I need to have similar profile to the cut cut in 6x6 cedar.

I have had similar milled in past using a specialty CNC company off internet. This was more affordable than expected and turned out great. This worked to replace small pieces below 24"

I now have a need for this profile on ends of an 8' run. Too big to ship.

What would I search to find locally (Houston). I find a lot of CNC options but for non-wood material.

How did the old timers do this? What tool would I need, not afraid to try myself…

how to cut a 4x6 decorative rafter tail for Pavilion (youtube.com)

barnacle bob said:

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How did the old timers do this? What tool would I need, not afraid to try myself…

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If you don't have too many to do:

...to get it close and


...to finish it up.

Could also rough cut with a sawzall then cleanup with the belt sander.

Scroll Saw or Jig Saw

Throw together some outfeed/support tables and do it on a good bandsaw with someone helping swing the end of the 8' around for you, softly. IMO that's the only way to get it cut through evenly and save a bunch of sanding or timbers.

You could try a coping saw. Otherwise, rough cut with a sawzall and finish with a belt sander

I tried the jigsaw method on profiled 4x4s and the blade did not stay straight, ruling that out for 6x material.

I found a 3" router bit, I think this profile is simple enough to make a pattern to follow and knock it out with several passes.

Yeah, a typical jigsaw would never cut square at that depth.

Be VERY careful with a router bit that long. Make shallow passes and remove minimal material to reduce the chance of it biting or the bit walking.

barnacle bob said:

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I tried the jigsaw method on profiled 4x4s and the blade did not stay straight, ruling that out for 6x material.

I found a 3" router bit, I think this profile is simple enough to make a pattern to follow and knock it out with several passes.

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Where are you at?

I have a bandsaw that would make quick work of this. IMO, best done on a bandsaw, I wouldn't fool with doing it on a router.

Heck I even have a 14 inch Jet bandsaw that I could sell you. (It is old, but functional)

Thanks all, I finally got around to this. Ended up using 4x6 material and used a jigsaw with a 4" blade. Not perfect, but passable.

These are 10' long so I really didn't have any other option than cutting by hand.

Thanks for talking me out of the router, that would have been a challenge.