Notch out or cleave down glulam beam

[olofh]

just need a 145 glulam beam and starting with a 180. Does it make any difference for the load-bearing capacity if I notch out 35mm where the cross beams are located or cut away 35mm along the entire length? Thinking it might be easier to just notch out, but on the other hand, it might be faster to just saw straight through..

 

[huggan]

Good luck cutting it with a handsaw, that's all I'm saying.

Just do whatever you think is easiest.

 

[justusandersson]

If you intend to saw down the entire beam with a handsaw, I also say: "Good luck"!
If you are going to saw a glulam beam lengthwise, it should have the designation (h). Beams with the designation (c) have weaker middle laminations.

 

[huggan]

Or then split half on each side to weaken it as little as possible, preferably with a handsaw.

 

[olofh]

Or split half on each side so you weaken it as little as possible, preferably with a handsaw.

I thought about that a bit too. I have about 1 m excess in length to test on, so I'll see how heavy it is. I think it's "only" 42 thick but the answer above hints quite well that it is tough. I also have a plunge saw available, it can handle the depth.