Death By Hardiplank

suburbangen

I don't want to die, so I need some help in figuring out how to cut Hardiplank. I want to use a saw -- I use one on wood all day -- because I know the kind of work I can do with one, but I really don't want to spend extra money on special filters nor do I want to live the duration of the job in a HEPA mask. However, I'm apprehensive about using shears to cut it. (I just can't imagine getting clean edges with those.) So, if you have experience with the nasty stuff and can give me a tip, I'd appreciate it.

A+Carpenter

Cut it with a chop saw and wear mask or just go commando and live forever or as long as you can.

__________________

Joe Carola

Have you checked out their installation sight?

http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner...stallation.php

__________________
Joe Carola

dayspring

I saw it myself. Spend a lot of time holding my breath when using it. Usually just put a bandana around my mouth and nose and jump in (cough, cough). Never used the shears. I will admit, when cutting it, I'm always thinking, "There must be a better way!"

vtgaetano

Well believe me you. I have been installing this stuff since it first came out and cut it without a mask or collection device for years, I could totally feel it in my lungs, silica in that stuff, it will kill you. I purchased a Makita 71/4 saw, made for cutting the stuff, and hitched it up to my shop vac, no dust! Takes a minute to get use to it but I will never cut the stuff any other way. Seriosly, that dust WILL kill you.

vtgaetano

It has the dust collection "gaurd" on the saw and about 15 feet of hose for vac, plenty to do all you need to do. The shears do leave a not so nice edge.

bmartin

Iv'e been using a SCMS and hooking up my shop vac to the dust collection port. It seems to work pretty good. I have the shears and they work but you don't get the clean edge like you do with the saw.

vtgaetano

yeah, what he said

__________________
"Quality is not expensive, it's priceless"

Gordo

When you activate the saw does the vac automatically come on ? This is a special saw you say?

__________________
Looks like some pros were here.

vtgaetano

Yes to both, special saw and the vac comes on only when the saw is running then the vac runs for maybe 5 sec. afterwards.One more thing, this saw has a bigger motor than the regular 7 1/4" saw and I cut 4-5 boards at a time.

__________________
"Quality is not expensive, it's priceless"

Kevin H

we use a 71/2" diamond blade in a circular saw..works like a champ..and will outlast a hundred framing blades- Kevin

vtgaetano

Huh? The question was about dust. 71/4" not 7 1/2" btw. framing blades to cut hardiplank?

__________________
"Quality is not expensive, it's priceless"

Kevin H

"I don't want to die, so I need some help in figuring out how to cut Hardiplank. I want to use a saw "

Grumpy

The shears are fine. I was apprehensive also, but now most of the custs my subs make are with shears and ya can't tell the difference.

I always asked my subs why they didn't use special filtersw or wear masks when cutting the materials. They looked at me blank in the face until I told them the dust will kill them, that's when they bought the shears.

If you do use a saw, they make special diamon blade saws specifically for cutting fibercement.

suburbangen

It's after my bedtime. "SCMS" stands for ...?

Mike Finley

You guys ever heard or using a fan? Might sound strange but in the decking industry it is more common. The dust from Ipe is toxic so a lot of guys set up a fan next to their saw, the fan blows enough to keep the dust away from the guy cutting.

Mike Finley

Super Cool Midget Samurai - they are pretty common on the west coast these guys can cut Hardi clean with a karate chop so there is less dust.

Or it could be a Sliding Compound Miter Saw, but I'm not positive.

747

Wow i didn't know it came in colors with a 15 year warranty. If i would have known that i would have went with instead of vinyl. They have a big color selection. I thought it just came preprimed.

Glasshousebltr

I think your on the way Mike, however ya might want to train a little longer before ya take on the champ.

Bob

__________________
Bob

Mike Finley

LOL, I will never challenge you Bob, that would be too suicidal on my part!