Aluminum siding can be an inexpensive way to improve the exterior appearance of any home. Aluminum siding is versatile and easy to use. Aluminum siding can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before.
You’ve found the right place if you want to learn how to cut aluminum siding.
What You’ll Need
To cut aluminum siding, you will only need a few tools. These tools are likely already in your toolbox. These are the tools you’ll need.
- Chop saw, mitersaw, or radial armsaw equipped with a panel knife
- Tin Snips
- Tape Measurer
- Shop pencil
- Safety goggles
Step I: Preparing To Apply For The Job
Preparation is the first step in this process. Preparing your workspace will save you time and energy.
Get your siding materials ready and get your saw set up. Make sure you have safety goggles and gloves on hand so that you can safely cut the siding.
Step II: Measurement
Your measurements are the key to creating a beautiful final product. It is important to measure carefully so that your siding will look professional and uniform when it is installed. A poorly completed job can lead to additional costs as the siding wears.
Take all measurements using a tape measure. Mark them with a shop pencil.
Step III: Making Long Cuts
Your saw will be used to make the majority of the cuts. The saw will handle any long horizontal cuts you make through entire siding pieces.
There are many options when it comes to the saw. There are many options for cutting: radial arm, miter and chop saws.
After you have measured and marked the cut, take the siding to your workspace. If you are lucky enough to have a garage for this project you can be more productive.
However, I have seen men do amazing siding work on the front lawn using the grass as a workbench. This situation is one that you can work with.
Take your time and make your cuts. Always wear safety glasses when you cut.
Many swear by the practice of using the saw blade in reverse. This should result in a smoother and cleaner cut that doesn’t leave any tears or rips in the material. This is not a good practice.
Reversing your blade saves a lot of engineering work involved in making a blade that is safe and effective. It may work for some, but it is more dangerous and can cause damage to the blade, or even your teeth to fly while you are cutting.
Step IV: Making Precision Cuts
Aluminum siding projects will occasionally require you to make a cut that is not as straight and vertical as the one you can make with a saw.
Tin snips can be very useful for these types of cuts. You should have a set that allows you to make cuts in all directions. There are three types total of tin-snips.
A yellow handle is best for cutting straight lines. They also excel at cutting wide, sweeping curves. A green handle is best for cutting straight, or to the right. A red handle is best for cutting straight, or to your left.
It is a good idea to have all three. The yellow-handled tin snips will be able to handle the job if you don’t have one.
You may need to replace your tin snips if you are not able to achieve the precision you require with them. Your finished project will be judged by how well your snips are able to cut in all directions.
Tin snips can also be used to trim a section of wood that you have cut with your saw. Instead of spending half the time trimming a little siding with your saw, the tinsnips can be used to cut it faster.
Use the tin-snips carefully. Make sure to trace exactly where you need to cut with a pencil. Then, cut slowly and in a deliberate manner, following your line as closely possible.
Wrap It Up
Aluminum siding is easy to cut. Although it may seem daunting at first, cutting aluminum siding can be done very easily. You will soon be a pro at this task with a bit of practice.
