Anybody cut through Stucco exterior?

[ps2cho]

I am trying to install a dog door through one of my walls...Exterior is Stucco.

Bought a 4 1/2" grinder along with diamond wheel to do the job (cut through like butter), but it wasn't deep enough to go through unfortunately

Any suggestions on what else I could use or where to go? I kinda don't want to buy another grinder if there is a different tool I can buy to add to my collection. Any other recommendations?
Thanks!

[Jorn]

I always used a drill for the corners and a circle saw set to the right dept and if needed a saw saw.

[cmac2012]

I'd say bang out the stucco in the door area as it is now. We used to use those little pneumatic pistol grip chipping hammers for it. Pulverizes the stuff. Just work your way up to the cut. The rest will either come out from the impact, or at least you can cut deeper as the head side of the grinder will be bearing on a surface about 5/8ths lower than it was allowing it to cut 5/8ths deeper.

A hammer and chisel might work.

DeWalt used to make a skilsaw diamond blade for under $20. Can go a deeper than with the angle grinder.

[Rob Pruijt]

If you are looking for a tool a recipro saw might do it.
There are all sorts of blades for them (depending on the brand) even diamond.
Very practical tool.

Rob

[t walgamuth]

whats under the stucco?

[TwitchKitty]

Skilsaw and abrasive blade. Abrasive blades are sold for metal or masonry. Each works quite well for its respective purpose. You can cut up a car in no time.

[elchivito]

Is there wire lath under the stucco?

[tbomachines]

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

Skilsaw and abrasive blade. Abrasive blades are sold for metal or masonry. Each works quite well for its respective purpose. You can cut up a car in no time.

This, we just had stucco work done on our house (they did an entire wall), contractors used skil saws with demo blades.

[ps2cho]

Originally Posted by elchivito

Is there wire lath under the stucco?

It looks like it yes.

Is a skilsaw the same as a circular saw?
like this? http://www.sears.com/craftsman-18780-evolv-12-amp-corded-7-1-4-in/p-00918780000P

[lorainfurniture]

Remove the guard, buy the 7 &1/4 inch blade and watch your fingers.

[t walgamuth]

stucco on wire lath suggests it is built over wood framing. If you have cut it around 2" deep it should break through easily. If it has masonry behind it then that is another situation completely and would likely require a gas powered masonry saw which will cut around 8 to 10" deep.

[TMAllison]

I would doubt it has expanded metal lath behind it in the "West". Pending when it was built, it will usualy be standard 3/4" "chicken" wire or 16ga 1.5" wire. Typically isn't much more than 3/4" deep overall.

I'd take the gaurd off your grinder, that usually gets you another 1/8 or 1/4" depth.

If that doesnt work, cut to the inside of your existing cut at a 45 degree angle to the first cut, chip out the wedge and see if that doesn't get you enough room to cut down to the wire.

Otherwise, just chip it out with a hammer and chisel and snip the wire by hand.

[ps2cho]

House was built in 2002. It's close since I drilled 4 holes in each corner and I can somewhat make out depth. Maybe another 1/2-1inch total.

Wood frame behind the stucco.

I'll go get the circular saw since its pretty inexpensive and take off the guard.

[ps2cho]

Got the 7+1/4" craftsman circ saw + Skilsaw diamond 7" blade which fit fine. Got through the remaining 1/4" that was left.

Dog Door successful! My pit+border collie mix already figured it completely out...took him about 20mins and he's been going in and out all day. Perfect

[t walgamuth]

Cool!