ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by tortuga - 03/28/24 05:57 PM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 248 guests, and 16 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 2 of 2 1 2
#63466 03/17/06 11:44 AM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 48
W
Member
In response to the cutters, I used the Greenlee and really liked the clean holes they cut...however I have several in different sizes that have bad tips (broken by the "careless underlings" who try to force or twist the cutters. I have tried finding someone who can re-tip these cutters since they have carbide brazed on them. I haven't found anyone who can do it yet. Generally the problem is that these are in a radial configuration unlike a carbide saw blade. I guess it is too difficult to do this properly without charging an arm and a leg. Didn't know about these others...what is the cost for these...say a set for 1/2 - 1 1/4"????

#63467 03/17/06 05:20 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 212
G
Member
Have you guys tried using a washer, like a 3/16 fender, on top of a panel to keep the tool from crashing into the work and preventing tooth removal? Works well and extends tool life a lot.

#63468 03/17/06 08:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 97
D
Member
Best hole saw tip I ever got from an old timer: take the hole saw off the mandrel, drill the pilot hole, put the hole saw back on and saw the hole.
Stops snapped bits, busted teeth (saws and yours) and broken wrists.

Second best hole saw tip from an old timer: Take the pilot bit out of the mandrel, cut a #2 phillips screwdriver shaft (they are usually 1/4 inch make sure first), set screw that into the mandrel. Drill the hole with with the pilot bit in the drill, switch out for the hole saw with screwdriver bit.
Stops broken or bent pilot bits. Tempered steel and its smooth.

Third best hole saw tip from an old timer: When drilling into a live panel or even a dead panel with wires, wrap electric tape about a half inch from the saw teeth. It needs to be thick.
Stops from punching all the way thru the panel and maybe cutting something important.

I should mention one little detail, I hate hole saws. They make ragged sharp holes, they bind and twist, they throw shavings all over the place and they are next to impossible to center. When I started in the trade I worked for a rather cheap contractor who would not buy KO sets, hole saws only. Got laid off and got a job with a contractor that had varibits and KO sets, what a difference. That became my preferred method, but hole saws have a place and I have a kit on the truck.

As for the OP, I do commerical work and prefer panels with blank ends so I can cut my own KOs. It takes no more time to cut the KOs to line up with the pipe then it does to bend the pipes to fit the factory KOs which are NEVER cut at standard unistrut sizes off the wall for some reason. I have cut holes in prepunched panels to line up, just make sure to invest in some chinese money first, aka reducing washers.

One last tip, this is from me: if you are cutting a lot of holes in plaster or tile or cement backer board, get a carbine grit hole saw. Goes through easy and makes a clean hole. They have no teeth but rather look like they are dipped in carbine grit.

#63469 03/17/06 08:46 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,148
R
Member
drillman,
Quote
I hate hole saws. They make ragged sharp holes, they bind and twist, they throw shavings all over the place and they are next to impossible to center.
The Blair bits make a hole as clean as a knock out punch. We don't use punches for 1" and smaller conduit. The hole saw is much faster.
You are correct that you have to watch out for the chips, but other than than I have no issue with them. However if you are talking about some of the other types of hole saws, I would fully agree with your comments.
Don


Don(resqcapt19)
#63470 03/18/06 11:50 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 212
G
Member
The problem with cutting into panels with a standard hole saw is that they will drop through into the panel if you don't ease up on the pressure at the end of the cut. A hole cutter (any of the major brands ) have a shoulder that prevents this from happening. As for breaking teeth and pilots, that's what the washer is for. You drill the pilot thru the washer hole and when it drops through the cutter lands on the washer which spins and doesn't grab. Remove the washer and finish the hole. Much faster than all that mandrel and pilot bit swapping.

#63471 03/18/06 03:12 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 94
T
tkb Offline
Member
The one with the spring...LENOX
The best hole cutter yet.
Clean fast holes.
Slug comes out on its own. The spring.
I have used my 3/4 (1-1/8") cutter for hundreds of holes.
These things are the best.

#63472 03/25/06 03:19 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 625
S
Member
It looks like this thread has pretty well wound down, so I'd like to say "Thanks!" for all the good information here. I'm often amazed at how much one can learn from everyone on this forum.

WhiteRook, regarding your question about how much the hole cutters cost, I saw a 1/2"-2" set of the Blair cutters online for $160 at www.autotoolmart.com . Search for "Holcutters" (with no "e").

Edited to add URL


[This message has been edited by SolarPowered (edited 03-25-2006).]

#63473 03/28/06 11:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 138
C
Member
I have seen guys setting a trough right on top of the old panel. Now you have virgin metal over the whole top of the panel...no need to worry about being half in half out of any open knockouts in the panel, and you can make holes exactly where you need them in the top of the trough for the pipes.

Page 2 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5