Hole saws (1 Viewer)

[kcustom73]

I need to cut some round holes in some 1/4" steel plate and was wondering what kind/brand hole swas you guys recommend. I won't be drilling anything bigger then 2".

I think I'll finally have to get a drill press because doing this with a hand held might be to dangerous.

Thanks

 

[canucksafari]

If it is a one time thing, then take it to a machine shop. Beer often brings the price down - but it depends who you speak to.

 

[Trollhole]

I use Milwaukee Ice hardened hole saws. Best I have found. I don't use them everyday but they really work well.

 

[rusty_tlc]

If it is a one time thing, then take it to a machine shop. Beer often brings the price down - but it depends who you speak to.

The cash price is often a lot cheaper than the charge price, especially with one man operations.

 

[kcustom73]

I know of a couple of shops that could do the work on some of the projects, but I've got other project (drilling the hole for the tire carrier spindle in the rear bumper) that are to hard to get to a shop.

Trollhole, I'll take a look at the Milwaukee's as this is only for a few holes and with some liquid cooling, I should be ok.

 

[Mace]

I've drilled hundreds of holes with the common hole saws from Lowes/homedepot.

They work just fine.

 

[kcustom73]

Mace, was this using a drill press and some sort of cutting fluid?

 

[Mace]

Hand drill or hole saw tubing notcher. Not too many times with a drill press.

And normally something like WD40 or kroil. Whatever I had sitting around.

 

[canucksafari]

The cash price is often a lot cheaper than the charge price, especially with one man operations.

Always cash even with larger operations. Some guys like to earn some extra coin over lunch time. A case of beer works good for a request on a hot Friday. Then everyone gets a cold one before heading back to home life.

 

[steffan]

The last few I got were home depot brand : drilled dozens of holes with them including a bunch of .25" plate - all with a hand drill. I think the key is to go slow and use plenty of oil ( I mostly use the old motor oil).

 

[Mace]

wost thing for them is to bust through with the pilot drill and tweak things..

IMHO, drill the 1/4" hole first, then just use the 1/4" bit in the hole saw as a guide.

 

[steffan]

Good one - I lost many a pilot drill when the hole saw catches the edge

 

[Mace]

I've been tempted to just put a steel 1/4 rod as the centering dowel

 

[kcustom73]

I've tried using a bi-metal hole saw that I had laying around on some sheet metal and I had some much wandering that I was thinking using a hole saw was a bad idea. It's good to know about pre-drilling and maybe using a steel rod a a guide. I might just have to try that.

 

[Trollhole]

 

[Norcalfj]

Probably chiming in a lil late but the carbide tipped hole saws make perfect holes with no walking. They are a bit of an investment but they will out live any hole saw on the market. They are common in the electrical industry and come in any size up to 4"

 

[fledglingme]

if the hole has to be 2"(or what ever size) don't use a 2" hole saw. the darn things always saw oversized....i just drop one size and finishe with a file. a lot of work but you have to if fit is important. i've done a lot and drill motor works fine, use plenty of cheap lube, slower speed, and hold the drill motor at a right angle to the work.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

X 2 what NorCalFJ wrote!

I have used the Champion brand CT7 carbide tipped hole cutter to drill 5/8th inch holes in 1/4 inch plate steel, using both a drill press, and a hand electric drill. The CT7 drills like crazy, spitting metal bits everywhere!

Regards,

Alan

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Probably chiming in a lil late but the carbide tipped hole saws make perfect holes with no walking. They are a bit of an investment but they will out live any hole saw on the market. They are common in the electrical industry and come in any size up to 4"

 

[kcustom73]

Josie, just went to the Champion website and they have a demo of their carbide tip cutter and it pretty impressive. They must be mucho $$$.

Thanks for all the info. I guess I'll go shopping and see what I can find locally.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

About US$38.00 plus shipping, IIRC for the 5/8th inch hole cutter.

Despite what their video said, I always use a cutting lube (cheap insurance IMO.)

Regards,

Alan

Josie, just went to the Champion website and they have a demo of their carbide tip cutter and it pretty impressive. They must be mucho $$$.

Thanks for all the info. I guess I'll go shopping and see what I can find locally.