by cracker39 » Mon Dec 12, 2005 2:49 pm
This has absolutely nothing to do with building a camping trailer but somewhat to do with cutting a straight line. But, if anyone ever wants to use Hardie Panel on a builiding (house, shed, barn, etc.) I have some advice. Hardi Panel (4x8 sheets) or Hardie Planks are made from portland cement, celulose fibers, sand, and water. These suckers are heavy too, between 80 and 85 lbs per sheet I'd estimate. Mine have a stucco pattern.
Cutting these is the problem. The literature says to use a Hardi blade, but I haven't see any. I tried a plywood blade in my circular saw and after cutting about 2 feet, the teeth were flat on the ends...goodbye blade. I switched to a thin metal cutting blade I had handy. It does cut, but slowly. Then, I tried a new techinque that works. The panels are about 3/8" thick. I se the depth for about 1/8", and cut a score line. Then set it for another 1/8" deeper and scored again. Then, I snapped the strip off and rasped the edge clean. If you ever do use this stuff, and cut it, wear a mask and safety glasses. The dust is probably toxic and it does fly.
These panels have a 50 year guarantee. I figure the cost of $20 a sheet isn't extravagant, as most wood siding is almost that much, and using sheathing and vinyl or alum siding would cost as much. I used my framing nailer where the nails not be seen, and am counter sinking and screwing in short deck screws and filling with caulk elsewhere. These panels are also pre primed and sealed. All they need is a coat of ext. paint. Handling them by yourself is a job. They have to be handled carefully as they are prone to break if bent too much before they are put in place.
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