- 1). Put on gloves and eye protection. Use the measuring tape to find the distance from the ground at the bottom of the post to the highest point you'll need on the post once it's set in the ground. Mark it with the pencil. Place the side of the level at the post's top edge on the marked point, and center the bubble. Draw a straight line with the pencil across the edge of the level on the side of the post.
- 2). Place the square on the adjoining face of the post, and align the horizontal leg even with the drawn line and the vertical leg even with the edge of the post. Draw a straight line with the pencil along the horizontal leg of the square on the side of the post. Repeat this procedure to draw a straight line all the way around the post. Be sure all the lines adjoin evenly.
- 3). Using the circular or hand saw, cut the post on the lines you've drawn. Check the top of the post with the square to be sure it's perpendicular to all four sides. Repeat the marking and trim the top if it wasn't cut squarely.
- 4). Place the new post on the sawhorses or worktable. Determine the highest point from the ground you'll need to access on the post. Add 2 feet of length to this measurement to allow for setting the post in the ground securely. Using the measuring tape, mark one side of the post at the correct length.
- 5). Use the marking procedure in step 2 to draw a straight line around the post. Hold the post down firmly and cut it on the marked line. Check all four sides at the top with the square. Mark it again and trim if it isn't square.
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