Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on January 17, 2014 at 7:09am

Try this: tape blue painters tape over the place you want to cut a hole: draw your circle on the tape. Get a multi size hole cutter that attaches to a power / electric drill (like any one of these: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/bi-metal-hole-saw-set ) . Make sure your power / electric drill is spinning at the proper rpm for the size hole saw you are using:
( http://www.fairburyfastener.com/holesaw_speed_chart.htm ). Cut your hole. The painters tap will reduce or prevent cup out or tear out.

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on January 17, 2014 at 7:36am

Hi,

I have used 'forstner' bits quite successfully and the don't cost the earth either.

Cheers
Steve

Permalink Reply by Malcolm Wright on January 17, 2014 at 7:41am

Exactly as Ron said! I bought this set of hole cutters from Screwfix and they've proved most useful. Very sharp and a good range of sizes. As Ron says, make sure you set your drill speed to suit the cutters and tape everything (I always do both sides) before cutting. There are two branches of Screwfix in Cardiff. I normally buy/reserve on line and collect the following day. Good luck fella.    

 www.screwfix.com/p/titan-holesaws-15-piece-kit/93131

Permalink Reply by Mark on January 17, 2014 at 11:54am

I use lip and spur bits - for example the following

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Spot-20135-Piece-Drill/dp/B000LP9XAW

more expensive ones are available - worth getting a decent set and keeping them only for jobs that need to be really clean with no second chances.

(also what I use for drilling thin sheet metal - I keep a separate set for that)

Also you want to have good control of the drill and it's cutting rate. Where possible I use a drill stand.

For big holes - and for f-holes - I drill a small pilot hole and then cut with a coping saw.

I also have used tape. I recommend what I'd describe as drafting tape (that's what I know it as because that's what I first heard it described as years ago when I worked in a drawing office) - it comes in a roll a bit like sellotape but it's a sort of whitish translucent colour and it has a matt finish you can write or draw on. So when I'm sawing f-holes I can draw an outline on the tape as a guide.

Permalink Reply by Michael Fred Johnson on January 18, 2014 at 5:30am

This is a homemade hole cutter for use by hand.The blade is a sharpened piece of hacksaw blade. I've used it most recently to cut large diameter holes for dog and cat bowl resos. Otherwise use the hole saws suggested

Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on January 20, 2014 at 7:35pm

this is what you want, they work great, perfectly round holes every time! (-:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Hole-Saw-Tooth-HSS-Steel-Holesaw-Dril...