cut sleepers in the garden what to cut and treat them with

happyhero

Hi I am going to be using some sleepers in the garden, the real used type with the tar coating or what ever they have on them, but I will need to cut them in some cases, so I have two questions.

1. How would you cut them, I was thinking of using a chainsaw, but can you cut fairly straight with that method(a couple of the cuts will be long ones, along the lengths). Would a circular saw be any good first from one side and then the other and then maybe either a hand saw or saber saw to cut right through or will oak beams burn the circular saw out quickly?

2. Secondly what would you use to coat the cut edge that would protect the sleeper as closely as its existing protection, ie I am trying to prevent my cut edges being the weakness that gives in first. Some of the cut edges will be in contact with the ground, with the project I am doing so I want something that gives a very good protection.

Any help appreciated.

hulkiebear

I have cut sleepers before using a cicular saw in the method you suggested, finishing of the centre with a hand saw. it shouldn't burn the saw out as such as long as you let the motor run at the correct speed(don't cut too fast). Also, make sure you use the right blade, rip saw for length ways and a crosscut for across the grain, not only will it be alot easier, but also a much neater cut.

The original protection is probably illigal these days, so I would suggest searching the loacl DIY store for some sort of protection with a stain in it to match the sleeper colour.

maninthestreet

Try creosote, assuming the Health and Safety fascists haven't banned it.

espresso

maninthestreet wrote: »

Try creosote, assuming the Health and Safety fascists haven't banned it.

The use of creosote by amateurs was banned in June 2003.

takoo

Hi Happyhero

Despite Maninthestreet when using a chain saw or other any electric or petrol based saw, carefully inspect the timber before any cutting.

If touched any embedded wires, bolts or nails etc will probably damage the saw blade. If the blade breaks the shapnel may hit the user.

You can get a creosote substance if you are keen to maintain a sustainable policy towards biodiversity.

Best of luck

Takoo

ukjoel

If you go to wickes they sell a 5 ot 20 littr container of Creosote replacement protection for about a fiver. I bought one to do some work and it lasts forever. You just use a paintbrush to put it on the wood and it soaks in.

For cutting I use a circular saw and it works fine although the main advantage a chainsaw has is its only one cut.

If you need to attach any together get yourself some timberlok screws. They are brilliant. Also look around as prices vary hugely.