I went shopping today. The first big box lumber store didn’t have what I was looking for, though I did buy a flush trimmer bit for my router. The sales clerk commented on the price (about $30). I told her routers were like printers, they’re cheap but the accessories (bits or cartridges) cost an arm and a leg. As I was in this shopping kind of mood I tried the other big box lumber store in the area and found what I wanted: the PT spindles (balasters), newel posts, top rails and 2×4 bottom rails to surround my deck. I bought about 100 spindles though I will probably be returning some. Spent probably half a grand on this stuff. Though the deck is only 18 to 20 inches off the ground, we wouldn’t be able to entertain our friends with the one year old on the deck without a railing. And since I am building a railing I thought it would be nice to have spindles rather than the square balusters and boards that used to be there.

Tonight I tried the flush trimming bit to trim the deck boards flush with the joists.. I wore safety glasses, face mask because it is pressure-treated lumber. I guess I should have checked the little allen screw that holds the bearing on the bit. It fell out in the lawn and debris around the deck. Not to worry though — I got the big 4”diameter magnet I salvaged from a speaker years ago. A few swishes back and forth located the little screw; which I tightened securely this time. On the other side of the deck there was a lot more trimming to do so I did the first pass with my circular saw. I had to use my dovetail to cut off that piece right by the house wall.