendous flexibility in both drill diameter and drilling depth.
These and other heavy-duty bits are available from home centers, tool dealers and other retail and mail order outlets.
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