ofStucco is an excellent material for decorating walls and ceilings. It is also used in architecture to achieve artistic and sculptural beauty. One of the major plus points of stucco is that it is inexpensive. This means that if you know how to use it, you can make your house look much more magnificent without burning a hole in your pocket. In this article, you will find a detailed step by step guide on how to cut stucco. How To Cut Stucco –Step By Step GuideStep 1: Laying The Groundwork
The first step to follow before you plunge into this seemingly herculean task of cutting stucco is to ‘prepare.’ You read that right. The first step is to prepare the area you want to cut. Sounds logical, right?
First of all, you need to mark the perimeter or circumference of the hole you plan to cut using a painter’s tape. You should be aware that it is easy to crack stucco while working with it. Therefore, put the painter’s tape around the perimeter carefully. This will ensure that the surrounding stucco, which you do not wish to destroy, remains intact and protected from any chipping accident. After making sure that you have tapped the area properly, move on to the next step. Step 2: Vacuum
If you are new to masonry work, chances are you might be unaware of how much dust can a little job produce. So the next step is to get yourself a helper (if possible) with a vacuum so that the dust gets cleaned away as you work.
Stucco is well known for creating a lot of dust while being cut. The cloud of dust that rises while cutting stucco might block your view. This makes it difficult to see what is being done and can confuse you quite a bit. It is recommended to seek help from an actual person and a vacuum cleaner in these situations. It can lower the amount of dust and help you see more clearly. Therefore, you can work efficiently without stopping for the dust to settle. Also, remember to wear respirators if you do not want to inhale the dust. Although vacuum will reduce the dust generated during the cutting process, it cannot altogether remove the dust. So, make sure you and your helper are wearing respirators. It is essential to know where to vacuum. The nozzle of the vacuum should be in the direction of the area where the cut is being made—this way, most of the dust will get sucked in. The filter of the vacuum should be clean. If the filter is not clean, the dust will get sucked in only to be blown out in the opposite direction. Step 3: Cutting
The third step involves the real deal, that is, cutting stucco. After making all preparations, taping the cutting portion, getting a good vacuum with a clean filter, finding a helper, and obtaining two respirators (one each for you and your helper), you are now ready for the showdown.
The cutting process is quite simple and somewhat depends on the type of saw and blade you are using. The cutting process for almost all saws is similar with slight or no variations. Below is a detailed process of cutting stucco using a circular saw, an angle grinder, an oscillating tool, and a hole saw. Note: Jigsaw and reciprocating saws are not recommended. a. Circular Saw When it comes to cutting stucco, a circular saw is recommended. However, it is to be noted that while a circular saw is ideal for cutting large portions, it might not be the perfect choice if you have to make small and minute cuts with details. While using a circular saw to cut stucco, make sure that the blade guard is pushed back before you turn on the saw. Before you start cutting, ensure that the saw has reached its full RPM. Once the RPM is full, you can start cutting. Do not rush the process. Try to work slowly. The cut should be made very carefully and steadily to prevent the excellent stucco from chipping. The slower you cut, the lesser the chances of cracking the superb part of your stucco. Keep on cutting till you reach the maximum edge of the area you want to cut. Then, cut the other side similarly. In the end, you will be left with a neat hole. b. Angle Grinder An angle grinder is a perfect tool for cutting stucco. It can cut large portions with ease. But, it is also small and easy to handle due to which it is ideal for small cuts too. Using an angle grinder is very similar to using a circular saw. Simply turn on the angle grinder. Let it reach the highest level of RPM. After that, slowly start cutting. Again, it should be noted that the cut is to be made very slowly so that the right portion of the stucco does not crack. Continue to cut along the perimeter until you are done with all the sides. At last, you will get a clean hole. c. Oscillating Tool An Oscillating tool is excellent for making small cuts and details. But if you have to make a large cut, using an oscillating tool might not be such a good option. The blades of oscillating tools clog due to which making large cuts becomes a tough job. To use an oscillating tool, you do not need to do much. Like a circular saw or an angle grinder, you have to turn on the oscillating tool first, and then let it reach full RPM. Now, start cutting slowly. Continue cutting till you are done on all sides along the entire perimeter. You will get a desired hole in the end. But, remember to cut deliberately. Do not rush the process. d. Power Drill with Hole Saw Using a power drill with a hole saw attachment is most suitable for cutting circular holes in stucco. The process of using a power drill with a hole saw is somewhat different from the other three tools that we discussed. The first step is to attach the bit with the drill. Make sure to tighten the bit properly in place. Turn on the drill by pulling the trigger. Allow the drill to reach full RPM. Once the RPM is full, start making your cut. You can also consider holding the body of the drill with your free hand to make it more steady while cutting. This enhances precision. Cut through the stucco slowly by working it through the material. Then slowly pull back. Your circular hole is ready. Tip: Always remember to wear gloves and safety glasses before you start cutting. The process of cutting stucco generates a lot of dust that can get in your eyes. Things You Would NeedThe tools that you require for cutting stucco are quite a few. One of the most important things to consider is the type of blade. Whichever tool you use, try to use either a diamond blade or at least a carbide-tipped blade. This will ensure a clean cut. You can choose any of the following saws depending on your needs:
Apart from the saw, the other things that you would need are:
Final ThoughtsCutting stucco can seem to be difficult for amateurs and DIYers. But it is a straightforward process that you can learn quickly to improve your skills. Plus, you can also take up some exciting new projects and work towards the beautification of your house. Just follow our simple step by step guide, and you can get excellent results without any difficulty. Remember that it is not important which method you adopt to cut stucco because all processes are very similar. Make sure that you do not plunge into cutting before reaching full RPM. Work slowly and steadily to prevent damage. source http://thehemloft.com/how-to-cut-stucco/ Via https://thehemloft.tumblr.com/post/636473741536264192
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