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Hole saw recs?

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MEDTECH

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I have a bunch of spade bits that only go up to 1" and I want to drill a few 2" holes in a MDF computer desk. Specifically the back panel to route power plugs and other cables. I could just cut off the plugs and attach a new plug after running the wires through but that would void my warranty on the gear involved.

Which hole saws do you guys like for use with a corded drill? Material is about 3/4" but I'd like to get a kit that is bi-metal for future projects down the line. Thanks

Not too worried about blow out because I'll never see it but, unfortunately, I don't have access to the back panel to drill from both sides.
 
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cgrutt

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Milwaukee or Lenox at the big box stores. Go easy esp near end of cut and let saw do the cutting to minimize blowout. The carbide blades cut cleaner but are more expensive.

After pilot hole is cut you can run saw lightly in reverse to start it will also minimize any chipping on the finished surface.
 
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MEDTECH

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Thanks, cgrutt. A buddy will lend me his kit if I ask but I could see me needing my own for the future. Figured at my age and use, it will be a one-time purchase.
 
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MEDTECH

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nicks78camaro said:
One time use? Cheapo Amazon or HF hole saw.

Better quality set to use later? Milwaukee/Lenox/Spyder.

If using often look for a set with the quick eject to avoid needing to dig the core out of the hole saw after use.
Click to expand...
More than one-time but certainly not a weekly need. Figured I'd buy my own decent set for any future needs. I'd rather buy decent quality once and be set.
 
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ItsNemo

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cgrutt said:
Milwaukee or Lenox at the big box stores. Go easy esp near end of cut and let saw do the cutting to minimize blowout. The carbide blades cut cleaner but are more expensive.

After pilot hole is cut you can run saw lightly in reverse to start it will also minimize any chipping on the finished surface.
Click to expand...

If you can access both sides, once the pilot bit pokes through, flip around to the other side following the pilot hole and cut 1/16th deep or so on the other side, before continuing on the first side. Completely removes blow out and gives you a clean hole on both sides.
 
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mellowdave

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I use these (hole saws) a lot.

I second Milwaukee's good products, but I have switched to Diablo basically exclusively. I use Freud blades also almost exclusively in my woodworking, and Bosch owns the companies, so there are no issues there.

Some (not many) are made in the US, but most of their manufacturing is still in Italy if that sort of thing matters to you.
IMG_5663.JPEGIMG_5664.JPEG
I have about thirty of these, I included pictures of two I happened to be using. They have a quick-release system compatible with the rest of the industry, and there are easy eject ports for getting your material out of the "hole" of the blade itself.
 
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cgrutt

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ItsNemo said:
If you can access both sides, once the pilot bit pokes through, flip around to the other side following the pilot hole and cut 1/16th deep or so on the other side, before continuing on the first side. Completely removes blow out and gives you a clean hole on both sides.
Click to expand...
Yep I agree. OP stated he doesn't have access to drill back.
 
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toplessHO

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ItsNemo said:
If you can access both sides, once the pilot bit pokes through, flip around to the other side following the pilot hole and cut 1/16th deep or so on the other side, before continuing on the first side. Completely removes blow out and gives you a clean hole on both sides.
Click to expand...
was about to type the same...
glad you mentioned this.
Another tip is use a 1/4" rod in place of the drill bit.
Drill with bit first,then drill with holesaw and rod.
This will prevent the hole from egg shaping.
Bonus tip: I stuff holesaw full of slightly dripping wet paper towels when cutting larger holes in metal.
 
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MEDTECH

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ItsNemo said:
If you can access both sides, once the pilot bit pokes through, flip around to the other side following the pilot hole and cut 1/16th deep or so on the other side, before continuing on the first side. Completely removes blow out and gives you a clean hole on both sides.
Click to expand...
That would be my preferred method but it's a 200# computer desk that just fits in my location. I basically had to assemble it in place but it's in the perfect spot. Can't move anything heavy after surgery, either.
 
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mellowdave

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MEDTECH said:
That would be my preferred method but it's a 200# computer desk that just fits in my location. I basically had to assemble it in place but it's in the perfect spot. Can't move anything heavy after surgery, either.
Click to expand...

Most of my use cases for these are in cabinet and desk making.

I find that I get a lovely finish with the Diablo, perhaps due to the company's woodworking background.
 
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MEDTECH

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www.homedepot.com

Milwaukee Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit (8-Piece) 49-22-4019 - The Home Depot

Our HOLE DOZER 8-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw kit features a new 3.5 TPI tooth design that offers you the longest life in metal applications. These MILWAUKEE HOLE DOZER Bi-Metal Hole Saws feature the industry's
www.homedepot.com

This kit's on sale at HD. Looks like it would suit my needs. The bit sizes would be perfect and I can always get individual sizes when I need bigger. Made in USA.
 
