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Cutting circular holes in plastered ceiling for recessed light housing MiamiCuse 02-12-2008
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Posted by MiamiCuse on February 12, 2008, 9:05 pm
I posted a query last week about cutting a straight line along plastered
wall with gypsum lath with a concrete block wall about 3/8" behind it and PT
furring strips in between, and it was chewing up the blade and someone
suggested using a skilsaw or jigsaw. I have not tried it yet but a similar
problem is happening on the ceiling where I need to cut circular holes for
recessed cans.

The ceiling is also plastered over gypsum lath so overall thickness is about
5/8". Will a normal hole saw work or I need special diamond blade hole saw?

Thanks,

MC



Posted by Big_Jake on February 12, 2008, 10:23 pm
> I posted a query last week about cutting a straight line along plastered
> wall with gypsum lath with a concrete block wall about 3/8" behind it and PT
> furring strips in between, and it was chewing up the blade and someone
> suggested using a skilsaw or jigsaw. I have not tried it yet but a similar
> problem is happening on the ceiling where I need to cut circular holes for
> recessed cans.
>
> The ceiling is also plastered over gypsum lath so overall thickness is about
> 5/8". Will a normal hole saw work or I need special diamond blade hole saw?
>
> Thanks,
>
> MC

A zip tool with a tile cutting carbide bit would be my first choice.
You would have to go slow.

JK

Posted by John Grabowski on February 13, 2008, 8:17 am

>I posted a query last week about cutting a straight line along plastered
>wall with gypsum lath with a concrete block wall about 3/8" behind it and
>PT furring strips in between, and it was chewing up the blade and someone
>suggested using a skilsaw or jigsaw. I have not tried it yet but a similar
>problem is happening on the ceiling where I need to cut circular holes for
>recessed cans.
>
> The ceiling is also plastered over gypsum lath so overall thickness is
> about 5/8". Will a normal hole saw work or I need special diamond blade
> hole saw?
>


Special carbide hole saws are made for recessed lights. They are expensive
but work great on plaster and lathe. Be sure to get the correct size. I
tried my Dremel Rotary Advantage once on some recessed lights. The first
hole or two didn't come out too well even though I was using the circle
cutter attachment. By the fourth hole they were looking great until the
tool froze up from all of the fine dust getting inside of it. I had to
completely dismantle the Dremel to get rid of all of the dust. I haven't
used it since.


Posted by on February 13, 2008, 9:47 am
A cheaper alternative to buying a new power tool is a hole cutting
compass - you can get one at THE DEPOT. Use this to cut a circle
through the plaster but it won't go through metal lath. Get plenty of
blades if you have to cut more than one. The lath will chew them up.

Next you can crumble out the circle piece then use wire cutters or
sheet metal sheers to cut out the lath. Be careful when cutting that
stuff with anything - power or hand tool - wear gloves. It will shred
your skin worse than a mean tom cat.

This method is slower, but more deliberate with less chance of injury
and cutting where you don't want to.

Posted by MiamiCuse on February 17, 2008, 11:39 pm

>A cheaper alternative to buying a new power tool is a hole cutting
> compass - you can get one at THE DEPOT. Use this to cut a circle
> through the plaster but it won't go through metal lath. Get plenty of
> blades if you have to cut more than one. The lath will chew them up.
>
> Next you can crumble out the circle piece then use wire cutters or
> sheet metal sheers to cut out the lath. Be careful when cutting that
> stuff with anything - power or hand tool - wear gloves. It will shred
> your skin worse than a mean tom cat.
>
> This method is slower, but more deliberate with less chance of injury
> and cutting where you don't want to.

I think the compass will take a power drill right? I think I will try this.
Thanks!



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