I am using cemet fiberboard siding on a new building. It comes in 7.25″ x 12′ lengths to give me a 6″ exporsure. To cut this product it is recomemded to use either a diamong tipped saw blade or some type of “power shear”. Given the dust generated and cost of the diamond blades I am considering using the second cutting option. When I go to my local home supply outlets and ask them about these power shears they look at me with puzzeled expressions. Could someone provide some quidance as to what these shears are, etc.
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They look like this, new for $150 or less on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1736668454
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And they not only look like that, but they're quick, quiet and create almost zero dust.
After doing a couple of houses with the diamond blades I'll go for the shears every time.
Get a carbide blade for your jigsaw though, for cutting out for light fixtures, etc.
For small holes, most any drill bit will work, including augers and spade bits.
Agreed. I've got those shears and they are a blessing.
We did a fiber cement job back when the stuff was relatively new and if those tools were available we didn't know aboput it.
It took way too long to clean up after that job.
Get the shears, you'll never be sorry.
DRC
if your supplier dose not carry those shears go to a real lumber yard that sells a lot of fiber cement and they should have them or be able to get them for you, if you buy enough boards you may be able to wrangle a deal out of them.
Home Depot and Lowe's both sell the Porter Cable shears, and spare blades.
They are pretty much available to anyone that wants them.
James DuHamel
J & M Home Maintenance Service