Hole saw usage?
 

I guess I'm asking about the technique when it comes to using hole saws.

How do you keep it from jumping around at the beginning, and making scratches in the area surrounding the hole? I've never been good at that so far. Thus far every time I've went to use a hole saw, its difficult to get it to just stay in one place on the metal or wood. It wants to jump all around and make all these deep scratches. Can't have that.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

It sounds like you are going one of two things.
Either you are using a hole saw without a pilot bit (the pilot bit is mandatory)
or
you are trying to enlarge an existing hole.

If you don't have a pilot bit, get one.
If you are trying to enlarge an existing hole you need a jig to keep your saw in place.

We cut a ton of holes in doors and houses, and enlarging holes is the most challenging, but with a jig is pretty easy. It's also important to be using a sharp bit and hole saw.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

Thanks!

But yeah the pilot bit... isn't that what you have to use, to even be able to use a hole saw? This:

DEWALT DW1803 Heavy Duty 7/16-Inch Shank Quick...


I have that, it has a bit on there

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

Any way you can ise a step bit? I had the same issue with a hole saw and went with the larger step bit and it worked for me. I was drilling into sheet metal

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

Check that everything is running true: Pilot bit and hole saw. Any wobble/eccentricity and you'll achieve the results described. 1/4" pilot bits can be bent easily with holesaw usage. With wood you can clamp a sacrificial piece to cut through over the work piece. Never tried that with metal.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

So just to confirm what you guys are talking about...

That thing in the link that I posted is the pilot bit, right?

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

That is a mandrel that does have a pilot bit in it.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

Also remember to use low RPM speed. Let the teeth do the work.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

When I did the holes in new cop cars we called that walking the dog if the hole saw slipped

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

Here's a little trick I do.
Replace the drill bit on the arbor with a drill blank **i always grind a little flat on the drill blank just habit** Then pre-drill with a drill the same size as the drill blank.

The drill blank keeps the drill from wobbling and enlarging the center hole

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

Use a "hole cutter" vs. a hole saw. They typically make a nicer hole. They can be a little pricey, but worth it.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

x100! If you're cutting into sheet metal, a hole cutter makes a much nicer (and easier) cut, in my opinion. If you get good ones, they are much more rigid and the teeth stay sharper much longer.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

I have had zero luck with a traditional hole saw and any kind of body work.

Re: Hole saw usage?
 

First of all ---- no one has asked, what size holes are we talking about? and secondly what type of hole saw are you using and what type of drill are you using? If the drill is junk and the hole saws are cheap chinese garbage you will get bad results.

Anything over 1.5" in diameter you can use the hole saws pretty nicely:

Try the Lennox Brand Search LENNOX- They have many kits available with all the sizes, bits and arbors needed

http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...63005387lg.jpg

http://www.coastaltool.com/a/lenox/i...0801-1200p.jpg

If your are doing holes 1" or less trying using hole PUNCHES by Greenlee search GREENLEE - They have a basic hole punch kits that does great for small holes.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...EL._SX355_.jpg