Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
straight chalk line is created. This will be your straight cutline to follow when you are cutting your
board. Sidney says if you don't have a chalk line you can use a 2×4 but the line might not be as
straight.
To actually make your cut, place the board securely on the sawhorses with the cutline in the empty
space between the horses (you don't want to accidentally cut your sawhorses!). Lift the guard out of
the way, and place the exposed blade near the board but not touching. Then hold your saw firmly
with two hands and turn the saw on.
Press it forward slowly as the blade cuts the board allowing you to advance the saw forward. Watch
the line! Keep your mark in line with the saw blade so your cut will be accurate and straight.
When you reach the end of the board, the feel of resistance in the board and the sound will change—
slow down and be prepared for the board to fall when the cut is completed. If you have a partner
helping you, he or she can hold the piece of the board you're cutting (if there's room to safely hold
the board without getting too close to the saw) and keep it from falling. Release the trigger as soon
as the board is cut to stop the saw blade from spinning and prevent any accidental injuries.
Putting the Wood Together
We often use screws to join our wood pieces as it's easier to assemble, and in the case of mistakes,
disassemble, as compared to nails. In windy weather, or extreme heat that dries out the wood, nails
can be prone to loosening and coming out of the wood. Screws are less likely to do so. Backyard
farmers with an eye on the budget will find that nails are less expensive than screws, however, so
it's up to you which method you want to use and when.
If you are screwing two pieces of lumber together, you will find that a high-quality (a.k.a. not the
cheapest) cordless drill makes your job a lot easier. Invest in a drill that allows you to reverse direc-
tions easily and has interchangeable heads for a variety of tasks.
Over the Garden Fence
You should have more than one battery for your cordless drill, and always have a charged battery on hand.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting halfway through a project and having to stop to charge your drill.
When fixing lumber together at a right angle to form the corner of a box or wall frame, use more
than one screw or nail. Multiple screws will stabilize the boards. You can usually screw from the
outside piece so that the points of the screws are not exposed where you can get cut. If in doubt,
screw (or nail) from the thinnest piece of wood into the thickest piece of wood as when attaching a
plywood siding piece to a 2×4 frame.
Line up the end of one board with the side of the other board to get a good idea of where you'll be
attaching the boards. Don't finish tightening your screws, though, until you've used your level to
make sure everything is as square and level as possible.
