Thread: pickets help

Assuming a simple pointed profile:

Any saw that can cut a 45 degree angle (mitre).

Depending on who "they" are, and how many you have to cut:
Handsaw
Hand saw in a mitre box
Hand held circular saw
Compound mitre saw
Table saw
Bandsaw

As to technique, you probably want to establish a technique where you can reproduce large numbers of identical cuts. For this a standing power tool would be the go. For example, with a compound mitre saw, you could set up a stop to establish the length (assuming they're all to be the same length), do all the 45 degree cuts in one direction (+45), then set the saw to the -45 degree mark, reset the stop to get the cuts to meet in the middle of the stock, then do all the -45 degree cuts. You could probably hire a saw like this for a day and do all the pickets in a day.

For pickets with fancier, curved, profiles, you'd probably need a bandsaw, and it would take much longer. I can't think how you'd easily 'automate' the process, other than using a template to mark the pattern and cutting each picket individually.

"They" would probably use, depending on the complexity of the pattern:
1)an automated router head type set up, poke the paling in and step on the pedal to actuate a pneumatic clamp and an automated router head.
2)on really complex patterns they may use a similar arrangement that utilises a water cutting jet or a high power laser.
If you want to do it yourself then a set up like Zenwood suggests would be a good start. For more complicated patterns a template out of 4mm mdf screwed to the paling and a router with a pattern following bit would be the go. Personally I can't imagine doing my own palings, it just wouldn't be a cost effective way to use my time.

Mick

thanks will try it will mean more fun with the router

Zen said:

For example, with a compound mitre saw, you could set up a stop to establish the length (assuming they're all to be the same length), do all the 45 degree cuts in one direction (+45), then set the saw to the -45 degree mark, reset the stop to get the cuts to meet in the middle of the stock, then do all the -45 degree cuts.

Or you could just turn the palings over for the second cut without adjusting the saw.

The drawings show the pickets I made for some gates at home. I made a template of the pointy shape and cut them on a bandsaw, then sanded on a drum sander in my drill press.
The round indents in the sides are made with a simple jig that holds two boards together while you drill a hole with a small hole saw, then reposition them and drill another hole.
Dead simple when you try it.

NGK
I have seen a local professional turner make them on a lathe.
He turns three at a time and makes heaps of them in a very short period of time