Through mortising on wide timbers (8"x8")

John T.

That looks like an interesting tool, but the longest blade available appears to be 65mm, which is not long enough to cut through 8" even if you cut from both sides: 4" is about 102mm.

Elijah

------ has no tool suggestions to offer

A Brace and bit would give you the depth you want (all the way through) but it is not a power tool. There would be a good bit of sweat even in AC.

If it's new PT, it'll be soft and wet and a brace and bit would cut it like butter (if the bit is sharp)

Or, a self-feeder....

each side, use a sawsall tool to cut around the perimeter, and use an oscillating tool to clean up the edges. This will take some time since I have 24 mortises to cut. Not needing a tight fit since the rails will be loosely placed inside the mortises. Any other suggestions on how to do this easily with hand power tools?

The thing that you want is some approximation of a chain mortiser.

Here's a guy who does it with big balls and lots of skill.

Here's a guy with less skill who makes up for it with jigging

If you've by any chance got a radial arm saw this is worth a look:

If you're doing it with a chain saw, get an extra chain and sharpen the teeth straight across instead of at an angle. I suspect any electric chain saw will be adequate for this.

on each side, use a sawsall tool to cut around the perimeter, and use an oscillating tool to clean up the edges. This will take some time since I have 24 mortises to cut. Not needing a tight fit since the rails will be loosely placed inside the mortises. Any other suggestions on how to do this easily with hand power tools?

into an 8" slot mortiser"? smh

You could almost do it with the oscillating tool. Have to adjust the design so that the mortise is wide enough to take the tool head is all.

And 4 inches is a pretty deep cut for a router.

large pressure-treated square timbers (8"×8" wide x 8 feet long) for a small post & rail fencing project.

e, wood file). I can't justify buying a plunger router or drill press just for this project and hardware companies near me don't rent them out. My pl an is to purchase a longer drill bit, drill numerous holes along the insid e edges, chisel out an opening on each side, use a sawsall tool to cut arou nd the perimeter, and use an oscillating tool to clean up the edges. This will take some time since I have 24 mortises to cut. Not needing a tight f it since the rails will be loosely placed inside the mortises. Any other s uggestions on how to do this easily with hand power tools?

What you need to do is contact a timber frame group in your area, or where ever you can find them and see if you can borrow a timber mortising drill f rom them. These timbers are exactly what that drill was invented for.

I'm looking to cut 3 pass-through mortises (2"x6" long) on each of eight large pressure-treated square timbers (8"×8" wide x 8 feet long) for a small post & rail fencing project. I've cut mortises on smaller thickness using just hand tools (drill, chise, wood file). I can't justify buying a plunger router or drill press just for this project and hardware companies near me don't rent them out. My plan is to purchase a longer drill bit, drill numerous holes along the inside edges, chisel out an opening on each side, use a sawsall tool to cut around the perimeter, and use an oscillating tool to clean up the edges. This will take some time since I have 24 mortises to cut. Not needing a tight fit since the rails will be loosely placed inside the mortises. Any other suggestions on how to do this easily with hand power tools?

Old school would be to use a mortising axe... For example

It would be quick in PT... The beam in the video is dry hardwood...

If you find an old one you could sell it when done and it may cost you nothing for this project.

large pressure-treated square timbers (8"×8" wide x 8 feet long) for a small post & rail fencing project.

Well, without dedicated power tools, you're limited to what you have on han d. For your 6" long side, use a circular saw to cut ~2" deep. Use your l ongest drill bit/spade bit/brace & bit to gouge out the interior, then clea n up with chisel. Sawsall is another on-hand option, also. You have some sort of game plan, though it may not be so easy and fast. Might as well commit yourself to a little work. There ain't no quick and easy method wi thout dedicated power tools.... or lots of practice with a chain saw.

For my tedious jobs as this, I dedicate about half a day's work time. Work a little, rest and have a beer, work some more, have a beer, etc. Before you know it the job is done. For my unpleasant jobs, I spend time doing t he work, little by little, rather than sitting around thinking how to so it the "cheap" way. We don't always have "game changer" tools on hand.

Sonny

large pressure-treated square timbers (8"×8" wide x 8 feet long) for a small post & rail fencing project.

e, wood file). I can't justify buying a plunger router or drill press just for this project and hardware companies near me don't rent them out. My pl an is to purchase a longer drill bit, drill numerous holes along the insid e edges, chisel out an opening on each side, use a sawsall tool to cut arou nd the perimeter, and use an oscillating tool to clean up the edges. This will take some time since I have 24 mortises to cut. Not needing a tight f it since the rails will be loosely placed inside the mortises. Any other s uggestions on how to do this easily with hand power tools?

How is this project coming along? Do you have pictures?