We do a fair bit of remodel work that involves cutting channels in gyp.bd. to allow us to run wires to speakers, etc across a room where there is no access from ceiling or underfloor. We cut out the channels as 6-9" wide strips and then drill through the joists or studs.

To date we've been using a jab saw and oscillating tool but the other day we saw a plumber use a circular saw, which seemed like a much quicker way.

I'm imagining some kind of miniature cordless circular saw with a dust extractor.

Thoughts?

A circular saw will indeed be quicker, but there's the danger of a rotating blade to deal with, especially on a ceiling. I say this after knowing a man who was cutting across a ceiling with a circular saw and lost quite a bit of blood when things didn't go as planned and the blade hit the arm before the blade guard swung back in place.

Also, it's easier to cut parallel edges with something slower, like a jab saw, than with a circular saw. If you have to fix non-parallel edges before you can patch, the work might take longer with a circular saw.

Since there can be PVC sprinkler pipes inside walls and above ceilings, any electric tool can be disastrous. You can feel what's happening with a jab saw.

Laser will help with the parallel edges. I guess if it's a very light tool and just cutting gyp.bd. safety wouldn't be a big concern? Also some of the mini circular saws only have a 1/2" or 5/8" cut depth. Maybe there's a brake also on the tool?

Check out the Dremel line. I have the 3-pack combo that came with the oscillating tool, plunge router, a 3" circular saw, bag and some bits and blades. Very lightweight tools and I find ways to use them all the time.

I want to say I got the combo on sale at Home Depot for like $150. Pretty sure the value of all the tools is close to $400.

Also, we usually just pull baseboard or crown molding within the room to get where we need. We also cut above/below the molding so that when sheetrock is put back, we don't have to patch with mud. Up to the owners really.

While the utility of the reviews is low, here is a list of small circular saws. I have no experience with any of these products and I wonder about dust management.

Oscillating tools don't throw as much dust as circular saws.

The only way I would ever do this is with the festool track saw. You can screw the track to the ceiling and away you go. You could really do it with any track saw but festool would give you close to zero dust when used with an appropriate dust extractor.

[Link: industrial-toolcrib.com]

Rockwell Versacut

Brilliant ! The exact tool he asked for! Justifiable price tag to boot.

I thought that too, except it’s a diamond blade and looks like it’s made for concrete!

Here is what looks like a new smaller version.
[Link: metabo.com]

Might be a smaller version but the one place I saw the price, it was $1249.

There is this to think about Earnie. You can do it with a drywall jab saw and charge your customer accordingly. You can spend money on better tools. Get jobs done quicker and you do not have to pass on the entire labor savings to the customer. I wouldn’t as most businesses do not.

Some good ideas!

Not sure about the Metabo wall chaser - maybe great for concrete / masonry but all the houses we do are gyp.bd. over studs.

Often when we are opening up a wall / ceiling it's to run a whole bunch of cables for a new media room or home theater.

Mess isn't typically a big concern as it's part of a remodel.

Maybe a Bosch 12V circular saw with a dust extractor...? The track saw idea is great too