lathe and plaster and downlights!!!

[J.C.E]

Any tips on cutting 76mm holes (20+) for LED downlights in L+P ceilings??

brand new 76mm yellow starrett cutter and 36v drill.....barely scratched the surface on ONE hole and the teeth are already near blunt!

cheers guys

 

[comptonspark]

Starrett recommended to me their carbide tipped holesaw, since the lathe and plaster is very abrasive. It works well, a bit more money than the standard but worth the investment is you are doing 20+. Worth pointing out to customer you won't be responsible for extra damage if the ceiling decides to come down at the same time. You would then probably have to wait a few months to get a competent lime plasterer in to make repairs. Trust it is a sound L+P ceiling before you started? i.e. no bulges or sagging indicating that the lathe and plaster have parted company.

 

[telectrix]

or the nails holding it into the joists have not rusted away.

 

[ruston]

Or the 'activity' above has loosened it lol.

 

[7029 dave]

Maybe it's just me set in me ways old fashioned and the like, I would not entertain cutting in down lights in L&P. The ceiling is not designed for such activity. IMO

 

[sparksburnout]

Maybe it's just me set in me ways old fashioned and the like, I would not entertain cutting in down lights in L&P. The ceiling is not designed for such activity. IMO

I agree, they definitely are not! but when you got a regular customer hell bent on it......As some guys have said, don't attempt on a flaky ceiling, and tell them in writing you are not responsible if it all comes south. Most of the lofts above are kin awful as well.