Hole saw recommendations

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Hole saw recommendations

Postby bgilbert » Mon Sep 22, 2014 7:16 pm

I am converting my crew cab to 4wd. I need an 1-3/4" hole saw for drilling into the frame for the front leaf spring rear frame mount/bushing. I was at Rural King tonight and bought an Irwin brand hole saw kit. Anyone have any history with these or should I get something else?
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby matthewh » Mon Sep 22, 2014 7:33 pm

Irwin isn't bad, I've used and abused there larger drill bits, and they've held up ok. Biggest issue I've had with hole saws threw steel, is getting them to cut slow. I usually use a dewalt 1/2" chuck drill, the big amp one, and have a hard time getting the speed down low enough to cut good, and keep enough airflow into the drill. Usually I drill till its too hot to hold onto with gloves, and set it in front of a fan, let it cool, repeat.

I've hole sawed 1/4" plate steel before, just takes time.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby bgilbert » Mon Sep 22, 2014 7:49 pm

I've got a big Milwaukee 1/2" chuck drill, it's not real fast to begin with. I'll be using plenty of cutting fluid. So to cut slow I just don't hold the trigger wide open?

Changing subjects, how do I find true center with such a large hole? I don't have a transfer punch that big lol.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby matthewh » Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:24 pm

No, you want it going just fast enough to cut, and not squeal. Biggest problem is physically not being able to put enough ass behind it to give the proper down pressure to cut correctly. Because of this, you have to slow down the speed. Being your cutting straight into the frame, you have some advantage. Best advice I can give is park that forklift you have behind you so you can rest against it and press as hard as you can comfortably. Watch the break threw point, or you'll wrap yourself up in the drill and cord.
But this is just my advice, approach it as you wish, just some friendly points id do if it were me.

On the center, you could sleeve your part to a smaller size transfer punch. Hardware store usually has bushings, heck, woods dowel would work too. Make friends with Levi, maybe he'll machine you something :lol:
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby Tacoclaw » Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:46 am

I've always taken a drafting compass and set the point on the outer edge of my circle, take a swipe through the center and then repeat the process 3-4 times around it. Your marks will meet in the middle where I use a simple center punch.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby bgilbert » Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:45 am

Thanks for the advise guys. I will be going out and getting a compass!
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby RCCUMMINS89 » Tue Sep 23, 2014 10:33 am

I've personally done exactly what you are doing in (IIRC) 3 different times.......I've went from the most expensive hole saw blades, down to the cheapest. Didn't make a difference, fast or slow, I ate up about 5 blades.

I'd just get a bunch of the cheapest harbor freight ones you can get and just count and going through all of them.



As far as finding true center........I just measured it out without the drill bit in it, then marked the center... pulled everything off and used a tiny terd of a bit... then went back up to the proper drill bit that comes with the kit.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby dazedandconfused » Tue Sep 23, 2014 12:28 pm

I've had the best luck out of Lennox brand hole saws. I just cut four 6" holes in some 1/4th inch flat plate and only used one. I stuck it back in the cabinet to use again.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby bgilbert » Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:31 pm

Well the Irwin hole saw kicked butt. I had Nicole standing behind me and she would spray the Tap Magic every 5-10 seconds over the hole saw. Kept it cool, it never got hot to the bare hand. Cut time was probly 2-3 minutes. Thanks for the help.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby RCCUMMINS89 » Tue Sep 23, 2014 6:33 pm

Well, I guess I just was using the wrong expensive brands. Glad it worked good for you.
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Re: Hole saw recommendations

Postby lz69 » Mon Sep 29, 2014 11:01 pm

Lenox are the best ones I've personally used.
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