Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 29, 2000 06:41pm | #1

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   Hey Tom,

   It might cut down the dust a tiny bit, but anytime this stuff is cut with a power saw, it will still produce dust. Nasty dust too.

   I did see something the other day that intrigued me, though. A siding contractor was working a couple of houses down from the job I was on, and they were installing Hardi Soffit. They were cutting the stuff with a wet tile saw (hand held - don't know the brand, but it was green) Not one tiny speck of airborn dust to be seen anywhere. They weren't even wearing dust masks. I may very well give that idea a try out next time I have to install some cement fiber siding.

   Just a thought...

   James DuHamel

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 03:23am | #2

   *That wet saw sounds like a good idea. After wrapping the corners on a 7200 sq ft. house with cement fiber trim, any ideas would have been good. All of our lungs would have appreciated the idea about 1 week ago. Definately NASTY dust. Do not cut this stuff without a mask! You will pay for it when you go home, and I almost forgot, bring some water to drink because the dust will dry your throat quickly. Great looking product when the time is taken to make it right, and it better last forever given the time to install and the price of the material..

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 03:47am | #4

   *Tom,Last summer we put up about 20 sq of Hardi board, plank, and soffit, Based on advice from this board we spent about $80 for a 7" diamond blade. Worked great. Still had life in it when we were done. At the time, the Hitachi blade was not available. Makita (green) makes a saw for cutting cement fiber board. Hooks up to a shop vac. I have never seen one in the store but it is available. Check the on-line tool dealers. The planks can also be cut with a shear. Tamlyn http://www.tamlyn.com/ sells vinyl accessories (through retailers)for Hardi products. Their stuff can really make a difference in how your job turns out.

2. 
   Tom_Hotchkin | Apr 30, 2000 03:47am | #3

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   Has anyone tried the Hitachi HARDIBLADE and does it really cut down on the dust cutting Hardi Plank? What is your opinion.