Using a holesaw w/ a handheld drill

[bil]

Could anyone that has used a hole saw with a handheld drill to cut a blowhole describe the method you used. So far some say to use lube and go fast, other say go slow and apply a lot of pressure. (I know what you're thinking.. perverts.)

So what is everyone's opinion on cutting the hole?

 

[Anubis]

i used a hole saw to cut a hole in the side of my case. i just ran it as fast as it would go applying good pressure. squirting some oil in there to kep it from binding every now and then. also went to the hard ware store and got the hevy duty saw bit mad it a lil easier

 

[2cool4u]

I wouldn't go with the hole saw....draw the circle you need to cut out and drill a hole in the middle witha regular bit and then use a hand held jig saw, slip it in the whole and put something soft, like a rag, under the side so you don't scratch teh case...then just cut inside the line and sand away...that's how i did mine. No problems. Than again i used air powered sanders and stuff from school. GOOD LUCK, blow holes are fun!!!

 

[amdskip]

I'd never use a holesaw on metal with just a handheld drill, ur liable to put a hole in urself

For the best results, a high quality holesaw on a nice drill press with plenty of clamping ability would be the only time you should use that holesaw for a case.

 

[KouklatheCat]

I did it and it was a pain. I had a neighbor help me. I had my neighbor hold a 4 X 4 piece of wood on the inside of the case and apply pressure up. I stood over the case and drilled the hole. Wear gloves and safety glasses if you intend to try this. And I am not responsible if you slice yourself or your neighbor.

 

[JokerF15]

I've used a holesaw w/a hand drill many times. You need to go at a pretty good speed. You can't use one of those 7.2v cordless drills. Maybe the 12V ones, but i dunno. It's not that bad, cuz the Holesaw wont fly out of the thing if you use the guiding drill part, dunno wat it's called.

Use it at a fast setting, and dont skimp on the oil. =).


WEAR GLASSES! =).

-JokerF15

 

[Dan]

I cut two 80mm blowholes in my case with a bi-metal hole saw and my drill. It was a piece of cake.

I used an 80mm chrome grill for a template to trace where I wanted the hole (and the screw holes for a fingerguard or plastic grill). If you use a hole saw that also has a bit for a pilot hole it's very easy. I went full speed and applied steady pressure. No lube, no neighbor. Safety goggles are a must though.

 

[bil]

Thanks guys. Glad to hear its relativly easy (and gives a perfect circle)

 

[randomlinh]

it works, just need to do it right. I used a jig and got a decent circle (i don't have any hole saws nor the drill for it). Just the edges i left kinda sharp.. filed what i could.

 

[KouklatheCat]

Just make sure you get a bi-metal holesaw. Dont do what a friend did and use one made for wood. It had no teeth left when he got done, the hole looked like crap and the hole was sharp as heck. It was so sharp it cut through the sanding pad he tried to use and into his hand. He was to lame to ask me for my dremel tool.

 

[rickn]

best way to do it is to get a 1/4 or 1/2 in piece of plywood, cut the hole threw that first, then clamp the wood to the case piece(lined up where you want the hole on the case). The wood will prevent the saw from moving around. You also need a very good drill. I used a pretty low amp drill, darn thing was smoking. It was not hard to do. Wear safety glasses. It is best to have help.

 

[Jerboy]

Use an AC powered drill. Even though cordless does have enough power, it isn't meant to be used for heavy duty use like this.

The bigger the hole saw, the slower the speed and more torque you need. (basic constant linear velocity theory). The blade speed should be about the same regardless of saw diameter.


Use lots of oil. You want the oil to carry away all the particle. Cutting goes much smoother with proper lubrication. I used a hydraulic jack oil that comes in an aerosol. It pours out in a stream and works pretty well for this.

When you're done, sand the rough edges, wipe off the oil best you can then wash it off with foaming engine cleaner.

 

[Jen]

just make sure you keep a even steady pressure . dont let it tip .




Jen