Looking for Helpful Advise on Scribing Wide Panels?

[RMDavis]

I need to scribe several wide panels (4' x 8' insulation in this case) to the posts of a pole barn.  The space between the posts is 10'.  I plan on 2 - 4' panels and a 2' panel.  It's the scribing and cutting the smaller 2' (more or less) wide panel that I seem to struggle with.

Do you shove the panel against the post, scribe, cut the scribe line, then cut the panel to size? 

Do you overlay the panel on a vertical snap line of the adjacent installed panel, they use a really long scribing tool/jib, then cut to the scribe line?

Other methods?

TIA

Ross

 

[Peter_C]

You actually want a slight gap around the outside edges that can be filled with expanding foam to form a 100% air seal. Make sure to use a metal gun type applicator with disposable cans, not the disposable cans with a tube on them. Then tape the sheets of foam together with a quality tape.

I wouldn't use the term "scribe" to describe the process, but rather measuring, marking and cutting. A tape measure would be my tool of choice. Top and bottom measurement, mark on sheet of foam, lay long track on it, and send the saw down the track. It doesn't have to be perfect as you will be filling small gaps with expanding foam anyhow. You can also choose which direction you want to go as in horizontal or vertical depending on ceiling height. 

When using rigid foam there are lots of ways to cut it. Many folks use a handsaw. I use my tracksaw. Jigsaw works awesome for cutting around features. Dust collection run on everything so as not to pollute the environment.

What foam are you using? Something like this?https://www.homedepot.com/p/Thermas...-Rigid-Foam-Insulation-Board-613010/100573703

Soooo...what kind of pole barn ya' got? Pictures?

 

[afish]

Im with Peter on this I always cut my board a little small and fill with expanding foam. I cut small foam wedges from the scraps to hold the panel in place till the foam sets up.  However I use one of these to cut the foam it makes less mess than cutting with a saw and its light enough I can carry it in my pocket up a ladder whatever.  It will cut 2" foam with a couple passes.