Joists need 2 screws at every bearer & tool recommendation for decking.

[Williamstown]

Firstly a tool recommendation. I pPurchased a Deck King for $65 (http://www.deckking.com.au/?p=IN) , probably the best purchase I made in this project. Made life much easier, being able to easily space 5 boards at a time. Thinking about it the most sensible purchase I made – much too late, was new 60T fine blade for the circular saw (replacing the old rusty 24T blade) and also a cheap mitre saw (only $60). The first cuts on most of the merbau were terrible compared to the nice cuts towards the end with the new blade and mitre saw – I should have made the purchase much earlier rather then waiting until I cut over half the timber (idiot)!
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My merbau decking boards cover 10 joists spaced at approx 300mm. While laying it I’ve only screwed down at every 3<SUP>rd</SUP> joist to speed up laying – using 2 screws at every crossing. I’m just about to start screwing down at the rest of the joist crossings; however am wondering whether I can just use a single screw for the rest. It means I will have 3 screws at the 1<SUP>st</SUP>, 4<SUP>th</SUP>, 7<SUP>th</SUP> and 10th joist and only 1 at the 2<SUP>nd</SUP>, 3<SUP>rd</SUP>, 5<SUP>th</SUP>, 6<SUP>th</SUP>, 8<SUP>th</SUP> & 9<SUP>th</SUP> joist. Will the 2 screws at 900mm spaces be enough to stop the merbau curling up?

[UteMad]

Have you put your joists at 300mm centres??????

90mm merbau decking requires 2 screws per board for every joist to hold it securely in place

By a "smart-bit" its a pilot and countersink in 1 with a depth set aswell

http://www.starbornindustries.com/smart-bit/

Macsim supply them here in Australia

I am so pleased someone bout that deck king spacer tool as the rep was upset when i told hbim that stanley had wasted there money bringing that device into the country as noone would buy one... Oh well i was proved wrong they did sell one after all LOL I hate it hope you like it

cheers utemad

[Williamstown]

Yes 300mm centres.

I've been using the standard countersink bits; however finding it difficult to control the depth into the merbua - find there isn't much between just right and "***" to deep.

Are the "smart-bits" distributed though and stores - Or do i have to goto Macsim?

[Tools]

Use a depth gauge on your drill to keep your holes the same depth.

Tools

[UteMad]

Yes 300mm centres.

I've been using the standard countersink bits; however finding it difficult to control the depth into the merbua - find there isn't much between just right and "***" to deep.

Are the "smart-bits" distributed though and stores - Or do i have to goto Macsim?

They are distributed through stores but as i am not local to you i would say to ring macsim head office and ask for a retailer who stocks them closest to you.. Macsim are a fixing company so a screw and bolt joint could get one for you if a hardware doesn't have it .. Its the only countersink i have found to date with a depth set suitable for decking and they aren't that expensive either

http://www.macsim.com.au/About%20Mac...on_centers.php

this is Macsim head office for each state with contact details

cheer

Utemad

[UteMad]

I can get Smartbits if enough people want them but will mean i have to purchase a box to keep the cost real.. PM if your interested i'd do through ebay to keep it safe and estimate around $37.50 posted

cheers Utemad