Most of us are accustomed to cutting standard boards, such as two-by-fours or sheets of plywood. What do you do if you have something unusual to cut, such as vinyl lattice?
You can cut through vinyl lattice with any type of saw that can be used for cutting through wood. Generally speaking, you should choose a fine-toothed saw blade that is carbide-tipped. That will cut through the lattice, leaving you with a nice edge.
If you had to pick one particular tool that would cut vinyl lattice, it would likely be a circular saw. It is portable and very convenient for doing the job.
In addition, it is not typically necessary to cut odd shapes when cutting through vinyl lattice. Since you’re cutting through many small pieces, a straight cut is typically going to suffice.
What Can You Use To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
In this article, we will consider many different tools that can be used for the purpose of cutting vinyl lattice. We will also consider some tools that you should avoid using.
Regardless of what tool you use, it’s important to allow the tool to do the majority of the job. As you are cutting through the small pieces of lattice, it can be easy for things to get away from you and for damage to occur.
One of the biggest issues is blowing out the lattice when you come to the second edge. Using a fine blade that is carbide-tipped will help to avoid the problem, but if you work slowly, it is less likely to occur as well.
Something else to keep in mind is your personal safety, which should always be at the forefront when cutting anything with a power saw. It is especially true of vinyl lattice, because it is similar to cutting multiple pieces rather than a single piece.
Perhaps the most important factor for cutting vinyl lattice safely is to use a sharp blade. If the blade is dull, it will not cut as easily and it is more likely to cut you.
You should also wear safety glasses or preferably, a face shield over safety glasses. When cutting most pieces of wood, safety glasses will suffice but you are likely to have flying pieces if something goes astray when cutting lattice.
Other important safety reminders include wearing all-purpose gloves and hearing protection. The more you protect yourself and work safely, the more likely it is that you will finish the job with all your fingers and toes intact.
Let’s consider some of the different tools that may be used for cutting this material.
Can You Use Hand Saw To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
If you have a handsaw that is suitable for cutting through wood, it will likely cut through vinyl lattice just as easily. Many people find that using a handsaw is beneficial because it gives you additional control over the cut you are making.
When using a handsaw, make sure that you have the work stabilized. This can be difficult when working with vinyl lattice, because you must stabilize the individual slats as well as the entire piece.
Either use a portable bench or sawhorses for stabilizing the vinyl lattice. You can then cut through it with a handsaw and get the job done.
Can You Use Circular Saw To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
A circular saw is the best choice for cutting vinyl lattice. Use a carbide-tipped blade with fine teeth to cut through it quickly and easily. As you are cutting the lattice, work slowly so you don’t chip the forward edge as you are cutting.
A circular saw will cut through the vinyl easily but you must ensure that you are using a sharp blade. If you notice that the blade is getting gummy from the vinyl melting, switch to a new blade.
You should also be cautious when using a circular saw because things can go wrong quickly. Keep a good grip on the saw and beware of the possibility of kickback.
Can You Use Tin Snips To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
Tin snips can be used to cut vinyl lattice but you need to use a heavy-duty set if you want them to cut properly. Snips are better used for thin materials as well. If you are using a top-grade vinyl lattice, it may be too thick for most snips to handle.
Obviously, thicker material is going to be more difficult to cut. Keep that in mind and use a large pair of snips if you have them available.
Can You Use Jigsaw To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
Jigsaws are commonly used for cutting vinyl lattice and other materials when odd shapes need to be cut. It also does a good job of cutting a straight cut, but you should use a straight edge to guide the jigsaw when doing so.
When using a jigsaw for cutting vinyl lattice, you switch from cutting the entire piece to cutting each individual piece within it. It is going to take more concentration and focus on your part to ensure that each cut is done appropriately.
Most people find that using a circular saw is the best choice. If you only have a jigsaw available, however, just cut slowly and do the job right the first time.
Can You Use an Oscillating Tool To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
An oscillating tool is one of the better ways to cut vinyl lattice and most people don’t know about it. As long as you are using an attachment suitable for wood and plastic, it will cut through it quickly and easily.
Oscillating tools can be used for both cutting new vinyl lattice as well as for cutting through old vinyl lattice that is being taken out. Take your time when working and you will be happy with the control you have over this tool.
Can You Use Table Saw To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
A table saw is not the best choice for cutting vinyl lattice. It will work if you have to cut many pieces but it is inconvenient to take the lattice to the saw and have it cut for you.
If you are going to use a table saw, use a fine tooth blade with carbide tips. You should also work slowly and allow the blade to do the work rather than pushing the lattice through it.
Can You Use Scissors To Cut Vinyl Lattice?
Are you thinking about using scissors for cutting vinyl lattice? There are some cutting snips that are available for that purpose, but standard scissors will not work well. They do not have the strength necessary to cut through thick vinyl and you will likely get frustrated in the process.
How To Cut Vinyl Lattice Correctly
There is always a right way and a wrong way to do any job. This includes cutting vinyl lattice. Here is the best way to do it.
1. Protect Yourself – We discussed it briefly earlier, but it’s important to wear PPE when cutting vinyl lattice. Safety glasses or goggles, all-purpose gloves, long sleeve shirts, respiratory protection, and hearing protection are all part of working safely.
2. Stabilize – The lattice is going to be stable when it is attached together but once you start cutting on it, you will find that it quickly becomes unstable. Since you are cutting individual pieces of lattice, they will no longer have the support of the entire sheet.
Use a portable bench or sawhorses to stabilize the lattice for cutting it. Be aware of what is under the bench or sawhorses so you don’t cut through anything else.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 21, 2022.
3. Measure and Mark – Measure the area where the lattice will go and mark the vinyl lattice for cutting. You may need to mark each individual piece, especially if you are using a tool such as a jigsaw for cutting it.
4. Cut the Lattice – The final step in the process is to actually cut through the lattice. This is best done with a circular saw, but you can use a jigsaw or even a handsaw for this purpose as well.
As you cut the lattice, you will find that you are cutting through each individual piece separately. As you reach the forward edge of the piece, it will be easier for you to chip it as the saw blade goes through.
Although it is tempting to cut quickly, allow the blade to do the majority of the work and especially so when you reach the forward edge of the slat. The last thing you want is to ruin one of those slats in the middle, as it will ruin the entire cut.
5. Replace – There may be times that you need to replace one of the slats that were damaged during the cutting process. Have a piece set off to the side so that you can do so. As long as you take your time, this is unlikely to happen but it’s better to prepare in advance for this issue.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 21, 2022.
If you have to cut vinyl lattice, you can use any saw that is used for cutting wood. A circular saw is the best choice, using a carbide-tipped blade with fine teeth. Allow the tool to do the majority of the work and take your time to make this a successful job.
Related Articles
What Can You Use To Cut Pegboard? (How To)
What Can You Use To Cut FRP Panels? (How To)
What Can You Use To Cut Limestone? (How To)
What Can You Use To Cut Bluestone? (How To)
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 21, 2022.