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Cement backer boardis a boon to homeowners and home professionals alike.
One of the chief advantages of working with cement backer board is that it is easy to cut.
You have several methods for cuttingcement boardat your disposal.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Tip
There are several types of cement board that can be used for tile underlayment.
One method is entirely manualno power tools neededand works best for straight cuts.
The other two methods require power tools and can help you make straight or curved lines and even holes.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Using the straightedge to guide the utility knife, you lightly draw the knife across the board.
Prolonged breathing of silica dust may cause lung disease.
Always use a power saw equipped with a dust-collection unit.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Cut outdoors, whenever possible, and always wear a NIOSH/OSHA-approved dust mask or respirator.
Lay the straightedge on the cement backer board, along the intended cut line.
You do not need to press hard.
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You only need to create a score line, not a full cut.
Make the Second Cut
Fold the smaller of the two sides up at about 90 degrees.
Place the tip of the blade in the “V” section created by the fold.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Lightly score the line to cut the fiber mesh.
Separate the two pieces.
Use a carbide-tipped blade.
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Wear full personal protection.
Create a Line on the Board
With a straightedge and pencil, draw the intended cut line.
Or draw a freestyle line if this is intended to be an irregular or curved line.
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Cut the Backer Board
Turn on the saw or grinder.
Slowly move the blade across the backer board, following the line.
The blade should fully penetrate the board, similar to the way you might cut wood with a saw.
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Draw a circle with theSpeed Squarearound the dot to double-check that the circle is at the correct spot.
Fit the Hole Saw on the Drill
Chuck the hole saw into thecordless drillorcorded drill.
execute the drill slowly until the teeth on the saw catch and begin to grind out a circular groove.
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Keep light pressure on the drill as you continue to grind out the circle.
Toward the end of the cut, reduce the pressure slightly and let the hole saw complete the cut.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Spruce /Kevin Norris
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
