Vass wrote:
I'm using a circular saw, set almost to break through so as not to
hit any pipes
cutting each end of the board, over a joist (avioding the nails)
but I end up smashing the tounge or groove to smithers when pulling
the board out
what be the wisdom of removing tounge and groove floorboards?

You cant help but cut through the T&G it has to be done, either that or
take the adjoining floorboards up starting from the wall.
Its a bit like laying laminate, you cant take the middle piece up. :-)

--
Sir Benjamin Middlethwaite