We had a small (about 10 linear feet by 8′ high) area of 100 year old plaster and lath wall we needed to remove- studs and all. Working in an occupied space (our flat) in an area that can’t be easily isolated (22′ high cathedral ceiling in the 40’x50′ “great room”).
Here’s how we did it without creating a huge plaster dust cloud.
Cut large piece of 6mil plastic, lay on floor
Removed baseboards both sides
Now we start cutting- EVERY cut is prepared by spraying Endust liberally over cutline, and wife holds shopvac nozzle at blade location as cut progresses. After cut is complete, spray more endust on raw plaster edge (water would work fine, too, but we’re working over hardwood floors). Fine-toothed blades are used to avoid ‘grabbing’ the lath.
Gently removed one ‘row’ of plaster and lath at top of wall with hand saw for cutting access to studs
Screwed scrap 1x stock through plaster to every other stud to brace plaster at cut locations
Sawzalled through toenails at bottom of each stud
Sawzalled 90% of the way through each stud at top
Carefully cut vertically through plaster and lath, using 1xs as a guides, thus creating 32″ section
Once the vertical cuts are done, carefully cut the last 10% through the top of the studs, then carefully lay the now free section down on the plastic. Fold the plastic up over the section, staple and tape it closed to seal in the dust.
Cut more plastic, next section of wall, etc.
Carry each section down 4 flights of stairs to the back of my waiting truck for run to the dump.
Very little dust.
Edited 8/9/2007 4:29 pm ET by PGproject
Replies
Great! NOW you tell us - I'm all done, & it wasn't pretty!
but we're working over hardwood floors
You forgot, lay old carpet, pile down, under the plastic, on the floor in the work area first.
SamT
Actually did that, but didn't want to take a chance on spraying too much water.