I'm looking for a easier, faster way to cut half lap joints in heavy timber on site. The application is fitting vertical posts to horizontal joists when building decks.
Posts vary from 3 x 3, 3.5 x3.5, 4 x 4 (inches) Joists are mainly 6 x 2. Joint has to be square or getting the post plumb is a problem.
No trouble in the workshop with my RAS, but it's not really practical to do it off site.
Tried various things, L10 135mm blades in my Makita jigsaw, but whatever I do the blade wanders, surprising that Makita make 135mm blades that don't cut straight even in such a superb machine. Don't think its me!
El cheapo reciprocating saw is slightly better, probably because the blade is wider..
Currently cutting by hand & cleaning up with a chisel. Dead accurate with care but slow & bloody hard work! 6" long cuts along the grain in 3" timber are no fun!
The answer seems to be some kind of jig & a circular saw to cut multiple notches, but it needs to be safe - no damage to posts - or me!
Tried Google & found this very useful site
Any thoughts?