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Cut with carbide-tipped saw blades and bits Cut PVC trim boards with the same hand and power tools that you use for wood. But use only carbide-tipped saw blades; plain steel ones will dull quickly. In general, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut edges will be. We recommend standard combination saw blades.
How do you cut a PVC board?
Cut the PVC lumber with traditional wood saws, such as table saws, circular saws, routers or miters. The lack of grain in PVC lumber makes it easier to cut or route than wood lumber. Cut with carbide-tipped blades, because PVC makes steel blades dull too quickly and causes rough edges.
Can PVC trim boards be ripped?
Ripping PVC trim exposes the open interior cells. If left unsealed, these can absorb moisture, allowing mildew and algae to develop, as shown in this photo. To learn more about Exterior Trim, visit the JLC Field Guide.
What is the best way to cut plastic trim?
As a precaution, pause between cuts to allow the blade to cool. Mark the line you are cutting along with a permanent or grease marker. Secure the plastic safely to the work surface with a clamp. Use the circular saw (or table saw) to cut through the plastic in the same way you’d cut through wood.
Can you cut PVC trim with a hand saw?
A hand saw is the most common way to cut PVC pipe, but can be a little messy. You can use almost any kind of saw, but a hacksaw is best as it gives you much more flexibility.
Can I cut PVC with a miter saw?
A power miter saw is ideal when you need to cut large quantities of PVC pipe. Power miter saws are however, expensive. If you already own one, or have access to one and you know how to safely use it, you can use the existing wood blade to cut PVC pipe without buying a special blade.
Can you nail PVC trim?
Fasten PVC trim with stainless steel screws or hot-dipped siding nails. When it comes to choosing your fasteners, don’t scrimp by using fasteners that won’t last as long as the vinyl trim. You can also use hot-dipped galvanized nails, but they may corrode and stain the trim over time.
Can you use a nail gun on PVC trim?
Nail guns can be used – PSI between 80- 100 dependent upon gun, nail, outside temperature and substrate. Use 7d trim screws to better control expansion / contraction. In temps under 40°F pre-drilling may be required, depending on the fastener used.
How do you cut plastic without cracking it?
The important thing is to use a fine-toothed blade. You can use a hacksaw, hand jigsaw, or fine-toothed saw. What is this? Although it will take some work and muscle power, a hand saw is perhaps the best way to get a clean cut without breaking, snapping, or melting your plastic.
Can you glue PVC trim?
We recommend PVC pipe glue with solvent for bonding the ends of PVC trim boards to themselves (Weld-On 705 by IPS, TrimTight by Trim Glue, Inc. or Christy’s Red Hot). Be sure the PVC pipe glue has sufficient working time to allow you to apply the glue and push the boards together before it cures.
Do I need a special blade to cut PVC?
For cutting PVC pipe, use a combination wood/metal blade with a 10/14 TPI configuration. There is no specialty PVC sawzall blade, nor is one necessary.
What is the best tool to use to cut PVC pipe?
Hacksaw. effectively cut pipe of any thickness, and they are the best method for straight cutting PVC pipe. They also work well if you are making a large amount of small, precise cuts. Hacksaws are best used in tandem with a vise, but any type of clamp that keeps the pipe locked in place while you cut will also work.
Can you cut PVC pipe with a knife?
Pro Tip: Keep your PVC cutter blade sharp and use it in temperatures above 50 degrees; below that, PVC becomes brittle and a dull blade can crack the pipe. Note: Squeeze-style cutters are only capable of cutting PVC pipe with smaller diameters.
Should I nail or glue PVC trim?
Fill gaps using manufacturer recommended sealant. Just like with wood use a scarf joint to join PVC trim boards. PVC cement is used on any joint that doesn’t require an expansion gap. For fastening use stainless steel trim nails so the nails will last as long as the trim.
What kind of nails do I use for PVC trim?
Economical 204Cu Stainless Steel for applying the popular cellular PVC trim such as KLEER®, KOMA®, and AZEK® trimboards. Cellular PVC manufactureres recommend high-quality fasteners such as stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized. In sea-coastal areas, TYPE 316 stainless steel nails are recommended.
How long does PVC board last?
PVC trim is made from a type of plastic. This plastic is difficult to produce and gives off harmful VOCs both during its manufacturing and after its installation, for up to 5 years.
How do you cut plastic cleanly?
The best tool for cutting thin plastic (¼ inches or less) is a utility knife. Examples of thin plastic are plastic banding, plastic packaging, and plastic sheets. A utility knife is the best option because it provides a good grip and control. A utility knife works in a similar way to scoring glass.
How do you join PVC sheets together?
PVC sheets and pipes can be glued together using PVC glue.Glue PVC Sheets Measure the PVC sheet and cut it to the desired size. Do a dry fit to ensure everything is properly lined up. Spread the PVC primer on the areas where the two PVC sheets will overlap. Apply the PVC cement to the primed area on the PVC sheet.
Do you have to sand PVC trim before painting?
You do NOT have to prime it first. You also (against conventional wisdom) do NOT have to “scuff it up” with sandpaper beforehand in order to get the paint to “adhere” properly. This paint “reflects” the UV rays that otherwise would be soaked up by the dark color and cause the PVC to heat up, warp and distort.
Can you screw into PVC board?
The PVC will be soft enough to be formed into threads but hard enough for the threads to hold. Fill in the screw holes using wood putty, caulk or other material, if desired. Wood putty will offer a smooth, paintable finished surface that hides all evidence of the screw.
