Best Way to Cut Old Wood

[1chipster]

I am trying to enlarge a space for a larger medicine cabinet.  Boy, the wood is so old and hard it is almost impossible to  cut.  I have tried to jigsaw, saw, drill
and finally a fein multimaster.  I am sorry I started this but I am so far into it, I have to finish it. I have already lost a few chunks of plaster. Is there                                                                                                                                                              any tool/technique/idea that I have missed that would be helpful in this situation?  I sure could use a new approach.  Will appreciate any suggestions except to give up.  Thanks

 

[Alan m]

im not sure i follow what you are asking properly. have you any pics. these might help.
are you cutting into a stud wall or partition etc
as for cutting . ensure your tools are a sharp as possible and have the correct set on the teeth for this type of cutting.
have you tried a chainsaw. [huh]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

If the studs start to pinch tight on the cut, you may want to stop.

There is one tool made for that task, a Sawzall.

 

[justinmcf]

i agree with warner.

use a reciprocating saw.

justin.

 

[mastercabman]

I think the sawzall is going to be the best choice.

 

[1chipster]

Yes,
I'm cutting into lath and studs. And yes, I did try a sawsall but the vibration is enough
to loosen some chunks of plaster.  I was hoping for a new suggestion. Any more
ideas? And yes, the blades on these tools are all new.

 

[waho6o9]

Grinder with a diamond blade?  Dust city.  [scared]

 

[semenza]

Hi,

Are you cutting all the wall materials at once? That is the impression I have from your posts. In this case you might want to start by removing the plaster and lathe seperately so you can get a better handle on just cutting the studs.

Reciprocating saw would be my suggestion too, and then maybe you will just have to deal with doing some new plaster or a wide trim piece around the cabinet. 

Did the reciprocating saw do the cutting job well enough?

Seth

 

[mastercabman]

Yes,
I'm cutting into lath and studs. And yes, I did try a sawsall but the vibration is enough
to loosen some chunks of plaster.  I was hoping for a new suggestion. Any more
ideas? And yes, the blades on these tools are all new.

AH YES!  I know what you mean.  If you have the multimaster,use that with the carbide blade(the one that removes grout),cut the plaster and cut the lath with a regular blade.
Then you can use the sawzall.Try to use a lower speed.
If you don't mind doing some small patch up,use a 1x and secure it to the wall on the edge of your cut.This will keep the plaster from vibrating.

 

[lambeater]

My walls were also lath and drywall. I was able to use my 18v cordless saw fitted with a small diamond blade. Also had someone holding the shopvac while cutting. No problems.

Lambeater

 

[buellwinkle]

I am just thinking maybe the stud you are sawing through is a load bearing stud and that weight is bearing against the blade of your saw making the cut difficult.. just a thought  [unsure]

 

[Alan m]

[welcome] to the fog

worth checking if its a load bearing

 

[jmbfestool]

[welcome] to the fog

worth checking if its a load bearing

OFF- Topic 

Dude Alan every where I see your name its  [welcome]  Welcome to Fog lol!    Its like you go round welcoming every person funny!  Your the Door man for Fog!

JMB

 

[ajones]

cutting into a stud wall blind is probably a little foolish without first checking there are no services running through the void. [crying]

 

[Alan m]

[welcome] to the fog

worth checking if its a load bearing

OFF- Topic 

Dude Alan every where I see your name its  [welcome]  Welcome to Fog lol!     Its like you go round welcoming every person funny!   Your the Door man for Fog!

JMB

[attachimg=#]

im sorry if im being overly friendly.
i think it is a nice thing to do to new members. i usually am one of the first to welcome someone.