Mortising a fence post is one of the most important tasks when it comes to installing a fence. It allows you to secure the post in place, and prevents it from moving or falling over.
Additionally, this step makes it easier to install the fence wire around it.
Source: woodworkingtalk
How To Mortise A Fence Post
When it comes to installing a fence, you need to be sure to mortise the post into the ground properly. This is a step that many people overlook and can lead to a lot of headaches down the road.
Here are some tips on how to do it: Check local building codes before starting any fence installation. Many municipalities have specific regulations governing fences. Choose the right size post for your needs – too small and the fence will not be strong enough, while too large a post will also require additional supports.
Make a cut in the post with a circular saw or jigsaw blade and then use a chisel or coping saw to remove the wood around it. Mark rail lines on both sides of the post using an awl or pencil and then drill holes in them for inch bolts. Drive oversized bolts through the rail lines and into the post until they touch bottom surface of post (this will prevent them from turning).
Replace posts as needed – remember to replace them in accordance with building codes.
Check Local Building Codes
When mortising a fence post, always use a straight edge and a miter saw. If you have to replace the fence post, measure from the ground up to find the center of each hole in the post.
Next, drill pilot holes at these points and insert screws into them. Drive the screws into each hole until they are tight, then use a wrench to twist the posts so that they will fit together snugly.
Fit one post into the other using a mallet or hammer, then tighten the screws again.
Get The Right Size Post
Mortising a fence post is a simple process that will ensure the fence posts are installed correctly and securely. The right size post can be determined by measuring the depth of the hole you will make in your ground.
If the post is too big, it may not fit into the mortise properly, causing damage to both the post and fence. If the post is too small, it may not hold up under heavy loads or weather conditions. A standard mortise is inches deep and inch wide; however, there are variations depending on the type of fence being erected.
To make sure your fence posts are exactly the right size for your needs, use a auger or drill bit to make a hole in the center of the post prior to mortising it in the ground. Once you have made your hole, insert the post into it using a mallet or hammer and then drive it into place with a hammer and chisel. Finally, use an angle grinder to finish off any rough edges on the post before attaching fencing wire to it top and bottom.
Make A Cut In Post And Jamb
When mortising a fence post, it is important to first cut the post in half with a saw, then make the cuts you will need on the side of the post. A jamb plate can be used when cutting posts, but if your fence has a standard profile, then a hacksaw will work just fine.
If you use a jamb plate and get it wrong, your fencepost may become wobbly or crooked after being mortised. To avoid this problem, take your time while cutting the posts and use a jamb plate as directed. After making your cuts, it is important to clean up any leftover wood chips or shavings so they don’t cause problems later on when assembling your fence.
Next step is to install the new fencepost into the ground using either a drill or auger bit. Make sure that you tighten the bolts securely before walking around to check for accuracy. Finally, trim off any excess material from around the new fencepost with a miter saw or hand saw.
Mark Rail Lines On Both Sides Of Post
Marking the rail lines on both sides of your fence post will help you get a straight, even mortise when cutting the posts into fence rails. Use a level to make sure the rail lines are exactly perpendicular to the post before marking it.
Be sure to draw a line along the top and bottom of the post before making your marks so that you don’t cut off any of the wood in between. Make your cuts with a hand saw or miter saw, keeping the blade tight against the rail as you make each stroke.
When you’re finished, sand down all of the edges of the rails until they are smooth and ready for paint or finish installation. If you want to add gates or other decorative elements to your fence, be sure to mark where they will go before starting your project.
And always use caution when working with power tools – stay away from high-voltage lines and fences while using them! Finish your fence by painting or staining it according to your chosen design scheme, then adding any final hardware accents like hinges or locks.
Drive Jumbo Bolts Through Rail Lines And Into Post
When driving jumbo bolts through rail lines and into fence posts, you need to make sure the holes are in the right place. The rail line should be centered on the post and the bolt should go down an equal distance on both sides of the post.
You also need to drill a hole in the post that’s slightly smaller than the bolt head so it doesn’t vibrate loose while being screwed in. Drive the bolt all the way through until it’s flush with the top of the post, then use a wrench to tighten it up.
If you have access to a power drill, using a countersink bit will improve your chances of making a smooth hole in the post. Use caution when drilling—the vibrations from drilling can loosen bolts and cause damage to your fence or rail line. After drilling, use a screwdriver to unscrew the bolt until it comes out cleanly and without any burrs or debris from around it.
Before screwing in your new bolt, check for alignment by visually lining up one side of your bolt with one side of your rail line and tightening it up with your wrench until it’s snugged down evenly across both edges of the rail line. Next, do the same thing on the other side of your fencepost, taking note of which way is up when looking at it from above (if there is only one “up” side).
Finally, screw in your newly installed bolt by hand using a Philips head screwdriver—this will prevent tools from wearing down your posts prematurely over time.
Replace Post
Replacing a fence post is something that you may need to do if the post has rotted and become weak. When replacing a fence post, you will need a maul, saw, auger bit, and drill bit.
To find the center of the old post, drive a stake into the ground next to it and measure from this point to the top of the old post. Using these measurements and the dimensions of your new post, you can purchase or borrow all of the necessary tools.
Once you have everything you need, begin by driving the auger bit into the ground at this location and bore out the hole for your new post. Saw off the end of the old post so that it is flush with the ground and then remove any loose material with your maul.
Cut down your new post to size using your drill bit and then drive it into place using your mallet until it is firmly in place. Drive another stake into the ground beside your new post and repeat steps to install your second fencepost.
Conclusion
Mortising a fence post is a straightforward process that can be done by anyone with basic woodworking tools. Follow the instructions provided in the video below to ensure a successful installation.
