I got some 6×6's and deck post brackets that are similar to the picture below, except they're 8" high:
Come to find out, the 6×6 is slightly too large to fit inside this bracket. Now I see how this makes sense. It is better that the bottom of the post is notched off, so that water runs over down the side and over the metal, instead of in between the wood and the bracket.
I'm afraid this will take forever. What is the best way to shave off the bottom of the posts? I have 6 of them and will need to shave off 8" on all 4 sides. I have basic tools, like a chopsaw, skill saw, table saw, but I can't figure out how to do it, except use a chisel. And I'm afraid using a chisel will be imperfect and effect the stability.
Best Answer
You're going to shave the sides, not the bottom. The stability will come from the down force on the bottom of the post - a milimeter shift laterally inside a mounted bracket is nothing.
That said - easiest approach IMO will be to set your circular saw to an extremely shallow depth and notch 8" height to that depth on TWO sides, not all four - and repeat that notch from the top line all the way down to the bottom - cutting over and over and over. Then use a chisel to knock out the rest of the wood and clean it up some.
Something like this but with a REALLY shallow depth on your circ saw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0GJw7y9vzc