Have to make some repairs on a buildin entertainment center, one is making a new opening for an electrical box, since the box and the cable and phone line are pulled (see attached pic) I plan on accessing it from the back by removing some drywall on the other side, it will be close quarters so what kind of saw should i use to cut the plywood?
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Replies
Do yo have a fein multimaster???
Deskguy
Damn man, as I was reading the question I had the answer all ready to throw out there, then I read your response!
Today I had to cut the back out of a cabinet that was already installed. Rear projector for a media room, audio people sold the HO'ers an upgrade and it needed more room. I whipped out the multi-master and cut the entire back out of the center section of a three part cabinet.
Worked like a charm.
Doug
This is a place where a Rotozip (or Dremel with a Rotozip-like bit) may be your best bet. Make an outside template (so you can work partly blind) and cut from either side -- whichever works out best.
I second the rotozip. Or, god forbid, a small hand powered jab saw. You should have to worry about to much tear out as the out cover will hide it.
Now if it were my home, the only tool to use would be a Multimaster, which I don't have, so I would have to buy it. $275 tool to install $6 worth of electrics, wonder if I can sell THAT to the DW.
"$275 tool to install $6 worth of electrics, wonder if I can sell THAT to the DW."
It's a quicker (more time for family or other honey-do list items), cleaner (less work for everyone) way to do the job right with less cussing / frustration...And you'll be ready for the next one.
This is what I would use!
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thanks for the replys......... gives me an excuse to buy another tool...........
Dan
I was kind of thinking along the same line as you chainsaw, then he good buy all kinds of tools.
Could you cut a new back for the inside of that cabinet? At least it appears that we're looking into a cabinet. Then you could pre-cut for the electrical box.
Trace the box opening on the back wall of the entertainment center. Then, using a holesaw, drill a few holes through the back. Then, use a chisel to make it nice nice....The retro box & plate cover will hide any mistakes.
HTH,
Ed
Yeah, that would actually work pretty well if the back isn't too thick. Scribe around the opening deeply with a utility knife first.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
i forgot to mention they used 3/4" plywood for the back..... maybe i can still drill and use a chisel....... maybe?
Dan
Iffy. But at least 3/4 will stand up to a sawzall better.
What kind of tools do you have available -- saber saw or sawzall? Router/Dremel/Rotozip? Can you get your hands on a keyhole saw with a fairly fine blade (not a drywall saw), something like this:
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So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
I plan on accessing it from the back by removing some drywall on the other side
Maybe I'm interpreting this wrong.
Do you mean to say you're going to remove some sheetrock from a room adjacent to the back of the cabinet unit?
If that's the case, won't you be able to just use a standard jig saw?
I would disconnect the phone jack and push the wires back thru the hole and then cut with roto zip or hand saw or what ever tool you choose. After you complete the cut take a coat hanger or what ever and hook your wire and pull it back in.
If you have fear of loosing the wire, tie on a piece of string before pushing the cable into the wall.
VAVInce, Off topic a bit here . I own one of the original Roto Zips (single speed)and have never had much success using it for cutting anything but drywall.
Every bit I have tried burns up quickly no matter how slow or fast I vary the feed. Any suggestions on bits? I love the concept , but get continually frustrated with the bits burning and breaking.
"Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca
You got that far eh? All 3 of the ones I've owned , well, two were " here, take this POS away from me, before my head explodes" gifted to me...all ate the plastic fan doo-hicky inside in no time.I use a trim router instead these days, one is an OLD Royobi, just keeps on keeping on for the last 20 or so years. The newer one is a Bosch I think. Don't use it much, I grab that ryobi most times.Parolee # 40835
Shpere, Like you I ended up with a small router in hand. I usually use my PC laminate trimmer with a carbide bit for the wood cuts now. For drywall the Roto is Ok , but I can burn a bit up in 1/8' cheap paneling even when trying to exercise care.
"Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca
Only time I've had a bit burn out was when I hit a nail. You have to pick the right bit for the job, though -- don't use a DW bit for plywood.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Dan , I have bought and used wood cutting bits, down spiral , up spiral , 1/8", 1/4", piloted, non piloted, made by Roto, DW and others and still have the problem. I keep thinking it is the speed or pressure because they actually will burn and burn though. If others are making it work for them then it has to be the singer not the song....
"Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca
I'll admit that I haven't done a lot of wood cutting with the RZ, but done a few small things. I'm not suggesting that the unit substitute for a Skilsaw, but for some projects (like this one) it works out OK.Probably my shaky hands help a bit, since I alternately feed and let up on the pressure, so the bit doesn't overheat as readily.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Did you notice, I gave a choice? I have not had the best experience with a RZ!
I some time use my PC router, with one of the RZ bits. It does burn up quick!
I took a second look at picture and noticed that there is an existing box. I like what Bill H. has suggested.
I need to spend the money and get a Fein Multi!!
Edited 6/3/2007 7:23 pm ET by VAVince
If you can use a surface mounted box you can do it without any cutting.
I am not sure what is is called. But there is a metal handy box that does not have a back. But it does have ears where it screws to an existing box.
You can put that over the hole and screw it to the back.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.