There are a few ways to cut through the firm, cement-based siding type that is stucco, but some ways will be more efficient and work better than others. There are different tools, blades, and techniques that can be used in order to cut through stucco, and the Phoenix stucco contractors at Titan Stucco is breaking down these methods and tools, and the best options for you.
Using a Grinder and a Diamond Blade
A grinder and a diamond blade are two great tools to look towards when you are planning to cut through stucco. They work extremely well, and since they are much lighter than a circular saw they are easier to handle. This is our recommended tool to search for if you are looking for a versatile and efficient tool to cut through your stucco siding. A 4.5” grinder is one of the most common to find, and it will be easier to find blades for. Diamond blades can be difficult to find in stores, but searching online can open up your options. It is worth noting that a grinder can be a little jerky in its movements, so this is not a good option for someone who has limited wrist strength, as it can be difficult to handle.Will a Mini Saw Work on Stucco?
A mini circular saw will work very well on stucco as well, and can have the equivalent power that a grinder can have. The advantage of a mini saw is that it often has a depth gauge, which allows you to determine how deep into the stucco you will be cutting before making a cut. As with using the grinder, you will need a diamond blade to work with your mini saw in order to be able to cut through the firm stucco siding materials.Using a Circular Saw With a Diamond Blade
Similar to a grinder with a diamond blade, a circular saw will also work well with a diamond blade to cut stucco. While it is larger than a grinder and therefore heavier, it has a depth gauge which can come in handy for cutting out stucco while avoiding cutting through any wires or materials below the surface. The handles on a circular saw also allow the operator to have a better grip on the tool than the grinder.Using A Jigsaw With A Diamond Blade
A jigsaw with a diamond blade can be a good option for detail work, but this tool is not recommended if you are planning to cut large areas of stucco. A jigsaw will be much slower in cutting than a circular saw or a grinder, and it will not hold up to the task well if you are planning to cut a large amount of stucco at once. A jigsaw can be a great tool to get the details or a corner or a rounded edge, but it is recommended to cut the larger areas with a circular saw or grinder.Cutting Stucco FAQs
How Long Will a Blade Last?
Diamond blades are typically the most common types of blades used to cut through stucco, and they can be a very durable type of blade and last a very long time. A diamond blade can usually cut through several hundred linear feet of stucco before it will need to be replaced. A carbide blade can also be used to cut through stucco using oscillating tools, but it sometimes will only last as little as a few feet before it becomes too dull to cut through the firm, concrete material. There are other factors that go into how long a blade will last including the amount of force being used, the amount of heat that is building up, the quality of the blade and the material the blade is made of.What Is the Best Way To Cut Through Stucco?
If you are planning to cut through stucco to simply remove it from a wall, a circular type diamond blade is the best option. If you are looking to cut finer details, an oscillating tool or a jigsaw may be a better option to provide you with the ability to make precise cuts.How Much Dust Does Cutting Stucco Make?
The amount of dust cutting through stucco makes depends on the type of tool you are using. If you use a circular saw to cut through the stucco, there will be a large amount of dust coming off the stucco, comparable to smoke from a small fire pit. A reciprocating saw, oscillating multitool or a jigsaw will create significantly less dust when used. However, there are precautions you should take no matter the amount of dust. Some options to protect yourself from dust include:- Using a Wet/Dry Vacuum: As you cut, you can use a wet/dry vac to help suck up a lot of the dust which will be emitted into the air as you work. You can put the nozzle of the vacuum close to the saw or the grinder you are working with to try and eliminate as much dust escaping into the air as possible. This does not eliminate the need for proper respirators, but can help minimize the dust.
- Using a Dust Vacuum: There are special vacuums that are made specially to eliminate nearly all harmful dust particles from the air using specialized HEPA filtration systems. If you have access to one of these vacuums, it can be a great option to ensure the harmful dust particles do not affect you or your home while you are working on cutting through your stucco.
