Walls and Ceilings - Installing skylight in plaster ceiling

What is the best way to cut into a plaster ceiling to install a skylight? I thought using a recipricating saw might be the best, but was concerned that it might snag the wire mesh and crack the remaining ceiling plaster. Also, as part of the same job, I'm installing can lights in the ceiling. Would I be able to use the 6" whole cutting bits to cut the circular holes in the plaster?

Thanks,
STH17

You can try an angle grinder with the proper cutting blade, if you have one. Or a circular saw will work fine. Or like you said sawz all. Whatever you use, remember to wear your eye protection and a dust mask. It will be VERY dusty. I use a sawzall or jigsaw to cut out the holes for can lights. Your hole will be 61/4" for standard cans.

For the sky light, I would use a circulare saw with a fine tooth corbide blade. Move slowly and hold the saw firmly to the ceiling.

I would not use a whole saw for the cans. As soon as you hit wire mesh with it, the saw will come to a complete stop causing all kinds of damage. (I've done it). Use the the sawzall or jigsaw, use a metal cutting bit, it will go slower but far let chance to snag the wire. Remember to hold the saw firmly to the ceiling, to much jumping around will cause major damage.

Hope this helps.

Plaster on wood lath or plaster on gyp lath?
Plaster on gyp use a zip cutter (best) or a sawzall (watch out for wires).
Plaster on lath score with a zip cutter to the lath, and then use a circular saw to cut the lath. You may still get some cracking where lath is hanging in space, so be prepared to fix it.
Try and close off the area by taping plastic tothe ceiling and covering the floor. The dust gets everywhere.