Cut Hardie Board The Proper Way
One of the very frequently asked questions is how to cut a hardie plank. Today, I’ll share my experiences with you on the subject as an installer. Cutting one of our favorite exterior materials, hardie plank, is not such a difficult job as it is made out to be. There are many tools available for doing the needful but what matters more is the kind of space available to you.
I mention space, as cutting of a hardie plank produces a lot of dust, which certainly is not very healthy. But, that’s no more an issue now, as quite a few companies have developed special saws and blades especially for the purpose to reduce the quantum of dust produced while cutting this plank.
My number one choice as an installer will be Hardy shears. Brands like Hilti Hardie shears are easily available with local stores like Lowes, and Home Depot. The operation of compact Hardy shears is nearly dustless and easy. There is a small drawback though. That is if you cut very close to the edge of a Hardi Plank, it is liable to break or crumble. Once you are aware of this problem and know how to avoid it, rest is very simple.
You can cut hardie board without the use of any power tools, without producing any dust too. Simply use a utility knife and a straight edge. This is also called a score and snap method. With the help of a sharp utility knife draw a straight line at the desired part of the board. Now, keep the board on a straight edge and just apply pressure on the section of the plank you wish to break and there it is!
However, you may be required to make intricate cuts also in the plank, like say the kind required to go around the door or window trim. These are a bit difficult. Such cuts demand the use of a jigsaw or an angle grinder. However, you’ll need to replace the blades frequently on a jigsaw. A metal cutting blade lasts longer but reduces the speed of cutting.
The other recommended tool is the angle grinder. This comes with a diamond-cutting blade and offers a very efficient way of doing the job. It’s a compact and fast tool that can easily be handled for making smaller cuts. But, once again, it produces a lot of dust and should be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated place.
Those who already have the basic hand and power tools need not spend money for buying a pair of Hardie shears. They can accomplish the job by using a traditional circular saw. Using a basic saw blade causes dust all over the house. It would be desirable to use low dust saws blades that greatly reduce the volume of dust created. Hardie plank saw blades could be incorporated with a table saw for making long rip cuts or angle cuts.