Need advice on cutting notches in deck joists for hidden lighting - best chainsaw approach?

Hey guys, I'm building a deck with built-in LED strip lighting under the railings. Need to cut 1/2" deep notches along the tops of my pressure-treated 2x8 joists to recess the wiring. Tried using a circular saw but the angles are tricky where joists meet the ledger board. Would a small electric chainsaw work better for this kind of precision work? Worried about tear-out on the PT wood. Deck is 12x16 ft if that matters.

Steve, I've done this exact thing on my patio cover last year. DO NOT use a chainsaw for notches that shallow - you'll blow out the wood grain and have a mess. I used a oscillating multi-tool with a plunge-cut blade. Clean cuts, no tear-out. Harbor Freight has one for like $40 that works fine. Just go slow and keep the blade cool. Chainsaw is overkill and dangerous for detail work.

Sid's right about the chainsaw being wrong tool. But as the sparky here - are you running low-voltage LED or line voltage? If it's line voltage (120V), those notches need to be deep enough for conduit or armored cable per NEC 334.15(B). Can't just bury romex in a 1/2" notch. Use a router with a straight bit if you need clean channels. And for god's sake keep the chainsaw away from your deck frame.

Thanks both! It's low-voltage stuff, just 12V LED strips. Didn't think about the oscillating tool - I have one but never used it for wood. Mark, you're making me nervous with code talk though... should I be worried about anything else? The lights will be under the top rail, not in walking areas. And yeah, chainsaw sounded sketchy but I saw a YouTube guy using one for timber framing notches.

YouTube guys will use a chainsaw to make toast if it gets views. For low-voltage you're fine code-wise. Use the multi-tool, make your notches, seal them with exterior wood filler after the wiring's in. Pro tip: run the wires BEFORE you install decking obviously. And wear safety glasses - those oscillating tools throw tiny wood particles everywhere. Post pics when you're done!