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I am building a 1300 s/f chalet style cabin in Alpine, Arizona (elevation 8300 feet). I have had a builder construct the shell and I am now starting the electrical wiring. Has anyone had any experience installing outdoor electrical fixtures on Hardieplank siding? Do I istall electrical fixtures (lamps & floodlights) just as if I were installing them in drywall? (cut out a hole the same size as the electrical box and mount the box against a 2 x 6 stud?) I purchased a cut-out tool (roto zip)last week and tried it on a scrap of plywood — broke 3 bits in 10 minutes! I am thinking of returning it! Is there an easier way ? ? ? My builder did an excellent job on the hardieplank, however it was his first time using the stuff. It looks great and took the paint well, by the way. Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! ! !
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I have an older model roto zip and I use the 1/4 inch collet with the larger bits from porter cable. I only use it for drywall though and even in drywall the 1/8 inch bits from roto zip break easily. Works great for drywall cut outs but thats probably about all its good for.
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Try drilling a pilot hole then cut with a sawzaw with fine tooth blade(metal cutting).A sharp,short blade and a light tough should do the trick...also works in old plaster if you score the outline with a utility knife first.The score may help in this case also. I'd try a scrap or inconspicious place first!High speed if adjustable saw.
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My electrician used a 3 5/8" carbide tipped hole saw on the house I just finished. Said it cost him about $40.00 but that they last a long time. Not sure who made it but his was blue.
JonC
*Jigsaw blades with carbide grit for the cutting surface...drill a pilot hole with masonry bit...Your builder could have built blocks into the siding while he sided the home...You can still cut in an outlet mounted horizontally along one of the planks...By the way, the house I am siding will have a hundred j=blocks for various reasons when it is finally complete...near the stream,aj
*AdamMy suggestion would be to cut the box holes with a sabre saw. Just use plain steel blades and throw them away after two or three holes. I did that on 1/2 inch concrete backer board to make the sink cutouts for a countertop tile job and it worked just fine. After a few linear feet of cutting there were no teeth left on the blades, but what the heck, they're cheap.In your case, even if the cut is a bit ragged, the electrical cover plates should overlap enough to conceal the edges of the cutout.Jay
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I am building a 1300 s/f chalet style cabin in Alpine, Arizona (elevation 8300 feet). I have had a builder construct the shell and I am now starting the electrical wiring. Has anyone had any experience installing outdoor electrical fixtures on Hardieplank siding? Do I istall electrical fixtures (lamps & floodlights) just as if I were installing them in drywall? (cut out a hole the same size as the electrical box and mount the box against a 2 x 6 stud?) I purchased a cut-out tool (roto zip)last week and tried it on a scrap of plywood -- broke 3 bits in 10 minutes! I am thinking of returning it! Is there an easier way ? ? ? My builder did an excellent job on the hardieplank, however it was his first time using the stuff. It looks great and took the paint well, by the way. Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED! ! !