05 Aug How to Cut Magnesium Oxide Board?
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Did you recently buy magnesium oxide boards for a project and want to know how to cut them? Or maybe you plan to acquire MgO bards and what to self-inform in advance? Either way, you have landed at the right place! Buckle up! I will explain everything you need to know about cutting MgO boards!
MgO Board Cutting Guide: Tools and Techniques
To cut magnesium oxide boards, use a circular saw with a thin carbide blade for clean and precise cuts. Ensure you wear safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust particles.
Circular Saw
Anyone who has dealt with MgO boards will tell you that the best way to cut them is using a circular saw with a thin carbide blade. In other words, it is a saw with a blade that is reduced in thickness, ranging from 3/32 inch to 1/8 inch.
The blade is made from carbide, a compound of carbon and metal. It is one of the hardest and most resistant metals, which is why manufacturers use it for cutting tools, padlocks, and more. Also, thin carbide blades offer a clean and precise cut with minimal chipping.
Plunge Saw
Another great option for cutting thick MgO boards is a plunge saw with a diamond blade. The plunge mechanism allows for precise control over the cutting process and the board. This tool also ensures straight cuts!
As you know, diamond is the hardest material used for various purposes, including cutting. The only downside of the plunge saw is its price. It is very expensive compared to other saws. At the same time, it is very durable and efficient.
Jigsaw
Besides the circular saw, there are other types of saws, like jigsaws or handsaws. However, they are not good choices for cutting MgO boards. Here’s why! While a jigsaw is good for making curved cuts, it might be slower than a circular saw. Additionally, it may require more finishing work on the edges compared to a circular saw.
The choice of saw also depends on the thickness of your boards and their application. Construction professionals usually use jigsaws for cabinet openings, curved patterns, and intricate cutouts. On the other hand, a circular saw is better for construction projects, such as ones involving MgO boards. Also, circular saws are more powerful. You can use them to cut through thicker materials.
I once tried cutting an MgO board with a jigsaw, and the result was two blunt blades. You will be surprised how easily the blades go blunt! Ultimately, I found a low-speed circular saw! If you do not have anything at hand, you can use a jigsaw with a carbide blade. But, it is not ideal for straight lines.
Handsaw
A handsaw might be the worst choice for cutting MgO boards. It is inefficient and time-consuming. If you have ever used a handsaw, you know what I’m talking about. A handsaw requires significant effort and multiple strokes to cut through MgO boards, so the process is very slow and laborious.
Using a handsaw can easily result in rough and uneven cuts. Magnesium oxide boards are not very cheap, so choosing the right tool is paramount! You do not want to waste the boards on inefficient tools. Also, with handsaws, there is an increased risk of breakage.
MgO boards can be a bit delicate, and the pressure from a handsaw can easily cause them to crack or chip, especially around the edges. Lastly, MgO boards can be a bit stubborn, and if your handsaw bucks or slips, it could lead to an accident. Not worth the risk!
Angle Grinder with Masonry Blade
While I personally never used an angle grinder for cutting MgO boards, I’ve seen others do so, and it is messy! Unlike a jigsaw or handsaw, an angle grinder with a masonry blade can definitely cut through MgO boards.
However, using it will mostly likely result in rough cuts. They are designed for rough cutting and are not the best tools for cutting MgO boards. Additionally, you have less control over the board and the cut with an angle grinder. It makes it challenging to achieve a straight line. So, using an angle grinder is only an option if you absolutely do not have access to a circular saw.
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Cutting MgO Boards Like a Pro
Here’s a small guide on how to cut MgO boards using a circular saw. If you plan to cut the boards, you will need some materials!
Those include safety goggles, gloves, a dust mask, measuring tape, and a T-square.
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Obviously, your first step is to measure and mark the cut line on the MgO boards with a pencil and a T-square. Make sure that the line is straight and visible so it is easier to cut it. Secure the board on a stable surface. Now, it is also time to put on safety goggles, gloves, and a mask. Inhaling dust particles can result in health problems, so I urge you to get one as soon as possible.
Step 2: Adjusting the Blade
I assume that you have installed the carbide blade in your circular saw. Your next step is to adjust the blade’s depth so it is slightly deeper than the board. This will allow you to get a clean cut without excessive strain on the saw.
Step 3: Cutting
Now, it’s time to align the saw with the marked cut line. Start the saw and let it reach full speed before making contact with the board. Then, gently push the saw along the cut line, applying steady pressure. Never force the saw; let it do its job! If you maintain a consistent speed and keep the saw straight, you will avoid chipping and uneven cuts. And that is it!
Score and Snap Method
There’s another alternative to cutting MgO boards. The score and snap method is a simple technique for cutting MgO boards that are usually 8 mm thick. You cannot use this method for thicker boards. The reason: they are too tough to snap cleanly. Remember, a circular saw is the best choice for thicker boards. The score and snap method includes minimal tools, such as a utility knife with a sharp blade. Regardless of the method and tool you are using, safety glasses and a mask are a must!
You can do quick cuts with this method without power tools, but it has limitations. Then, use the knife to carefully create a line where you want the cut. I suggest you make multiple passes with the knife to deepen the score. Why? The deeper the score, the easier it will be to snap the board. Then, with a little pressure, you snap it along the score line. Poof, you have a more or less clean cut!
Conclusion
So, the best way to cut MgO boards is using a circular saw with a thin carbide blade. It’ll cut through those MgO boards like butter, nice and clean, with less effort and fewer headaches.
I have listed other options for cutting MgO boards and reasons why a circular saw works best with thicker boards. Remember, the choice of tool depends on the thickness of the boards. Additionally, I added a small guide on how to cut the boards and the materials you will need for the project, plus a snap-and-score method in case you don’t have a power tool!