help with hole saw

[brained]

Well this is my second hole saw, I damaged the first one and I don't wan't to screw up again. Please can you give me any suggestions on using a hole saw to go through a metal control panel.

I've heard before that you need to go through metal slowly so that you don't damage the hole saw. Any suggestions???

BTW this is a Dewalt Bimetal hole saw.... TIA

[somunny]

How big are the holes that you're drilling?  If they're fairly small (less than two inches in diameter), you might want to think about using a knock-out set.  Some equipment rental businesses carry them.

If you don't know what a knock out set is, try Googling 'greenlee slug buster'.  It'll punch perfect holes.

Coop

[brained]

I know about knockout sets, but they're kinda expensive so I went with the hole saw option. Any suggestions.

[whammoed]

Hmmm, I used a Lenox brand bi-metal 1 1/8" hole saw for 30 holes in 16 guage steel without issue.  It was still working like new.  I don't think I did anything special other than putting a little machine oil on the panel, so try using a little oil this time.  Step bits are another option but they too are a bit pricey at around $50.

[brained]

well right now the only oil I have in my hands is Car oil... will that do???

[IMMark]

In my experience, DeWalt doesn't make good cutters...
If you want quality buy a Milwaukee or comparable

[spystyle]

I've run hole saws through metal many times when doing computer case mods, although the metal is thinner - the dynamics are the same, if your metal isn't flush against wood you will burn the hole saw, a little chainsaw lubricant (or bacon grease, motor oil, vegtable oild, whatever is handy) will help keep things cool.

Try clamping the metal in question to a sheet of 3/4" particle board and have a go, I have a sheet of the stuff in my basement with all kinds of circles engraved in it, I call it my hole saw table. To secure the metal I just stand on it, but clamps are probably safer, I run the saw through using my DeWalt variable speed drill @ about 100 RPMs. I use bi-metal hole saws from Home Depot (I think they are called Wolf)

DeWalt rules!
Craig

[Mameotron]

What exactly is the damage to your hole saw?

[brained]

Well I did two holes last night and it went ok.... since my el cheapo drill has no slow RPMS I just drill a little then stop, just to avoid overheating.... Can I use car engine motor oil as my lube??

[brained]

The only thing I know about my drill is that it

[Hoagie_one]

I can't recomend the greelee hole punch's enough.  I love mine.  It makes perfect, beautiful holes.

[Mameotron]

Car oil is better than no oil at all, but the best stuff is specially formulated cutting oil.

[brained]

Car oil is better than no oil at all, but the best stuff is specially formulated cutting oil.  It's not that expensive if you're going to use small amounts of it, and it will help to prolong the life of your hole saw.

But hey, if you're only using the hole saw to make holes in your CP, use the car oil.  I mean, really, how many panels are you going to build, anyway?

Just one metal panel I think. I'll never ever deal with metal cp !! :S

[Hiub1]

It is all about having the right tools. I am sure a carpenter would prefer working with wood because of his knowledge and availability of tools, but a metal worker would do it with metal 100% of the way.

[Stingray]

I use air tool oil, just because I have a bottle on the bench handy. Works okay. I'll definetly be buying a hole punch before I build my next panel.

-S

[spystyle]

I've used both a Greenlee 1 1/4" punch and hole saws, the punch does make a cleaner hole, but no cleaner than a hole saw with a quick polish from a die grinder (dremmel)

Button holes don't have to be too clean anyway as they are covered up by the button's plastic edge.

The punch is more expensive, no faster (if using hand tools),  still requires lubrication, more labor intensive (if using hand tools) and can't double like a hole saw can (ie: the hole saw is good for wood panels and metal panels)

A Froogle search for 1 1/8" Knockout punch turned up 1 used @ $35.00 (www.goantiques.com) and a new ones @ $41.00 (www.newark.com)

Whereas a 1 1/8" bi-metal hole saw can be found for $3.34 and the arbor $5.08 (MK Morse brand @ www.toolup.com)

Although the hole saw requires a variable speed drill with a side handle (variable speed to drill slowly, and a side handle to  stabilize) the cheapest Froogle turned up was $29.99 (@ www.harborfreight.com, pictured below)

These are things to keep in mind