What tool to use to cut stair nose?

rec.woodworking is a good newsgroup for this kind of question.

Every power tool I can think of will stop cutting when the body of the runs into the side of the stairs. A good circular saw is a good choice; forget the recip saw.

You could rough cut it with the cheap circular saw & then finish up with a flush cutting router bit that has bearing to guide against the lower riser.

You still have to contend with the "un-cut" section at each end of the tread.

Sharp chisel & patience could do the end work. How many treads? 12?

since you're covering the treads with flooring, could you pull out the treads & rip the nose off on a table saw & re-install?

Bob

rough cut it, then shape using a belt sander. they make sanders that can get very close to edges (using a very small front roller). be prepared for an immense amount of dust.

regards, charlie cave creek, az

I am dealing with a ply stair, so I can't chisel. Sanding out that last part is not easy, I guess.

What I was thinking is use a drill bit (drill saw) and cut through the parts near the stringers. Then sand off the rough part.

I have 12 treads. This is a stair to the basement.If this is successful, I'll try to rip out the carpet on the stair leading to the upper floor, and put the hardwood in.

What kind of router do you think I should get, considering this is one or two time job? I am still trying to avoid using a circular saw for this job.

Do you think 5/16" hardwoord at:

Thanks.

y.

Bosch makes a real nice flush trimming saw....

I love the th>>

replying to Dave jackson, gene morgan wrote: I would consider just applying the thin hardwood on the risers after refinishing the treads if you are determined to use the hardwood( in my opinion stairs look better with stained treads and painted risers ) just saying ... And stairs always look better with a bull nose on the front even when they are carpeted ... Old retired finish carpenter!