Have you ever tried to use a reciprocating jigsaw to make a perfect, 2" hole? Didn't turn out too circular, did it?
Have you ever grabbed your cordless drill, only to realize you need to make a 1/2" or larger hole, but don't have the resources to do so?
Need to find the best drill possible? Check out this awesome site with reviews, guides and more!
Need to find the best drill possible? Check out this awesome site with reviews, guides and more!
Want to make a corn hole game? The hole saw is your friend!
Hole Saws Reviewed and Explained
Thankfully, the constant innovation of cordless drills has brought upon us the ability to cut some large holes into wood, metal, foam and other materials using our drill. The amazing reality is that you can do this quickly, by yourself, and with the drill you already own.
Hole saws work by sinking a center bit into your material to line up the incoming saw, and keep your hole straight. Then, the much larger saw come in and finishes the job! Once you line up that center bit perfectly, the rest of the job is cake!
Hole Saw Buying Tips
Before you purchase, there are a few critical details you need to look at. First, you must see if the bits you a looking at are designed for the material you are planning to cut. Most sets are rated for wood, but only some are useable on metal. If the set is not designed to cut metal, it simply will not, and it's not worth trying! Take my mistake for your education!
The second thing you must be sure of is your chuck size vs. the size of the bit. Your home drill will probably have a 1/4" or 1/2" chuck, and it's important to know that some sets only have a bit that fits a 1/2" chuck! These sets are heavy duty, and really designed for a drill press!
When looking at these specialized bits, you need to evaluate your needs. If you just need to cut a couple holes, you can save a bunch of dough by buying a inexpensive hole saw set. However, you need to know that inexpensive sets like these will quickly dull and not be as fast drilling from the start. But, for about 1/4 of the cost, cheap saws like this are great for someone who just needs to make a few holes, or who won't use them often.
If you're going to be using your saw a lot, I would highly suggest a set like this one by Irwin. Other brands, such as Milwalkee and Dewalt also make quality sets. If you have the cash to buy a nice set, go ahead and do so! It is so worth it, and then you don't have to worry about burning your wood or having to drill at a snails pace!
Hole Saw Use
Now that we've got you all set up with a great hole saw kit, let's get to work. You'll need to get out your power drill, cordless preferred, hole saw kit, adjustable wrench, and a flat head screwdriver.
First, figure out exactly what size hole you are going to cut, and get the saw out. Then, find the center bit that matches the size of your chuck, or just use the one that comes with the set if there is only one.
Next, place the center bit through the center hole in the saw, and line it up so that it notches in with the saw. The last step is to place the nut on top, threads down and tighten it really tight with your adjustable wrench. Let me emphasize "really tight". It's important!
Grab your wood and make sure to mark the center point of the circle, as that will be your primary way of lining up the saw. Slowly drill the pilot bit into the material, and then begin sinking the outer diameter hole saw into your material.
As you go along, you may find your sawdust smoking, or catching on fire. If this happens, just speed up your bit and slowly back out of the hole a little, so that some air gets circulated. If your wood project is being stained, you'll see the burn marks, so be extra careful with this! If you have to pull your bit back, make sure you keep that center bit in the wood, so that you don't get off alignment. You'll have a messy hole on your hands if you let you bit come out of it!
If you are careful, you can pull your bit out right as you get through the material, and you won't get the wood "donut" stuck in your bit. You can use your screwdriver and hands to gently spin the donut right off if it gets stuck, though.
Once you make it all the way through the material, you've successfully drilled your first hole saw hole! If you don't have a hole saw, buy one right now!
On top of the basics, this drill doesn't have anything big that sets it apart from less expensive alternatives. However, the love is in the little details, and this product makes up for it's lack of ingenuity with an integrated magnet, light, level, bit case and a hard storage case.