I'm a total beginner and I'm looking to trim a piece of maple flooring that has historical value down to a more manageable size. The flooring has staple-like nails throughout it, and I initially thought about using a circular saw. However, I'm not sure if that's the best option given the metal fasteners. I also want to avoid damaging or splintering the wood during the cutting process. Can anyone suggest what blade or method I should use?
2 Answers
It sounds like you've got floor staples there. A 'demolition' blade for your saw can handle smaller nails or staples and typically cuts cleaner than other types of blades. If possible, try to borrow a track saw as well; making multiple light passes with it can lead to a better finish!
When I’ve worked with similar reclaimed wood, I usually remove the nails or staples first to avoid issues during planning. It can be tedious, but you can sometimes thump the fasteners from below to loosen them before pulling them out. Just be careful with stubborn fasteners—grinding them down or cutting them out might be necessary if they don’t come out cleanly.