What is the best way to cut wood lattice without it breaking or popping out the staples?
Question:Also, what is the best way to join two pieces of wood lattice? I've tried staples but they don't seem to hold very well.
Answers:
Safety first. Remember your eye and ear protection, and ALWAYS make sure the blade depth (the amount of blade that will be exposed once the guard is pulled) is no more than 1/8" deeper than the thickness of your material. For instance, if the lattice measures 1/2" thick...your blade should be no deeper than 5/8". A little practice in that area will make you more confident. As we continue...A simple
Skil-saw will do the trick nicely. Buy a blade that is 1/16" and make sure you use a chalk-line to mark your cut. You should use a sturdy pair of saw horses...and I recommend laying a piece of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood down first...it will help with sliding your lattice into position, as well as keeping it from jumping around on you once you begin the cut. You could also place a 4' piece of 2x4 near your cutting mark...to further stabilize the lattice. The less the material moves, the straighter/quicker cut you'll have. ~~ As far as joining pieces of lattice where the joint is...I don't feel it's necessary to join them. If you have a post, or some sort of bracing behind the "break" (where two pieces of material butt together)... you shouldn't have to worry about "joining" individual pieces. Just make sure that once you have your lattice, you inspect each piece to ensure they all have the same overlay...for instance...if you stand a piece up against the wall...the diagonal strips closest to you may be going from bottom left, to upper right. If every piece of lattice is not put together in this fashion...you'll have problems. It's very important to break, or cut, each piece to match once it is affixed to your posts. This will create the illusion of one continuous course of lattice...very attractive...and no glue or staples needed.
glue and staple near the part where you need to make the cut - let glue dry. use a table saw if available, a new or sharp blade will reduce breaking.
joining them using wood glue and longer staples. if they are painted or made of plastic, use "liquid nails".
More Related Questions & Answers...