Anyone ever tried, or used a jigsaw for fiber-cement siding? Just curious…have to do about a dozen boards next week…and I’d really prefer not to buy the big expensive blade for my circ saw. Since the Bosch (with the right blade), cuts just about everything else, I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be easier/cheaper…particularly for cutouts. Or am I just high and hoping for too much?
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I tried doing it with regular steel blades, and basically ground the blades to nothing. I've read they make abrasive blades for fiber cement, you might try those.
If you're doing a small job and can't justify $230 for shears, you can get a 7 1/4" "plank-cutter" blade, which is an inexpensive diamond masonry blade, for about $13 or so.
Before I got shears, that's what I used and even used it to cut some concrete block. Worked fine and I still have the blade and it has some life left.
For a jig saw, I use use the carbide abrasive blades, but only for cutting irregular shapes and cleaning up corners.
I would hesitate to use a jig saw for just cutting off planks unless you use a guide, because your project will look a lot cleaner if your butt joints are nice and true for the caulking.
Jason, price out the carbide blade pack (5) for your Bosch... and you'll pay for a cheapy fibreboard blade for the circular saw.
-GWC
Having tried almost every known means of cutting FC siding, my recommendation would be as follows. First, go for the shears. Recognizing that they are not cheap to buy outright, you might try renting one for the day. I've seen them for rent for $12 to $14 a day. You also might check the local pawn shops. I found a used PC siding shear for about $90 and have been very happy with it. Second, get a diamond blade for your circular saw. They can be had for about $20 and will last through several jobs. You might consider using an old saw or a cheap saw for this work since the dust is a challange and, of course, all the proper breathing protection. For cutouts, etc., I use a 4 1/2 angle grinder with a diamond blade. I'm not aware of any jigsaw blades that will cut FC siding and that have a reasonable life expectancy. Good luck
Thanks for all the responses, folks. Guess I'll break down and go with the circ-saw blade for cutoffs. I would instead like to use the shears....but frequenting my rental yard quite a bit....I don't believe they have them...but I will ask. Thanks again for your input.
I hear you can cut the stuff with any old carbide blade. For a few cuts, just try what you have. Don't expect to cut any lumber with the blade ever again though.
Thanks again for all your respones. I did get a diamond blade, and that works great in the circular saw. I also used a Bosch Tile-Cutting jigsaw blade, and around the 7 obstructions (outlet, pipe, 5 windows), for the small cutout work it did fine...don't know who much more it will cut...but for that amount it was like cutting through butter. Guess I'll break down for a pair of shears, however, if I get any more of this type of work; the dust was a killer!