How Do I Use a Hole Saw? Which One Should I Buy?

Hole saws operate by plunging a center bit into your material to align the incoming saw and keep the hole straight. Then the saw enters and finishes the work!

Hole Saw Buyers Guide

Before you buy, there are some very important specs you should observe. First, you should see if the viewing parts are designed for the material you plan to cut. Most games are suitable for wood, but only a few are usable in metal, and believe me, you won't want to use wood in metal! It really stinks, and you may not even cut the hole!

The second thing to check is the size of the bit compared to the size of the drill chuck. Your home drill will probably have a 3/8 "or 1/2" mandrel, and it is important to know that some games only have a little bit to fit in a 1/2 "Mandrel!

By looking at these specialized bits, you must first anticipate your needs. If you only need to make some holes, occasionally you can save a lot of money by buying a cheap game.

However, you should know that the economic sets like these will turn off quickly and will not be so fast from the start. But, for approximately 1/4 of the cost, the cheap saws of this type are ideal for someone who only needs to make some holes, or that will not use them frequently.

If you're going to use your saw a lot, I'd recommend a set like this Irwin. I dare suggest you buy a more expensive outfit, even if you don't think you need it.

Hole Saw Use

Now that we have everything ready with a big hole kit, let's work. You will need to remove your electric drill, your preferred cordless, hole saw kit, an adjustable wrench and a flathead screwdriver.

First, determine which hole size you are going to cut and remove that saw. Then, find the center bit that matches the size of your mandrel. The bigger, the better, so choose the bigger one that fits your drill.

Next, we want to place the center bit through the center hole of the saw and align it to fit the saw. The last step is to thread the nut on the top, the threads downward and tighten it with the adjustable wrench.

Take your material and make sure you mark the center point of the circle as it will be your way of aligning the saw. Slowly insert the bit into the material and then begin to sink the outer diameter drill saw into its material.

As you go along, your sawdust may smoke or fire. If this happens, just accelerate your pace and slowly get out of the hole a little, to circulate some air. If your wood project is being spotted, you will see the burn marks, so be very careful with this! If you have to pull your back, be sure to keep that center tip in the wood so that it doesn't get out of alignment.

Once you pass through the material, you have successfully drilled the first hole in the drill saw! Congratulations! If you are careful, take out your bit just when you go through the material, and you won't get a "doughnut" trapped in your piece. However, if you do, don't worry. You can use your screwdriver and your hands to gently turn the donut!

About This Author

Lawrence Barnett Joined: January 15th, 2019