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jbox cutouts in 1/2" Ply - Best tool ?

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Marctrees

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Covering inside of pole barn shop w 1/2" Plywood... LOT's of single and multigang elect boxes... NO round or octagon.

I will be making my cuts w panel leaning against wall or on sawhorses... NOT in place like sheetrock w a rotozip.

I have always drilled corner holes and used my old classic Bosch barrel grip saber "Jig saw"... (pic below)

But it's just too big bulky heavy way more than needed.


Thinking of buying multitool, but videos look like it's real slow comparatively.

If I got one it would be Milwaukee m12 bare tool one.

I REALLY don't think to have much if any future use for it.


What tool/ method is most efficient ?

Marc

Bosch_Barrel_Grip_Jig_Saw_with.jpg
 
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tarbellb

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Yes, multitool all day for ease of use and versatility.

M12, meh, not sure if its up to the task for all day use? A corded version or 18v might make quicker work of it.

Also, the half round blades from Fein are awesome for this.
 
J

J.A.F.E.

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HF has a small saw they call a body saw (presumably for autobody work) that looks and works like a mini Sawzall. Light and easy to control and not too expensive.
 

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liliysdad

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Multi-tool, without a doubt.

Once you get one, you will find all sorts of uses for it.
 
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Leaflessshadetree

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I did mine with a drill and sabersaw. I drill a single hole to get the saw started.
But mine has a normal handle and is easy to use with one hand.
 
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Paul_The_Builder

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When I put plywood up for my garage walls I did all the cuts with a 6 1/2" circular saw from the back before putting the plywood up.

All the cuts came out great. No exposed cut lines from the front, didn't have to pre-drill the corners. All cuts were extremely straight. It was a fast process, measure the box cutout and 4 quick cuts.

I think a vibrating multitool will be slow and probably won't come out as clean.
 
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cherrybomb

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I had a Bosch jig saw for 20 years,I vowed I would never give it up,it was that good.But I got a request from the wife to build a privacy fence.It was then that I decided to buy a cordless jig saw,in my case I had recently upgraded to Makita 18v.It used the same blades ,so I was set.It worked flawlessly, I really enjoyed,not fighting with the cord.IMO the cordless in your platform is the way to go.Good tools ,makes the job go smoother,safer and more enjoyable.isn't that whats it all about?
 
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CJ7VFR

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liliysdad

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Paul_The_Builder said:
When I put plywood up for my garage walls I did all the cuts with a 6 1/2" circular saw from the back before putting the plywood up.

All the cuts came out great. No exposed cut lines from the front, didn't have to pre-drill the corners. All cuts were extremely straight. It was a fast process, measure the box cutout and 4 quick cuts.

I think a vibrating multitool will be slow and probably won't come out as clean.
Click to expand...

Have you ever used an oscillating multi-tool? With a good blade, slow and not clean are nowhere in the discussion. Having used every manner discussed in this thread, I cannot fathom a better tool for this than a cordless multi-tool.
 
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Paul_The_Builder

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liliysdad said:
Have you ever used an oscillating multi-tool? With a good blade, slow and not clean are nowhere in the discussion. Having used every manner discussed in this thread, I cannot fathom a better tool for this than a cordless multi-tool.
Click to expand...

A circular saw can cut a ~4" slice through the plywood perfectly straight in just a few seconds. The only downside is the "overcut" from the round blade, but if you cut it from the back it doesn't matter.

If I had to cut an outlet in with the plywood already on the wall I'd use a oscillating multi-tool, but if you're cutting it before you mount it, a circular saw is way faster IMO.
 
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seber

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I use my multi-tool for many things, but I wouldn't even consider it for this. Precise control is not the forte. Oscillating sabre saw is the correct tool.
 
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davewo

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Being the owner and user of two multi-tools - they are great - but they also made me appreciate using a Japanese pull-saw even more. They have a place, but definitely not cutting several feet of plywood. I'm wrappping up my kitchen and pantry remodel where I have installed 26 outlets and/or switches in 7/16" OSB and 9/16" pine shiplap. I used a jig saw, probably not even as nice as your Bosch, to do all of it. You can also plunge-cut with a jig saw to eliminate the need for drilling. Since the panels are not mounted you can also cut from the underside (upside down) for a clear view of the blade.
 
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aka Larry

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Paul_The_Builder said:
A circular saw can cut a ~4" slice through the plywood perfectly straight in just a few seconds. The only downside is the "overcut" from the round blade, but if you cut it from the back it doesn't matter.
Click to expand...

You must have mad skillz with a skill saw to cut a perfectly sized and straight rectangle on the back side of a sheet of plywood.

Not saying it isn't possible, but I couldn't do it. Now give me a line and jigsaw, and I can cut it as straight as anybody.
 
OP
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Marctrees

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Actually, ... somewhere I have one of those mustard color plastic case B&D sabre jig saws bought new about 45 yr ago... light weight and easy to hold... think I'll see if I can find it.

Marc
 
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k1rodeoboater

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1/2" drill bit and a palm router with a 1/4" flush cut bit

Drill hole in center, insert router bit, find outside and run it around the box. You can do the same with a bigger full size on OSB to cut out for windows/doors.
 
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toplessHO

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I would give the multi tool adapter a try.
If noting else but to run it long enough to scribe the cut lines.
it may surprise you on cutting plywood.
I would get the heavy duty corded De Walt or a Fein tool
I have a corded Dremel and its OK for light duty stuff.
 
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TLCObsession

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Bellingham, WA
A multi-tool would ****. I would either use a jigsaw, or i would make a quick and dirty router jig and use an up-spiral pattern bit. It would be the fastest way to do it. 15 seconds a box once you locate it. Ever watch a framer cut window openings? Cordless trim router moving at a foot a second. Basically an overgrown Rotozip.
 
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MoonRise

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Rotozip with a jig and the multipurpose spiral blade will go through the ply no problem.

https://www.rotozip.com/en_US/web/r...p-show-product/xb-mp10-multipurpose-bit-10-pc

Or just the regular guide-point bit.


A RotoZip is pretty much a trim/palm router with a slightly different form factor. Spins a cutting bit at 30k rpm, makes noise and spews dust when you make the cut. Yup, it's a router. :lol:

https://www.rotozip.com/en_US/web/r...show-product/ss355-10-rotosaw-control-any-cut

A 'decent' OMT and blade will do it.

Or just a jigsaw.

Or a router (see above about a RotoZip :lol: ) and a jig. Place jig on ply, clamp in place, route.

These may not be as fast a cutting with a circular saw, but no 'overcut' either. Even if done from the back side of the ply and no one else will ever see them, overcuts just seem 'sloppy' to me. Personal preference. YMMV. :beer:
 
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