What tool ??? Need to cut out wood strips.

zman22 · 03-31-2010, 10:40 PM

Decided I want to cut out 2 wood flooring strips to add a marble transition piece between floors in the picture below. Anyone have a tool they recommend using? A circular saw wont be able to cut all the way to the ends on each side. I don't know exactly what tool would be best to use or how exactly to proceed.
Thanks

Bob Mariani · 03-31-2010, 10:56 PM

a router then finish with a Fien Multimaster

rjniles · 04-01-2010, 10:31 AM

If you only need a tool for an occasional small job like this:

Harbor Freight oscillating tool (under $40).

It is a cheap knock-off of the Fein, but will do your job.

jlhaslip · 04-01-2010, 11:25 AM

skil saw set to depth.
rip cut the second one as far as you can near its middle.
finish the cut with a chisel.
the first one should be pullable by the time you get the second one out.

zman22 · 04-01-2010, 11:27 AM

WOW, what a major difference in price for the tools. think I will get the "cheapo" special tool for this job.

So, I use a router to run along the length and then use the Fein tool to cut the 3 inches (or so) that will be left where the router wont reach. Is that the "jist" to this?
Thanks

Bob Mariani · 04-02-2010, 08:36 AM

all the above suggestions are good. Problem is the quality you are looking for. A saw will cut but it is harder to not splinter the existing wood. If using a router, go slow and set a guide so you are not trying to manually follow a line. Try borrowing a Fein Multimaster if you go this way. It will be easy to make a perfect cut. With the harbor freight tool it is nearly impossible. (this is why the cost difference) Now all of this is assuming you need to cut in the middle of one of the boards, if not, then even a chisel and prybar can be used. Also keep the spacing the same as the joints in the tile and use a sanded caulking to match your grout color. Do not place grout in this joint since it will surely crack.

TrafficCopSmith · 04-08-2010, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjniles

If you only need a tool for an occasional small job like this:

Harbor Freight oscillating tool (under $40).

It is a cheap knock-off of the Fein, but will do your job.

You can always check out the rockwell oscillating tool. It's more expensive than the harbor freight, but it'll last you a lot longer.

zman22 · 04-08-2010, 11:33 AM

Thanks guys for all the suggestings.
I wound up purchasesing the Rockwell version of the Fien. It's probably not as good as the Fien, but appears to be well made and has the same blades for what I need at the moment.

Jay123 · 04-09-2010, 11:46 AM

You'll have to let us know what you think of the rockler.

J

zman22 · 04-09-2010, 10:29 PM

OK,
I have to say that I happen to LOVE this tool. So far I cut through some 3/4 plywood like butter. My hand was a little numb though due to the vibration it makes when I did a bunch of detailed cuts of the plywood. But, I did use it to cut off some shims used on another project that I could have handled all day without fatigue. This tool was absolutely perfect for that situation. Didnt cut out the floor yet, but will keep you posted soon.
Cant say I have any experience to compare this tool to the Fein, but it's a great tool IMO.

zircon · 04-12-2010, 09:03 AM

[quote=zman22;426545]OK,
My hand was a little numb though due to the vibration it makes when I did a bunch of detailed cuts

Vibrating tools can cause nerve damage in hands and fingers. Probably pros who use the tools daily are most at risk, but if you feel numbness, you should take a break.

Jay123 · 04-12-2010, 09:19 AM

I had carpel tunnel surgery done on both hands last year, but I've had years of using power sanders, etc.

I've had the fein multi-master for 6-7 years, and love it. Glad to see some other competition since their patent ran out, as fein's stuff is very expensive, especially for diy.

I've never regretted the $ for the fein, due to the fact that when you need it, you need it ...and it does a great job.

J