How to Cut Duct Board
Duct board is a compressed Fiberglas sheet that has a foil metal vapor barrier glued to one side. When cutting duct board, it is best to avoid using saws or power tools as they emit fine particles of Fiberglas into the air. Inhaling Fiberglas particles causes short-term irritation to your eyes, throat and lungs. Although there has been no studies showing long-term health hazards from Fiberglas inhalation, it is advised you take the necessary precautions to reduce your exposure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Large piece of cardboard
- Safety glasses
- Particulate respirator
- Leather gloves
- Sharp knife
- Long straightedge
Instructions
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1
Lay the cardboard on a flat surface large enough to accommodate the piece of duct board.
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2
Put on your safety glasses, particulate respirator and leather gloves before you handle the sheet of duct board.
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3
Place the duct board onto the cardboard, with the foil metal backing facing up to reduce the amount of Fiberglas expelled into the air while you are performing the cut.
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4
Set the straightedge onto the surface of the duct board where you need to make the cut.
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5
Apply pressure down on the straight edge, and place the knife-edge along the side of the straightedge, resting on the surface of the duct board.
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6
Press the tip of the knife through the duct board, and drag the knife along the straightedge.
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7
Remove the straightedge from the duct board, lift the piece of duct board, and pull the two pieces of duct board apart. Slide the knife along the cut edge to cut through any area of the cut that did not extend through the duct board.
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