Thought I’d give back and share something with the group that apparantly isn’t common knowledge from what I’ve heard and not read. Most people I talk too abhor cutting Homosote and insist it must be done outside because of all the dust. Or they refuse to use it because of that. Well, yeah, if you use a saw blade!
I’ve always used a sabre saw and get very smooth straight or curved, quick cuts with just about zero dust by using a knife blade. And I do it right in the basement. The blade, like a sabre saw blade, but really a knife edge, just slices, rather than cuts, its way through the Homosote almost like a knife through crusty bread. I’ve used the same blade through 3 4x8 sheets so far, so it lasts quite a while. I think they are like 2 for $3.00 or so at Sears.
I’ve tried the knife blade in Homasote and couldn’t get accurate cuts with it. The blade wandered all over the place and actually bent. What is your secret??? I need to mention that I ripped two 4 X 8 sheetes into 2.5" strips, lots of cuts.
Hi Trainnut, I cut 3" and 6" strips and some others quite large too. I used a variable speed sabre saw and didn’t have much wandering. When it did I usually was able to correct it within a couple inches by slowing it down and bringing it back to the line. I’ve also used the straight edge or guide that came with the saw for real long straight cuts 6-8’ or so and that worked perfectly every time. If you aren’t using a variable speed saw or the guide, you might want to try them. If you already are, I guess just keeping an eye on the line from straight above rather than from slightly off to the side is about the only other thing I could offer here.
Hmmmm, as far as I know, I’ve never had a blade bend on me. Is it a cheap blade? Maybe you’re pushing too much to the side, or force cutting and that is bending the blade and also causing wander? I don’t know. Try the Craftsman blades from Sears, they’re pretty good.
Ken