Do we need a router to cut out windows?

[AlienChick]

We originally planned to just have one window on one side of the coop and then cut out two or three window "holes" on the other sides and screen them in.

Later we found two more windows and want to put them on one of the walls instead of the holes.

The plywood t-11 siding is up already and we want to cut into the siding (but NOT into the 2x4's underneath) to counter-sink the window in place.

My husband says we will need to go out and buy a router to cut out the windows.

Right now the only cutting tools we have is a circular skill saw and an electric hand saw.

Do we really need to buy a router? If there's a way to do it with the tools we have, we'd like to know.

[Please also take into consideration that this is the very FIRST building project we've ever done.]

This pic shows the wall we want to install the two windows:

WHAT DO WE DO??? (Thank you for your suggestions!)

 

[Noymira]

When you say electric hand saw, do you mean a reciprocating saw (sawzall)? Like this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-650...ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1301667563&sr=1-1

That's what I would use, you can use a drill with a large bit to get a hole started, then insert the saw blade, start it up and cut the opening. But, I'm not a contractor, just grew up watching my carpenter father using lots of tools. Hopefully someone else will chime in with advice too.

 

[zookeeper15133]

No, you don't need a router.. but any excuse to get new tools is always good (LOL). Figure out the size opening you want and where. From the inside, drill a hole in all 4 corners. Set the depth on your circular saw ti 3/8 or 5/", the thickness of your T1-11, then cut it out from the outside. You may want to use the handsaw for the last couple of inches in the corners. Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[wsmoak]

Quote:
Well of COURSE he does! Every building project requires at least three trips to the hardware store *and* a new power tool.

I'm pretty sure you can do it with a drill to mark where you want to cut (drill from the back side to perforate the plywood) and then one of the saws you already have. You can put trim around the window so any small mistakes at the corners will be covered up.

--
Wendy

 

[7L Farm]

Maybe someone wants a new tool!!! You could use a number of different tools such as a sawzall, circular saw, chainsaw.

 

[Hoosierchickens]

Uh...yeah, yeah....your husband needs the router for sure.

Seriously though (and I'm breaking the husband/guy code here) but the tools you have will work fine for cutting out the windows. Use the circular saw to do plunge cuts or drill holes in the corners and use the jigsaw or reciprocating saw to cut from one hole to the next. I wouldn't even consider a router for the job even if one was available. I suspect he has alterior motives. If you click on my BYC page under my avatar I give more detailed instructions on how I do it.

 

[ranchhand]

A router is the LAST tool I'd consider for the job. A recip or jigsaw is more than enough.


LOL, DH wandered through so I asked him about it- (now, keep in mind that I am the carpenter/builder in the bunch)

He laughed and said no, no way I'd do that with or to a router, but dang, that's a clever way to get a router!

 

[cptbahama]

Yep, the jigsaw is what i used for all my vents and windows. If you don't have one and want to buy one, get one with a variable speed button. It is a very handy feature.
If that is T111 on your shed, the simple smooth cut wood blades should suffice.

 

[swatskee]

you can just use the circular saw, much quicker than the jig saw!!

 

[PapaChaz]

yeah, i agree with a couple of posts above, no way i'd try this with a router. when i built my coop, i didn't think i wanted windows in the ends, then after i got it up i decided to add them. i did the 'plunge cut' technique mentioned above with my circular saw, but i am very used to working with my saws/tools. plus i wanted to use the cutout piece to close it back up. i put mesh over the hole from the inside. if your husband isn't comfortable enough with the circular saw to try it, and since you're not worried about saving the pieces, i'd suggest drilling the corners with a big enough hole to get your jigsaw blade into and 'connect the the dots' with that, it's much safer! he'll need all those fingers for other projects and throwing out handfulls of scratch for the girls!