Walls and Ceilings - Cutting Plaster walls

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dvdbrown
03-09-01, 05:46 AM
I am thinking about cutting a non-load bearing wall down to 40 inches and expanding the opening for the door. This wall seperates my kitchen and dining room. It is an old plaster wall with a wire mesh running through it. My quesiton is how do I cut through that wire mesh ? Will I have to use a hacksaw or will a sawsall do the trick ? Or would I be better off just knocking the wall completely down and rebuilding it ?

Thanks

Torch
03-09-01, 11:29 AM
Use a sawsall with a plaster cutting blade. Make an initial cut several inches above the height you want, then remove the bulk of the wall. Make your second and final cut at the correct height. Have some tin snips handy for cutting the lath after it hits the floor.
dvdbrown
03-09-01, 11:38 AM
Torch,
So I assume I'm only going to cut through the plaster not the wire, right ?
Thanks

Torch
03-09-01, 11:41 AM
You take a hammer and smack a quarter size hole in the wall. Take the sawsall, and starting at that hole, cut away, you won't even notice the metal lath- the saw goes right through the lath and plaster.

BTW- wear goggles and a dust mask
Phil H
03-10-01, 04:33 PM
dvdbrown,

I recently used a sawzall with plaster blades to cut plaster with metal lath in my house; it cut nice and fast but blades don't last very long. I can't remember, but I think a blade cut four or six feet. I used Milwaulkee blades because they were readily available; your milage may vary. Speed, ease, and quality of cut made the cost of blades an excellent value.

Phil H
03-17-01, 11:46 AM
dvd brown
Get a carbite sawall blade this will cut wire mesh and plaster and you will not have to change blades, as for the wire it should be in the corners and along the seams and but joints of the rock lath, Good Luck
Frank
Frankawitz Custom Painting &
Plastering Repairs