Thanks for the response. I'll try to make my self more clear. I suppose I shouldn't have used the term "scarf" but I was close when I said wedge. On this particular patch the outside three inches of the six by six post was removed about a foot or so up. Instead of a rectangular piece patched in they angled the top of the patch at a geater than 45 degree angle sort of like a dovetail notch on a log cabin. I'm sure this would cause the patch to stay put but it seems that any bearing weight above the patch would tend to be pushed outward...thus causing a split to start. I wish I could draw this out... maybe I'll see you at the next event and you could explain to me why this would be better than a plain old rectangular piece.