IRONBARK Hardwood - What power tool should I use?

[stuartlaw_78]

Hi all,

I've been reading quite a few thread on here for a few months now but have never posted... I guess you could say I'm a long time reader, first time writer... :2tsup:

I am erecting an Alfresco area with Ironbark 200x200 posts. I also have the main beam and rafters in Ironbark. (I am using Ironbark due to the 5m spans between posts and 4.5m span off of the house.)

My question is this...... I am going to cut notches out on the top sides of each post on 2 sides so that my beam/external rafters can sit on the post flush. (like a little step). The beams are 250x75 so the notches have to be etched out that much.
What is the best way to do this and get clean lines????
Maybe a hand held circular saw with variable depth control??

Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks.

Stu.

[splitpost]

i would use a saw with depth gauge keep cuts close and finish with a wide chisel and mallet,oh yeh clamp your posts and pre drill everything ironbark is unforgiving,hope this helps.:2tsup:

[stuartlaw_78]

Thanks mate..... Is it prone to splitting while working with it? Do I need to put wood underneath it so when I drill through it for the bolts, it doesn't split??