Best saw to use for cutting out the floor plate in a cold air return.

You may have to go the old fashion way, by using a hammer, & chisel.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I got some more info from Dick. He also sent some images.

“Attached is a picture of what the plate looks like. I held the camera in the wall cold air return looking down between the wall studs. The space that I have to work in is the 3.5 inches by the 13 inches between the studs. There is not enough space to get a sawsall inside the wall to saw between the holes. Also the ceiling below has drywall so I cannot saw from below. I have also attached a picture of the hole in the wall for the vent.

I appreciate the suggestions. In order to saw the plate, the saw would have to fit between the walls and reach down to the plan which is about 10-12 inches below the opening for the vent”

Thanks for your help!

-- Editor, www.ToolCrib.com

I don’t suppose there’s enough room to get a small drill in there and drill a series of holes?
You could use a small powered screw driver wth a drill bit on it maybe.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Looks like the contractor knew what he was doing. Air flows through a round hole as well as a square one. You probably have plenty of air flow for a return.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Good thinking Dennis!!!

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I agree, leave it. I’m sure you will get reasonable air-flow through the large holes he’s drilled. I very much doubt that he expected anyone to enlarge the opening after the drywall was installed.

-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/

Dennis, Dick,

I emailed Dick with your replies and told him he should join up. :)

Thanks again for your help.

-- Editor, www.ToolCrib.com

Don,

I hadn’t seen your reply yet when I posted.
Thanks to you as well. :)

-- Editor, www.ToolCrib.com

Hi, Craftsman makes a approx 10” long air saw made for metal work, but they also make wood cutting blades that fit it, But i don’t see the need to remove the medium if it’s a cold air return.

-- Marty Ohio

Here is the final word from Dick on your feedback.

“I wanted to let you know that Frank Chaffee’s (from familywoodworking.net) suggestion is probably going to work. He suggested a Fein MultiMaster. I tried one over the weekend and it seems to do the job,

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Dick”

Thanks for all your help guys.

Adam

-- Editor, www.ToolCrib.com