Cutting deck boards

[coylumbridge]

This is probably going to seem like a daft question but one to which I'd love to get an answer.

I'm in the middle of building a deck (approx 60 deck boards) and am having trouble cutting across the deck boards - they are 4.8m x 145mm x 28mm. Each time I saw them, I get about a quarter in then the saw jams up. It's almost as if the board is closing in around the saw cut. I then find it extremely difficult cutting the rest of the way across the 145mm in a straight line.

I've tried three different sharp new saws all to no avail.

Can anyone help please ? Is there a special saw for this ?

Thanks

 

[Deluks]

What sort of saw are you using?

Are you holding the saw upright? Supporting the saw with an extended finger along the blade? (a little finger makes all the difference)

My guess is that you aren't supporting the offcut, so the weight of it hanging down is jamming on the blade. This will also cause the timber to tear and splinter when you're almost through.

Clamp the board down, or fix it in a workmate.
Then you can cut with one hand and support the off cut with t'other.

 

[coylumbridge]

Thanks - yes - I do hold it upright, use the finger support etc - was taught properly.

Can't use a circular saw as boards are fixed in place, with posts ect in the way and want a very straight cut.

Generally use hard point saws - 7 or 10 teeth per inch.

Cutting across, stright up and down - find that after getting about 50mm into the 145mm the cut seems to close up and tightens in on the saw which then jams up and can't move.

I've sawed many types of wood from battens and joists to MDF and kitchen worktops - never had this happen before though.

 

[big-all]

i would suggest that the board are wet internaly so the boards are swelling or
you arnt keeping the boards level and they are binding[closing up] on the blade try raising an inch at the point of cutting or lowering the edges now in your case you have no choice but this is the normal advice for binding

also rub the saw blade with candle grease or dry soap

 

[Robbie uk]

You could try spraying some WD 40 on the saw just before you use it. Does help quite a bit.

 

[coylumbridge]

many thanks for all your comments - I'll try each and see how I get on - suspect grease or wd40 may just do the trick

cheers