Easy Process Of Cutting Masonite Or Hardboard Siding
Masonite siding, also popularly known as hardboard siding, is a kind of siding that has been used for a long period of time and is regarded as one of the popular & well-known choices among builders as well as homeowners. It is, usually, a type of fiberboard composed of wood, wax, as well as resins manufactured by the Masonite Corporation. Its stability, high strength, as well as a huge range of colors and textures makes it a perfect option when compared to many of its alternatives. If you are looking to cut Masonite siding, you can easily do it with the help of any saw that you use for wood, however, it is even more vulnerable or susceptible to tear out as compared to plywood. You can follow or go after a number of strategies when it comes to reducing chipping as well as edge damage, and produce a straight, clean edge every time.
- Make Straight Cuts Using A Circular Or Table Saw
First of all, make straight cuts with the help of a circular saw or a table saw. In order to get the best possible results, you need to cut using a steel-tipped blade with 80 or more teeth. Mark the cut line on the back of the sheet, with the help of a pencil, before placing the sheet face down when cutting using a circular saw. Hang the waste side of the sheet over the edge of the cutting surface before clamping the sheet to the surface with the help of C-clamps. The clamps will help reduce chatter while cutting as well as prevent the saw from wandering. - Clamp A Straightedge To The Work Surface
Now, clamp a straightedge to the work surface in order to guide the saw and ensure a straight cut. Arrange or put the straightedge in such a way that it is flush against the foot of the saw when the opposite side of the blade is on the cut line. - Allow The Off-cut To Fall Freely
Next, move the saw slowly as well as steadily forward past the end of the cut, before allowing the off-cut to fall freely. If the width of the off-cut is more than 2 feet, then you may need someone for help in order to support it in order to make sure that it doesn't get damaged when it falls. - Reduce Chipping As Well As Tear Out
Support a sheet of Masonite through a table saw face up in order to reduce chipping as well as tear out. The saw does the majority of the damage when it exits the cut, and if the sheet is face up, then the exit point will be on the back of the sheet. - Cut Curves Using A Jigsaw Or Reciprocating Saw & Multi-purpose Cutting Blade
Finally, cut curves with the help of a jigsaw or reciprocating saw as well as a multi-purpose cutting blade. Make sure not to use a metal-cutting blade, due to the fact that Masonite is fibrous, and the fibers will quickly clog the blade.