Abstract: Post notch forming tool mounted on a handheld saw blade for forming a notch in a post end. The tool has a base, a handle, and two L-shaped members with bolt assemblies for attaching the tool to the saw blade. The base has a first extended lip which slides downwardly along the post's outer surface to guide the tool to form a 3-inch notch. A spacer member is selectively attached to the L-shaped members and has a second extended lip which slides downwardly along the post's outer surface to guide the tool to form a 1½ inch notch. Method steps include using the power saw blade to form a transverse cut intersecting the longitudinal axis, using the extended lip of the base to form a 3-inch notch, or attaching the spacer member and using its extended lip to form a 1½ inch notch in the post's outer surface.

Abstract: A piling guide tool for forming a cutout for seating a brace plate on a post. The piling guide tool has a body with first and second surfaces, first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and a router guide area adjacent to an opening in the body. A pivotally mounting bolt guide mounting plate is used to cover and uncover the opening. A bolt hole guiding assembly supported on the guide mounting plate has two cylindrical hollow guides. Width adjusting assemblies are slidably mounted on the lower surface of the tool and has a movable guide rail and an adjusting screw assembly with a threaded bolt connected to the guide rail for movement thereof toward and away from the opening. Slots receive bolts to allow movement of the guide rail on the lower surface of the tool. Method for using the tool is also disclosed.