How to Cut Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure treated wood is lumber that has been specially treated to resist damage from insects and rotting. It is manufactured by sealing it inside a tank from which the air is removed. The wood is then injected with a copper-based chemical preservative that protects the wood. Although pressure treated wood releases toxic fumes if burned, ordinary sawing does no harm and can be accomplished with hand-held saws or power saws. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Dust mask
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Cross-cut handsaw with a 26-inch blade
- Circular saw (optional)
Instructions
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1
Lay a piece pf pressure treated wood on a flat work surface and use a tape measure to locate the place where the wood must be cut. Mark that spot with a pencil in the location.
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2
Put on safety glasses, a dust mask and work gloves before starting to cut into the pressure treated wood.
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3
Slide the pressure treated wood over the edge of the work surface until the pencil line hangs off freely.
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4
Pick up a cross-cut handsaw with a 26-inch long blade. Place the back of the blade at the edge of the pressure treated lumber aligned with the pencil mark. Pull it back toward you. Repeat the process two or three more times until there is a visible notch in the edge of the wood.
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5
Begin sawing back and forth in smooth strokes to cut through the pencil line on the wood. Hold the saw at a 45-degree angle to the wood as you do so for the best cut. Stop when you reach 1/2 inch from the end.
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6
Raise the saw to a 90-degree angle with the handle pointed in the air and cut through the remainder of the wood to prevent it from splintering.
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Tips & Warnings
If desired, you can also cut through pressure treated wood with a circular saw or anther power saw.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
