How do I make a fence post like this?

[windypig]

Big box stores dont sell them (home depot / lowes) are these common posts at fence supply shops?

http://www.the-sawmill.co.uk/shop/posts/deluxe-slotted-h-post/

From my pretty basic research I feel like I can just take a 6 x 6 piece of lumber and run a router through the middle of it. Seem reasonable?

My end goal is something like this: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/24/d4/2c24d44bad519db8f7c618f93dfeb911.jpg

thanks, im pretty new to the diy thing

[Dan_at_Home]

You could make that by running the board (i.e. 4x4 post) over a table saw but not setting the blade height too high, just high enough to cut that groove partially into each side.  Once you make that cut, move board over slightly about 2-3 mm and make the same cut parallel to the first one, do that about about 8 times or so and the result is that cuts make a groove or channel along the side of the board.

[slugsworth]

That is a pricey fence, another way to do it would be to use a 4x4 and (2) 2x6's for each post. Less wood wasted that way.

[Rage]

I agree with slugsworth, build your own H's out of whatever works to get the thickness and appearance you want.  Seems more maintainable that way too, you could take part of the fence apart easily.

I'd never seen this slotted H concept before, looks very nice. 

[Greg]

My end goal is something like this: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/24/d4/2c24d44bad519db8f7c618f93dfeb911.jpg

The fence you want to emulate doesn't use posts like that, it has 2x2 or similar cleats that are attached to the posts and the horizontal boards are nailed/screwed to them, as well as a cleat/spreader mid-span between the posts to help keep the board spacing uniform.  I know, you didn't ask.

Also, the post you asked about is essentially a 4x4.  You would probably want to use a dado blade in a table saw to make your own.

[windypig]

My end goal is something like this: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/24/d4/2c24d44bad519db8f7c618f93dfeb911.jpg

The fence you want to emulate doesn't use posts like that, it has 2x2 or similar cleats that are attached to the posts and the horizontal boards are nailed/screwed to them, as well as a cleat/spreader mid-span between the posts to help keep the board spacing uniform.  I know, you didn't ask.

Also, the post you asked about is essentially a 4x4.  You would probably want to use a dado blade in a table saw to make your own.

Well damn, thats a lot easier. I think im just going to do that.. Then I dont have to saw anything, just nail a "cleat" i guess its called along the post then nail the spans to that cleat on the post, essentially giving the same look.

Since you seem pretty knowledgeable about fences greg, how would i go about adding a wooden cleat along a metal post, as ideally I would like to use a metal post to minimize rot.

[Greg]

I'm a builder and so sometimes build fence elements.  I prefer to use a concrete footing and galvanized bracket to hold the post where possible.  I hate putting wood in the ground, seems stupid to me.  It will always rot, just a matter of time. 

You can get metal fence post bases that hammer in like tent stakes.
http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/ezfence.asp#

If you go metal post, there are lots of options for attaching wood to metal posts:
http://www.texmexsupply.com/index.php?page=wood-fence-fittings

Check Home Depot and your local lumber yard for options.