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BrandonV

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MEDTECH said:
www.homedepot.com

Milwaukee Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw Kit (8-Piece) 49-22-4019 - The Home Depot

Our HOLE DOZER 8-Piece Bi-Metal Hole Saw kit features a new 3.5 TPI tooth design that offers you the longest life in metal applications. These MILWAUKEE HOLE DOZER Bi-Metal Hole Saws feature the industry's
www.homedepot.com

This kit's on sale at HD. Looks like it would suit my needs. The bit sizes would be perfect and I can always get individual sizes when I need bigger. Made in USA.
Click to expand...

Just bought this set. I was happy with it. I find technique is more important than the saw itself usually.
 
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MEDTECH

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Fixr said:
I really love all the holes in the sides. But don't get cocky, kid. Keep on taking good care of that hip.
Click to expand...
Yessir. That's part of my problem. Hip is healing so well that I'm getting complacent. I did all my errands, today, because we're due for some icy weather tomorrow. No way I'm leaving the house and risking a fall. And, I'll save the heavy work in 6 weeks. Limiting my lifting to 20#.
 
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Fixr

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MEDTECH said:
Yessir. That's part of my problem. Hip is healing so well that I'm getting complacent. I did all my errands, today, because we're due for some icy weather tomorrow. No way I'm leaving the house and risking a fall. And, I'll save the heavy work in 6 weeks. Limiting my lifting to 20#.
Click to expand...
Good. In your place I would probably forget. Don't you forget!
 
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Norcal

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Jim greengo said:
Lennox
Click to expand...
HVAC equipment? Their nic is Lemonix. But Lenox has been a good choice in hole saws, as is Milwaukee, Starrett, X-Mas time would have been a good time to snag a Milwaukee hole saw set. BTW, just had have a little fun with the Lennox post.

Years ago when OSH was forced to get rid of Milwaukee products, they were selling stuff at 50% off so snagged a few hole saws.
 
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Jim greengo

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Norcal said:
HVAC equipment? Their nic is Lemonix. But Lenox has been a good choice in hole saws, as is Milwaukee, Starrett, X-Mas time would have been a good time to snag a Milwaukee hole saw set. BTW, just had have a little fun with the Lennox post.

Years ago when OSH was forced to get rid of Milwaukee products, they were selling stuff at 50% off so snagged a few hole saws.
Click to expand...
Yeah I'm not a fan of their hvac either. Finding parts for them is like working on a chrysler/Mopar. Hahaha
 
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toplessHO

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Ive got Greenlee sets with a few brands mentioned up to 6 inches.
I like the holes in the new Milwaukees but my paper towel cooling method
wont work(most likely not needed but the water also acts like a lubricant)
 
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larry_g

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Hole saws will get your job done but also a keyhole saw or a jig saw will also do the job if you already have one in your possession.

lg
 
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mikey03

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micromind said:
When using a holes of any size, I will drill the pilot hole with a basic 1/4" bit. This way, the saw part can gently begin sawing rather than have the attached pilot bit break through and suddenly the saw part contacts the surface and bends/breaks the pilot bit.
Click to expand...
Haven’t used these much tbh and this sounds like a good idea but makes me wonder why they wouldn’t just make these have a slightly longer drill but than the saw part so you can drill the pilot hole with the same tool in a way of speaking
 
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mike93lx

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micromind said:
When using a holes of any size, I will drill the pilot hole with a basic 1/4" bit. This way, the saw part can gently begin sawing rather than have the attached pilot bit break through and suddenly the saw part contacts the surface and bends/breaks the pilot bit.
Click to expand...
I just send it, but on my spyer set, the hole saw pops off the pilot bit with a button, so drilling with just the pilot then installing the saw would be easy
 
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rlitman

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Norcal said:
HVAC equipment? Their nic is Lemonix. But Lenox has been a good choice in hole saws, as is Milwaukee, Starrett, X-Mas time would have been a good time to snag a Milwaukee hole saw set. BTW, just had have a little fun with the Lennox post.

Years ago when OSH was forced to get rid of Milwaukee products, they were selling stuff at 50% off so snagged a few hole saws.
Click to expand...
Funny, though the Lenox and Lennox aren't spelled the same.

I'm in the pre-drill at 1/4" and use a 1/4" rod in the saw. In my case, I cut the shank off a worn out philips screwdriver. Using a solid rod as the pilot makes it easier to get a good start without jumping.
 
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