Notching 6x6 foundation posts.

After reading about the different techniques of notching posts-- what is apparently called the Rabbit Joint, I tried a few different options myself. Below, this is the technique that worked best for me.

My posts will accept the beams. The beams will sit inside the L notch. My beams are 2 2x10s nailed together. The actual width is 3" and the height is 9.25". Thus, my posts need to be notched 3" horizontally and 9.25" vertically. At least I think that's right measurements :)

To do so, the first post needed to be measured and marked. Once the first post was cut, I used it as a template and traced the cut on to each of the rest of the posts. So, here's how it went.

Notching posts:

1. Draw the cuts

Using a table saw, set the blade height to cut the post.

2. Use a table saw at it's highest setting (10" table saw blade in my case) with the marks on the post facing up and cut along the vertical line- the 9.25" cut.

3. Flip the post 180 degrees and use the cut you just made as the guide to cut on the opposite side. Notice too the lines on the table saw's table. Find a mark that the post seems to follow and use that as a guide on the other posts for cleaner straighter cuts.

4. Flip the post with the horizontal cut mark facing down and make the cut. The blade comes really close to the 3" we need.

5. Make another horizontal cut but instead of at our marked 9.25 inch spot, do it about half way. This will help in chiseling out the pieces since the blade doesn't cut all the way through.

6. With the cuts made, use a chisel to break away the blocks you've cut.

After the cuts have been made, use a pry bar or a long screwdriver to clear out the notch.

7. Finally, chisel and clean the little pieces that didn't get fully cut due to blade size.

Use a chisel to clean up the notch.

And there you have it. A cleanly notched post.