Ipe deck + clip question

saskman72

I am planning on using a bicuit joiner and Ipeclips to install my ipe deck but have one major question that I need help with.

How do install the clips to the deck boards where 2 boards butt up together at a joist?
Do I add blocking and the cut a slot in each of the boards near the end and then fasten to the next board OR
do I butt the boards together, cut the slot in the middle of where they join and only use 1 Ipe clip to attach both boards to the same joist?

One more question- how many teeth on the mitre saw blade? Ive read 24 and had a guy tell me 60 to 80. Which is best and why?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

saskman72

Come on guys, I am set to start this thing soon and need to know the best way.
Thanks.

Meetre

I've never used clips on ipe, but have on Trex. I split the clip, half on each board. If you are worried about the ipe moving, you may want to add some blocking and do one clip on each end.

As far as the number of teeth for your saw, more teeth will NORMALLY get you a smoother cut. But the trade off is slower cutting. When cutting new materials, I usually try a few different blades to get the right combination for the product.