Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 10/8/2008

Question
What's the best tool to make a bird's mouth cut on a rafter?  Saws with a circular blade won't leave a nice straight ending edge.  My cut is too far up the board for it to fit with my band saw.  Reciprocating & hand saws don't ensure a 90 degree angle.  My jigsaw seems the best bet, but the blade really isn't long enough to cut all the way thru efficiently (barely reaches all the way thru on the downstroke).  Do they make longer blades?

Answer
Hi Mike, I usually do my initial cuts with a skil saw (circular saw) but I don't overcut past my marks.  Then I take either a hand saw and finish the cut or use a sawzall which is a reciprocating saw with a longer blade than a jig saw.  The sawzall or reciprocating saw is invaluable when doing rough carpentry, I recommend that everyone have one in their tool repertoire.  You can get bi metal blades for them that will cut through nails making them very useful when remodeling.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com