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It depends on how much cutting you have to do. If it's a lot you will be better off with a masonry blade, but I have cut small quanitites with a regular blade. Regular nails are fine, just be careful near the edges of the boards because they will split.
We sided a 2600 sq ft house with the clapboard (horizontal) siding. Used a diamond tip cutter on circular saw, wear a mask and glasses. Went through a couple of saws and lots of blades. We used regular roof air nailer to fasten. This was pre-primed siding, also available in pre-painted.
The Hardiplank blades are diamond tipped and cost around $65.00 for a 7 1/4" around here. If you are a professional, Hardi will replace the blade free once worn out. Just send them to Hardi and they send new ones back. I used the 4x8 to replace my columns in front of the house. I will never work with it again. Yes, it is a sheet of concrete and works like too. A sabre saw blade would cut maybe 2" before the teeth were GONE. The carbide tipped blades for my circular saw would cut about 8' before they turned red from the heat. I would buy a throw away saw if you are still contemplating the Hardi. The grit gets into everything and will destroy a quality tool.
I don't have alot of area to put the siding on. Two gable ends 3 sheets each end and one area with about 5 sheets.
$65 bucks for a saw blade is kinda steep.
What is your over all opinion on using the hardi board over the regular hardboard siding? Is it worth the extra cost (minimal for my project) and ease of install?
My brother sells tons of Hardie plank to builders. According to the builders, they go buy a cheap circular saw at Walmart and throw it away after each job. He also said they just use the blade that comes with the saw.
If you are using hammer and nails you will have to pre-drill holes.
for the amount you are doing a regular saw will be fine. Yes, the hardi board is definitely worth the cost. It will last years longer than regular siding and being a cement based product it is not combustible.
edit: I also agree with the mask and eye protection. The dust is really nasty with any hardi product. (siding, backer board)
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