I was doing a small remodel job and had to cut into several plaster walls for a door and closet opening. It was a time consuming process. It took much longer than it would have if the walls were sheetrock. I didn’t want to damage the parts of the wall that I didn’t need to open up. I used a chisel and scored along a stud and then pried away the plaster to that point. I also tried to sawzall, but that seemed like it would vibrate the surrounding plaster too much. My circular saw created a lot of sparks when it cut into the plaster so I decided not to go with that.
What are the best ways to demo parts of plaster walls? Any suggestions?
Replies
Generally, by hand like you did it. There is a saazall bladde that cuts on the pussh strok for plaster so you are not pulling it away from the lathe and chipping the edge as bad. It also pushes more of the dust into the wall cavity instead of pulling it into your face, etc.
But it is one of those ideas that sounds better than it works, IMHO
I'd hate to ruin my jigsaw with too much plaster dust.
Yah, time for that garage sale 5 dollar wonder:)Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
Sometimes moving slow with the right blade in a jigsaw can cut that vibration down considerably.
Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
makes a tremendous amount of dust but for small cuts I've had good luck with a diamond blade mounted in a 4" angle grinder. Be careful as it generates a lot of heat (and dust). For bigger cuts i've used the recip saw, go slow and the vibration isn't too bad. Also depends on the general condition of the plaster, if it looks like it's pulling away from the lath in spots then I wouldn't try the recip saw.
have had success with one pass of the circular saw to cut plaster, and then a second pass to cut lath, different blades per the material. On a beater saw/blade you can run the blade in reverse as well. It helps to score strongly with a knife first. Listen to Piffin about the pull of the teeth.
GO
wang du, a carbide tippped blade workes wonders in a jig or sawzall, just keep your angle so that you dont shake the lathe. I just had to cut a door opening in plaster without cracking the plaster crown mould above it and believe me, moving the studs behind the crown was the biggest headache. All turned out well though!
Wang Dang Dudle...(couldnt help myself....sorry : ) )...
What I use that works like a charm is my Roto-Zip with the WIDE bit for CBU....you have to spend an extra few bucks ($12) for the wider collar but its well worth it. TIP: on E-Bay they sell contractors packs of ROTO ZIP BRAND bits for half the price or less. Packs of 15 I think it is.
Be well
Namaste'
Andy
It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM