Cutting 300mm hole in lath and plaster ceiling?

[john999uk]

I have to fit a condensation control fan (PIV) into the hall ceiling. The hole needs to be about 300mm and the ceiling is lath and plaster!

Any tips for cutting the ceiling without damaging the surrounding lath and plaster?
Cheers

 

[Wilko]

Good look above to ensure the whole hole ok to be cut out.
Hoover at the ready, I go slow using "join the dots" method with a drill and sharp pad/jab saw.

 

[Andy78]

I'd be using a multitool with a sharp wood blade for that job.

 

[Midwest]

I see one guy on t'internet suggests pouring cornice cement over the top of the proposed hole cut, to stabilise the lath & plaster before cutting;

 

[telectrix]

last one i did was with a jigsaw, cutting from above so i could see what was happening with the laths.

 

[kingeri]

Last one I attempted, half the ceiling fell on my head before I even got any tools out.

 

[telectrix]

Last one I attempted, half the ceiling fell on my head before I even got any tools out.

saved cutting the hole then?

 

[Rpa07]

I've used bonding over the lathes but you have to wait a while for it to go off enough to cut into it - it was my house though so I got on with something else, marriage I think it was!

 

[Rpa07]

I see one guy on t'internet suggests pouring cornice cement over the top of the proposed hole cut, to stabilise the lath & plaster before cutting;

He could have dressed up for that video!

 

[Pete999]

300mm hole cutter with extreme care

 

[Wes1000]

That's what I'd use too. But like Pete said go real slow and hopefully everything stays in place.

 

[john999uk]

Cheers all. PIV unit arrived this afternoon and it requires an oval hole! So holesaws no go!

Think I will give the fine bladed pad saw a go. I also have a rotary tool with a spiral cut bit which might be ok.
Think I might try a test cut towards the middle of the proposed hole first to see how stable it is.

 

[telectrix]

a couple of ounces of semtex will suffice.

 

[hasel5]

Get the builder / client to do it and in a hallway?

 

[john999uk]

a couple of ounces of semtex will suffice.

Might have known that would be your response Tel Hows things mate?

 

[john999uk]

All done . The multitool was great. Actually once I started it was easy as the ceiling had been overboarded so the laths and their plaster were all contained. So no need to worry.
Cheers for all the advice it was very helpful.

 

[telectrix]

Might have known that would be your response Tel Hows things mate?

hi stranger. LTNS. things OK, quiet at the moment.

 

[john999uk]

hi stranger. LTNS. things OK, quiet at the moment.

Lots of DIY at moment, had to sort out very bad condensation at bungalow, hence this thread.
Hope you are keeping well. Are you still working or finally taking it easy and relaxing?