Cutting Drywall with Vecturo

[mattmass]

I have to open up a wall to investigate some water damage. I'd like do do a really clean job, and re-install the cut piece drywall back in once I'm done. I'm not yet sure what size hole I need, but maybe something like 5'x2'. In the past, I've used a handheld keyhole saw for things like this. It's fine, but I've found it really hard to make straight, precise cuts.

Anyone like a Vecturo for this kind of thing? It seems like an oscillating tool could be excellent here.  Especially paired with the right blade and the plunge base. Is that setup easy to slide over longer distances? What do you all think? Yes, I am trying to justify a new tool purchase

 

[tjbnwi]

It will work, at 5'x2' I'd use a TS-55.

Tom

 

[leakyroof]

It will work, at 5'x2' I'd use a TS-55.

Tom

. Ya' know, it shows how much fun I've had on St. Patrick's Day when I mis- read your TS-55 advice and thought, Wow, a 2" long plunged cut, that's hard to do... Oh wait ... 5 FOOT by 2 FOOT Cut, well that makes more sense.... [embarassed]

 

[tjbnwi]

It will work, at 5'x2' I'd use a TS-55.

Tom

. Ya' know, it shows how much fun I've had on St. Patrick's Day when I mis- read your TS-55 advice and thought, Wow, a 2" long plunged cut, that's hard to do... Oh wait ... 5 FOOT by 2 FOOT Cut, well that makes more sense.... [embarassed]

Festool green beer?

Tom

 

[bryan1982]

Hey

I cut gyprock out att the time with a multi tool i don't have a vecturo so dont jnow about the base.

Draw a line where you want to cut and free hand it.
Just be aware how deep the blade is.  I tend to go shallow on the first cut all the way around then complete going all the way through  you can feel when its gone through.

Cheers

Bryan

 

[AlexThePalex]

I do this regularly with my MultiMaster and it is very easy to do. I prefer a round blade for this, it is easy to make straight cuts by using a straight edge along the cut line, or drawing a line and free hand it.

 

[Bob D.]

I've used my Multimaster which I bought 10 years ago and also my cordless RIDGID JobMax to make these types of cuts. I've tried then on occasion but always go back to using my razor knife.

But before I had either of these tools I preferred to use a razor knife over a sheetrock saw as it made less mess and was faster.

Use a straight edge and razor knife I find the easiest to cut precise openings for new wall openings for electrical boxes when installing LAN or other low voltage cabling or for new AC outlets or switches. There is next to no dust created and it takes less time than it does to setup and plug in a power tool.

Give it a try and you'll like it I think.

 

[mattmass]

Thanks all!

A track saw is exactly what I'd reach for if the drywall wasn't already on the wall

I'll give the tried-and-true utility knife a shot. So much for new toys huh [crying]

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks all!

A track saw is exactly what I'd reach for if the drywall wasn't already on the wall

I'll give the tried-and-true utility knife a shot. So much for new toys huh [crying]

Why not when drywall is on the wall?

Works on plaster on a ceiling.

Tom

 

[Bob D.]

I have never tried it but just thinking about it I would not consider
using a track saw for cutting drywall. Way too messy and will kill your
blade plus you risk getting that fine dust in the motor of the saw.

If it's not hung yet then just score and snap like the pros do everyday.
Utility knife, drywall T-square, and a Surform for some fine fitting are
all I have ever needed for 95% of the work.

 

[mattmass]

Why not when drywall is on the wall?

Works on plaster on a ceiling.

Tom

Hrm. What do use to attach the track?

 

[tjbnwi]

I have never tried it but just thinking about it I would not consider
using a track saw for cutting drywall. Way too messy and will kill your
blade plus you risk getting that fine dust in the motor of the saw.

If it's not hung yet then just score and snap like the pros do everyday.
Utility knife, drywall T-square, and a Surform for some fine fitting are
all I have ever needed for 95% of the work.

Cleanest cut you'll ever make in drywall (as long as it's connected to a dust extractor).

I've seen no affect from drywall on the blade, as long as you don't hit a screw.

I've cut 1000's of feet of drywall, plaster and fiber cement products (special blade for plaster and fc), no issues with the saw. I do wipe the base plate and rail down after I've used it on these products.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

Why not when drywall is on the wall?

Works on plaster on a ceiling.

Tom

Hrm. What do use to attach the track?

Screws through the holes in the ends of the tracks, clamps when possible, 2 side tape-------what ever it takes in the given situation.

Tom

 

[J0hn]

If your cutting out a piece 5' high and 2' wide, I doubt if you will get it out in one salvageable piece that you can easily reuse.

Chances are it is going to be fastened to the stud (vertically) and your going to have a horizontal joint that only has drywall tape holding the two pieces together.  (So if it is screwed down, you 'might' be able to unscrew it)

Just something to think about

 

[rljatl]

I have used my Vecturo to cut dry wall and Gladiator plastic slat wall.  Worked well cutting out for electrical outlets, pipes, etc.

I would think a Vecturo blade would have a narrower kerf than a track saw, if that matters.

Try using a round saw blade on the Vecturo but only cut half way through or so and then finish the cut with a dry wall knife.  I think you will have more control over such a large piece and won't be holding a power tool when it begins to come loose .

 

[mike_aa]

Whatever cutting method you choose, if you are worried about hitting screws or nails, run a strong neodymium magnet slowly along your cut line before you make the cut.  It will stick to the screws and show the location.  The picture shows it sticking to an embedded drywall screw in one of our walls.  I don't remember where I got the old surplus ones I have, but you can order them in lots of different shapes and sizes from CMS Magnetics or K&J Magnetics.  This trick also works great to find nails when cutting into a wood floor.

Mike A.

 

[pettyconstruction]

Like Tom said
Use a track saw, screw the track to the wall and go.
No dust also if you have a Ct

I use my Supercut all the time for drywall ,seems made for that task
Charlie

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Gjarman12]

Another vote for the TS55. I have a beater blade I use for this just in case I hit something (screw/nail). Another perk is the depth of cut is easy to figure out.

 

[Bob D.]

Cleanest cut you'll ever make in drywall (as long as it's connected to a dust extractor).

I've seen no affect from drywall on the blade, as long as you don't hit a screw.

I've cut 1000's of feet of drywall, plaster and fiber cement products (special blade for plaster and fc), no issues with the saw. I do wipe the base plate and rail down after I've used it on these products.

Tom

Like I said never tried it but I'll take you word for it.

Just sounds like it would be hard on the saw.

But I will keep it in mind should I ever find myself in
a situation where I need to make such a cut. Thanks.

 

[rst]

I use my Fein supercut with circular blade to cut drywall and end up with minimal dust by using the 92602075018, FEIN Dust extraction device.