previous
  • How To Make a Reciprocating-Saw Blade Guide Block
    How To Make a Reciprocating-Saw Blade Guide Block
  • Top 10 Videos of 2011
    Top 10 Videos of 2011
  • VIDEO: Stop Paint from Bleeding
    VIDEO: Stop Paint from Bleeding
  • 10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
    10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
  • Wanted: Plumber for a Bathroom Remodel
    Wanted: Plumber for a Bathroom Remodel
  • Seven Steps to Choosing the Perfect Circular Saw
    Seven Steps to Choosing the Perfect Circular Saw
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
    Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
  • The Inspector Game: Goofs on a Roof
    The Inspector Game: Goofs on a Roof
  • Replacing a Roof : Installing a Ridge Vent
    Replacing a Roof : Installing a Ridge Vent
  • How to Figure Out Concrete Volume with Sketchup
    How to Figure Out Concrete Volume with Sketchup
  • Patrick's Barn: A Perfect Place for a Party
    Patrick's Barn: A Perfect Place for a Party
  • How to Avoid Complicated Fractions
    How to Avoid Complicated Fractions
  • Your Guide to Energy Smart Homes
    Your Guide to Energy Smart Homes
  • The Self-Taught MBA: Inspired Reading
    The Self-Taught MBA: Inspired Reading
  • 7 Small Bathroom Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Layouts
next
PRINT ADD TO FAVORITES

There's a Better Way: Cutting Rigid Insulation

Teamed up with a straightedge, a sharpened putty knife cuts through foam like butter

by Charles Miller

Length:
Produced By: John Ross

When Chris Ellis of Brewster, Mass., was looking for the right tool to cut rigid-foam insulation, he tried a utility knife, a kitchen knife, and a saw. None of those options worked especially well. So Chris created something that works beautifully. As Chuck Miller demonstrates in this video tip, a 3-in. or 4-in. putty knife with a sharpened blade cuts through the foam like butter. 

Video by: John Ross

From Fine Homebuilding 201
January 29, 2009

Related Topics:
Insulation and Weatherizing | Insulation | Rigid Insulation | Cutting and Scoring Tools | Blades and Knives
Related Articles
Better basement insulation

InSoFast insulation panels simplify the process of installing insulationby Mike Guertin

Remodeling for Energy EfficiencyOnline Membership Required

Can a 150-year-old house approach net-zero energy use? Three case studies point the way from the 19th to the 21st century.by Betsy Pettit

Q & A: Foam sheathing: inside or out?

by Bruce Harley

Save Energy with Rigid-Foam InsulationOnline Membership Required

Get the details right, and a small increase in wall thickness can make a big difference in energy performanceby Rick Arnold

The No-Mold Finished BasementOnline Membership Required

Rigid insulation is the key to a comfortable living spaceby Andy Engel

Related Books & Videos

Building with Structural Insulated Panels (Sips)Building with Structural Insulated Panels (Sips)Strength and Energy Efficiency Through Structural Panel Construction

Cut Your Energy Bills NowCut Your Energy Bills Now150 smart ways to save money and make your home more comfortable and green

Energy-Smart Homes, Vol. 2Energy-Smart Homes, Vol. 2Practical solutions for energy savings throughout your home

Fine Homebuilding 2008 Annual Collection DVD-ROMFine Homebuilding 2008 Annual Collection DVD-ROMQuick computer access to a year's worth of content

All Homebuilding Books & Videos