Hole saw usage?

[Skunksmash]

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.

[71swb4x4]

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.

[Skunksmash]

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

[Clyde65]

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

[Frizzle Fry]

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.

[Skunksmash]

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

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

[71swb4x4]

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

[GRX]

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

[OldGG]

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

[rtinniste]

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

[whitedog76]

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

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by whitedog76

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

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.

[LEEVON]

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

[ptc]

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





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.