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Smokin a 1 1/8" Spade bit after 10 holes!
paigeoliver:
$50 Au is like $25 American.
I ruined a holesaw made to cut metal just cutting two holes in a metal panel. Total waste of $30.
skirge66:
but it's not about drilling metal...it's about drilling mdf with plexi... I drilled over 50 holes in 3/4 mdf with no problem...could probably drill many more as the saw is still in perfect shape.
actually $50 aussie dollars is about $33 usda, which is more like about 3X what i paid at home depot maybe $30 for a metal hole saw...not wood
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=NAVIGATION&CNTKEY=market%2fpg_zip_code.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0359170313.1052720578@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccckadcifjhfghdcgelceffdfgidgng.0&search_text=hole%20saw&DRC=4
ErikRuud:
MDF can be harder on your tools than regular wood do to the adhesive that is used in manufacturing it. It creates more heat that plain wood. Excessive heat is bad for sharp edges.
You are probably drilling at too high of an RPM. Your bit will probably last longer at a slower speed.
By the way, Spade bits can be resharpened. If you have over heasted it to the point that it has discolored then it is probably shot.
MrArcade:
If you are drilling 1 1/8" holes in wood, look for a Woodeater bit. They last for many holes. They are not as precise as a forstner bit ( I have never used a forstner ), but they work fine for me for button holes and the joystick center hole.
I get them at Ace and have found them at Wal-Mart too.
Here is a link to the manufacturer:
http://www.vatool.com/Catalogs/bodytemps/202.asp?PSubName=DRILLING%20PRODUCTS&PSubNum=202&PFamName=WOODBORING%20DRILLS&PClassNum=2020307&UClassNum=48&UClassName=Wood%20Eater%20Wood%20Boring%20Bits
HeadRusch:
Good tip. Yeah, yesterday before I punched through the last few holes I was trying to find my metal files, trying to put a new edge on the thing.
I didn't blue the metal but I think I was drilling at too high an RPM and that fried the bit....right now if I can't find my metal files I'm writing the bit off....I'll invest another 5 bucks and be more "careful" next time.
The 3" hole Saw however cost me $25 bucks between it and the mounting apparatus..thats for cutting the fan holes for my PC case fans I'm mounting.
I love a project that forces me to buy new tools :)