The Signpost Vine Pole

• 1 8-ft.-long 4x4, pressure-treated lumber
• 2 8-ft.-long 1x2, pressure-treated lumber
• 14 #6 x 1-1/2" deck screws

1. With support arms on each face of the post, the vine pole resembles the old-time roadside sign posts. Each of the support arms is recessed into a 1-1/2-inch-wide by 3/4-inch deep dado (a groove) in the 4x4 post.

2. To locate the upper edge of the topmost dado, measure 5-1/4-inches down from the top of the post. Using a pencil and a square, draw a line across the post. Draw a second line 1-1/2 inches below the first line to indicate the lower edge of the dado.

3. Roll the post one-quarter turn to bring the next face of the post to the top. Mark the top of the next dado 7-1/2 inches below the bottom of the first dado. Mark the bottom of the second dado 1-1/2 inches farther down the post. Continue rotating the post and marking the dados (7-1/2-inch spacing) until you have seven dados marked.

4. You have several options for cutting the dados. If you have a circular saw or radial-arm saw, set the blade to a 3/4-inch depth, then create the dados by sawing across the post repeatedly until the dado is the proper width. You could also use a router (with guides). Finally, you could use a backsaw and chisel to create the dados the old-fashioned way. In any case, be sure to clean up the dado for a trim fit.

5. The top of the post is rounded to a 1-3/4 inch radius. Mark a semi-circle of this radius on each face of the post. Use a saber saw or wood rasp to roughly shape the post. Finish with sandpaper to smooth the curve.

Cut the support arms to 18-inches long, then use a jig saw, saber saw, or coping saw to round the ends to a 3/4-inch radius.

6. Use 120-grit sandpaper in a sanding block to smooth the curves and to remove any sharp edges from the crossbars and post.

7. To maintain the signpost look, the support arms are not centered in the dados. We set ours so that one end of each arm extended 9 inches from the edge of the post; this left 5-1/2 inches extending from the other side. Fasten each arm to the post with two #6 x 1-1/2-inch flathead deck screws. Drill countersunk pilot holes to avoid splitting the crossbars.

8. Apply your choice of finish to the vine pole. We used a pigmented oil stain.

9. Dig a hole 28 inches deep for your vine pole, and put four inches of crushed rock in the bottom to promote drainage. Have a helper hold the post plumb while you backfill the hole. As you replace the soil, tamp it firmly with the end of a 2x4.