How to Cut Cement Board with Comprehensive Guide

Cement board is a durable building material often used as a tile backing board in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It is made from cement, sand, and glass fibers, and is resistant to moisture and mold. Cutting cement board can be a bit challenging because it is a dense, hard material. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to make clean, precise cuts in cement boards.

To cut cement board, you will need the following tools:

  1. Measuring tape
  2. Straight edge or straight piece of lumber
  3. Score and snap cutter or carbide-tipped scoring tool (optional)
  4. Pliers (if using a carbide-tipped scoring tool)
  5. Circular saw or jigsaw (optional)
  6. Fiber cement blade (if using a circular saw or jigsaw)
  7. Ear and eye protection (if using power tools)
  8. Sandpaper

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Measure and mark the cutting line on the cement board using a straight edge or a straight piece of lumber as a guide.
  2. Use a score and snap cutter or a carbide-tipped scoring tool to score the cutting line on the cement board.
  3. If using a score and snap cutter, place the blade along the scored line and apply pressure to snap the cement board along the scored line. If using a carbide-tipped scoring tool, use a pair of pliers to break the cement board along the scored line.
  4. Alternatively, you can use a circular saw or jigsaw fitted with a fiber cement blade to cut through the cement board. Make sure to wear ear and eye protection when using power tools.
  5. Sand the edges of the cut cement board with sandpaper to smooth out any roughness.
To cut cement board, you will need the following tools

Before You Begin:

Before you begin cutting cement board, here are a few things to consider:

Safety: Wear protective gear, such as earplugs or earmuffs, goggles, and gloves, when using power tools.

Tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, including a score and snap cutter, carbide-tipped scoring tool, circular saw, jigsaw, or fiber cement blade.

Layout: Measure and mark the cutting line accurately, using a straight edge or a straight piece of lumber as a guide.

Support: Place the cement board on a stable, flat surface and use clamps to hold it in place while you are cutting.

Dust: Cutting cement boards can produce a lot of dust, so it is a good idea to wear a dust mask and work in a well-ventilated area.

Before You Begin

Safety Considerations:

Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when cutting cement board:

  • Wear protective gear: Wear earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing, goggles to protect your eyes, and gloves to protect your hands.
  • Use caution with power tools: When using power tools, such as a circular saw or jigsaw, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use caution. Wear ear and eye protection and keep your hands away from the blade.
  • Keep a firm grip on tools: Make sure you have a firm grip on your tools and keep them under control at all times.
  • Don’t force the tool: Don’t try to force the tool through the cement board. Let the tool do the work and take your time.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your workspace clean and clear of clutter. Make sure there are no tripping hazards and that all cords and cables are out of the way.
Safety Considerations

How to cut cement board using the ‘Metal Buster’ blade?

The “Metal Buster” blade is a type of reciprocating saw blade that is designed for cutting through metal and other hard materials. It may also be effective for cutting cement board, as long as the blade is compatible with your saw and you follow proper safety precautions. Here is how to cut cement board using a reciprocating saw fitted with a “Metal Buster” blade:

  1. Measure and mark the cutting line on the cement board using a straight edge or a straight piece of lumber as a guide.
  2. Secure the cement board to a stable, flat surface using clamps.
  3. Put on ear and eye protection.
  4. Adjust the blade of the reciprocating saw to the proper length for the thickness of the cement board.
  5. Turn on the saw and slowly guide it along the cutting line, applying steady, even pressure.
  6. When you have cut through the cement board, turn off the saw and carefully remove the cut piece.
  7. Sand the edges of the cut cement board with sandpaper to smooth out any roughness.

Note: It is important to use caution when cutting cement board with a reciprocating saw. The blade may produce a lot of dust and debris, so it is a good idea to wear a dust mask and work in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your saw and blade to ensure safe operation.

How to cut cement board using the ‘Metal Buster’ blade

The Best Tools for Cutting Cement Board:

Here are the best tools for cutting cement board:

  • Score and snap cutter: A score and snap cutter is a handheld tool that is specifically designed for cutting cement boards. It has a sharp blade that is used to score a line on the surface of the cement board, and a handle that is used to apply pressure to snap the cement board along the scored line. This tool is easy to use and produces clean, precise cuts.
  • Carbide-tipped scoring tool: A carbide-tipped scoring tool is another handheld tool that can be used to cut cement boards. It has a sharp, carbide-tipped blade that is used to score a line on the surface of the cement board. The cement board is then snapped along the scored line using a pair of pliers. This tool is more affordable than a score and snap cutter and produces similar results.
  • Circular saw: A circular saw equipped with a fiber cement blade can be used to cut cement boards. It is a powerful tool that can make straight cuts and is effective at cutting through thicker cement boards. However, it can be somewhat difficult to control and may produce a lot of dust and debris.
  • Jigsaw: A jigsaw fitted with a fiber cement blade can also be used to cut cement boards. It is more maneuverable than a circular saw and can be used to make curved cuts. However, it may not be as effective at cutting through a thick cement board as a circular saw.

Note: When using any of these tools, it is important to follow proper safety precautions and wear protective gear, such as earplugs or earmuffs, goggles, and gloves.

The 4 Best Tools for Cutting Cement Board

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs):

What is the best tool for cutting cement boards?

A score and snap cutter, circular saw, jigsaw, reciprocating saw, or oscillating tool fitted with a fiber cement blade are all good options for cutting cement board.

Can I use a regular saw blade to cut the cement board?

No, it is not recommended to use a regular saw blade to cut the cement board. Use a fiber cement blade specifically designed for cutting cement boards.

How do I make curved cuts in cement board?

Use a jigsaw or oscillating tool fitted with a fiber cement blade to make curved cuts in the cement board.

How do I minimize dust when cutting cement boards?

Use a wet saw or a circular saw fitted with a dust-reducing blade, wear a dust mask, work in a well-ventilated area, and use a shop vac to clean up dust and debris.

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