Best 5" blade for cutting Hardie material

[baxtergk]

Okay, here's the issue that I really need some feedback on:

Got a group of buildings to reside with Hardie. Spec calls for using the 5/4 1x4 material for outlining the windows and for the corner boards. We've grown tired of the dust associated with cutting cement fiber, so we bought a brand new Fuego (Rigid) 5" dust collecting saw that comes with a Diablo hardie blade. The issue is after a few cuts, the blade apparently is overheating to the point that it throws the carbide teeth and we're done (we tried several blades with the same results). The packaging on the blade says it's carbide and polycrystaline diamond, but we've used the 7 1/4" version for years and had excellent results (although we've not tried the 7 1/4" on this thicker material). I've searched the web and found some other writeups that indicated the same thing happened to others. Their experiences lead them to say that they switched to diamond blades, but they don't say which ones. There are a lot of choices in 4 1/2" diamond blades but not for
blades dedicated to cement fiber.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[dgbldr]

we've used the 7 1/4" version for years and had excellent results (although we've not tried the 7 1/4" on this thicker material)

There's your answer right there. Somebody is plowing too fast through the thick material and overheating the blade. We have this saw and no problems with the blade. Haven't looked for other blades, so can't help you there.

For 1x4 stock, you might also consider buying a cheap 10" or 12" miter saw and using it for Hardie only. Larger blades dissipate more heat.

[THWagar]

I have the same problem with those blades using just the 5/16" material. I do know you can't cut into 2x support material under the siding or the teeth come out. I thought the three tipped blade had something to do with the dust going down the hose but would be interested in a diamond blade if it works. Seems I buy a blade or three every Hardie job we do.

[jeffmur]

At the show today, the Hardie guy told me his favorite saw was the Ridgid using a Diablo Hardie blade with the polycrystalline diamond teeth (not carbide) and he emphasized to never let it cut wood or the teeth would come right out. I bought one of those blades, about $50. Have not tried it yet.

[baxtergk]

DGBLDR,

Thanks for your reply. Today I had the chance to use the 7 1/4" Hardie blade with the polycrystalline diamonds in a standard sidewinder saw and it worked like a champ on this 1" thick Hardie trim. When you say you have this saw (the Fuego) and no issues, I am assuming you have the Freud 5" blade - correct? I thought of the miter saw solution, but based on my experience trying to use one just on wood with dust collection in a shop environment, I haven't seen great dust control. My assumption is that with concrete dust, the results would even worse.

[baxtergk]

Jeffmur,


Thanks for your reply. I'd be interested in hearing your results. I'm a little unclear about the carbide comment - the Frued blades I've seen have both - carbide at the gullet and PCD along the rim - I'v not seen in the 5" blade a carbide only version. I have used the carbide only version in the 7 1/4" and found it totally unacceptable. The $55 Frued, 7 1/4" with both the carbide teeth and Poly Crystalline Diamond works very well. That's why I'm puzzled about the performance of the 5" version - If it has both carbide and PCD, why doesn't it hold up well?

[jeffmur]

baxtergk,

My new blade is Freud #D0504DHA. It has 4 diamond teeth, not carbide. I purchased it from Marathon Tool (five08 54one-866five)at the JLC show, $47.60. I won't be using it until May sometime.

[baxtergk]

JeffMur,

I looked for the part number you refernced and I can't find it anywhere. I'm beginning to suspect that there are two versions of this blade just like there are two versions of the 7 1/4" - One with PCDs and one without. I dropped a note to the Freud website asking them to confirm. If they respond, I'll come back with an update. Thanks for the information.

Update: I got an email reply from Freud confirming that the Diamond (PCD) version is part number D0504DH. I would still like to hear back from someone who has used this blade - I'm really curious as to its durability.