One of the tips I saw in a Fine Home Building (FHB) tips & tricks book to minimize plaster "shake-off" -
Find the studs on either side of the bay you're cutting.
Use long drywall screws to secure 1" x 3" 's to either side through the plaster and lathing. Make sure they extend at least 12" past the top and bottom of your intended cut area.
Make your cut. The one by's will keep the lathe from popping free from the studs and "earthquaking". Stay close to the temporary plates to minimize movement of the lathing.
I've found that using a sawzall with a carbide grit blade lasts a lot longer than the bimetal wood or plaster blades on drywall and plaster.
[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 05-09-2005).]
