Should I prefilter James Hardie Dust?

[peter halle]

Tom,

After seeing that I would even more highly suggest that you look at the Dust Deputy.  It has the footprint of a sheetrock bucket.  For transportation take the top off, flip it upside down and stick it in the bucket (after you empty the bucket).  Yes you have the hose to deal with but that is easy.

I poo-pooed the idea for a long time (years) and it wasn't until I had some time to rethink my thinking that I decided to try it.  May leave it at home for some jobs, but not many.

Peter

 

[greenMonster]

you have the hose to deal with but that is easy.

Actually I find the hose kinda annoying...I was trying to think of a way to get a hose that would fit in the bucket. Maybe pvc....maybe something collapsible, or a very flexible hose would probably be easiest

 

[Kev]

you have the hose to deal with but that is easy.

Actually I find the hose kinda annoying...I was trying to think of a way to get a hose that would fit in the bucket. Maybe pvc....maybe something collapsible, or a very flexible hose would probably be easiest

How about those collapsable springy hose doodad things? I'll have a hunt.

 

[TA455HO]

I agree that the shears work well for cross cutting Hardie planks. However, I am processing 4'x9' SHEETS of 5/16" Hardie siding, so shears simply don't work well for this application. I do appreciate the suggestion though, I'm all for finding easier ways of doing things!

Your response sparked my curiousity. What makes the shears not work well for this application? There's no limit to the length of cuts you can make and the 5/16" is not too thick of material.  Is it that you find it dificult to maintain a straight line with shears? I've used my shears for a number of years and it is funny to watch someone new to using them pick them up and try to cut a straight line. But, that comes with practice. I can't imagine having any troubles cutting that with shears, but I'm not one to try to sway anyone. The hardie backer 500 is 4' x 8' sheets in 1/2" and the shears go through that like butter. Just curious....

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I agree that the shears work well for cross cutting Hardie planks. However, I am processing 4'x9' SHEETS of 5/16" Hardie siding, so shears simply don't work well for this application. I do appreciate the suggestion though, I'm all for finding easier ways of doing things!

Your response sparked my curiousity. What makes the shears not work well for this application? There's no limit to the length of cuts you can make and the 5/16" is not too thick of material.  Is it that you find it dificult to maintain a straight line with shears? I've used my shears for a number of years and it is funny to watch someone new to using them pick them up and try to cut a straight line. But, that comes with practice. I can't imagine having any troubles cutting that with shears, but I'm not one to try to sway anyone. The hardie backer 500 is 4' x 8' sheets in 1/2" and the shears go through that like butter. Just curious....

Hmm, well, now you've got me thinking! I apologize, I didn't mean to shoot down your suggestion out of hand. Having thought more about it, I am going retract my previous statement and say that shears WOULD work, but that cutting these sheets with a saw is more easy and straightforward for me. There are two reasons why I would be resistant to shears on a project like this:
1. Material Support. If I was only cross cutting or only ripping it would be easy, I would set up my supports parallel to my cuts. But for this job I am making BOTH cuts, and each piece is different, so setting up the work supports so as to not interfere with the shears could be cumbersome. If you have any preferred methods or suggestions I am very open to them!

2. Laziness. Well, perhaps that's a strong word, but part of the reason for me using the track saw is I don't want to have to guide the saw for the tens of thousands of lineal feet of cutting I will be doing, I'd rather take a little time setting up the tracks, and then just push the saw down the rail.

I am curious to hear/see some examples of how the shears work well for panels, do you have any pics? Thanks!  [smile]

Best,
Tom

 

[greenMonster]

No idea what that is.

I probably should have been more specific, it's the hard plastic hose that I don't particularly like. Mine came with a kink in it...just a matter of time till it gets worse.

Doesn't store well...etc

you have the hose to deal with but that is easy.

Actually I find the hose kinda annoying...I was trying to think of a way to get a hose that would fit in the bucket. Maybe pvc....maybe something collapsible, or a very flexible hose would probably be easiest

How about those collapsable springy hose doodad things? I'll have a hunt.

 

[Jerry Sitton]

I used the 55 and Kapex for several fiber-cement jobs. I did use my dust deputy and it helps, be sure to get your grounding good. I actually drove a 4' copper rod in ground below my work station to tie in the copper tape I have on the DD to keep from getting more of those surprises. It works very well and I don't have the fleece bags just paper. No problems, just keep the filters clean. I like the finished edges better with the saws than I do the shears. I found cleaning up all those little chunks no real picnic at times when we in more of a hurry. Just a penny's worth.

 

[Festool Hill]

I do a lot of Hardie jobs and from what I find works best for cutting fiber cement board is The Bullet Pro Magnum Shear I-13. If you are doing a lot of long rips buy a cheap table saw and hook it up to dust collection or the Festool track saw would be optimal or course.  Bullet even makes larger guillotine style tools that will even cut angles now. I have an older model but it works great! You can even use it for flooring applications too

www.bullettools.com

 

[TomGadwa1]

You may not have much room left in your van, but you did an excellent job of shelving your systainers.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

You may not have much room left in your van, but you did an excellent job of shelving your systainers.

Hah, thanks Tom! I weighed my Sprinter today, including the driver it's just a few pounds over 8,000lbs!! That only leaves 550lbs remaining before I hit Mercedes load limit  [eek]

Best,
Tom

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I do a lot of Hardie jobs and from what I find works best for cutting fiber cement board is The Bullet Pro Magnum Shear I-13. If you are doing a lot of long rips buy a cheap table saw and hook it up to dust collection or the Festool track saw would be optimal or course.  Bullet even makes larger guillotine style tools that will even cut angles now. I have an older model but it works great! You can even use it for flooring applications too

www.bullettools.com

Thanks for the link Darren, I'll check it out!
Best,
Tom