Best tool to cut large diameter circles

[DrB2319]

Looking to cut 6" diameter holes (or larger) in wood (.5" to .75" thick), what is the best tool for the job?

I have a 6" hole saw but it is not a blade specifically for wood so it takes a long time to cut with.

Roto Zip or Dremel type tools best for such a cut?

 

[csp]

Router with a circle cutting jig.

 

[bad_idea]

what he said.

 

[gmwelder86]

how nice a hole do you need, jig saw or sawzall works good. Just depends on cut quality.

 

[kv501]

This will cut very nice 6" cirlces.

 

[DrB2319]

how nice a hole do you need, jig saw or sawzall works good. Just depends on cut quality.

Looking for a very nice edge, so quality does count.

I do not own a router and have little use for one outside of this purpose so I was thinking of a Roto Zip b/c I may have other uses for it. I would imagine Roto Zip has a jig to cut perfect circles?

 

[kv501]

Looking for a very nice edge, so quality does count.

I do not own a router and have little use for one outside of this purpose so I was thinking of a Roto Zip b/c I may have other uses for it. I would imagine Roto Zip has a jig to cut perfect circles?

I have a Rotozip, and yes, it does come with a circle jig. I have used it many times for light fixture cutouts in both OSB and sheetrock. If you are careful and take your time it does work very well. You have to make sure the center of the jig is anchored well, because just by the design if the bits it will want to walk on you.

 

[box]

I cant imagine the rotozip will cut any faster then a hole saw imo, they take a little time to get through thick stock

You can get a circle guide for a jigsaw also

Lowes had the rotozip combo straight and circle guide on closeout a few months back, marked down from $30 to $2 dollars and change, I could not help my self i had to pick one up but have not had the chance to use it yet

 

[DrB2319]

I cant imagine the rotozip will cut any faster then a hole saw imo, they take a little time to get through thick stock

You can get a circle guide for a jigsaw also

Lowes had the rotozip combo straight and circle guide on closeout a few months back, marked down from $30 to $2 dollars and change, I could not help my self i had to pick one up but have not had the chance to use it yet

Well problem number one as I said was the hole saw is not a wood blade, second (and I'm too lazy to do the math) I believe the amount of material being cut by the hole saw's cutting edge is significantly greater than the amount being cut by the cutting edge of a roto zip.

 

[Da Bull]

This is what I use.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32275&cat=1,180,42316&ap=1

 

[DrB2319]

This is what I use.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32275&cat=1,180,42316&ap=1

Pretty much a one tooth hole saw which is a perfect design, unfortunately they do not make 1 tooth saws in 6". Is it a must to use that with a drill press or can it be used with a standard hand held drill, if one is slow and careful?

 

[TimTaylor75]

I've cut hundreds of 6" holes in 3/4" birch (******** boards) and having used both methods (hole saw and router/cutting jig) and the router/cutting jig cuts the cleanest and is the only way I go now. Just use a spiral bit in your router and you're set.

 

[ZRX61]

Light Saber Incredibly handy tools, you can even slice & toast bread at the same time..

 

[hilld]

M109 Howitzer should do the trick. Probably could do several holes at the same time.

 

[box]

this???

 

[Cobra5150]

Is it a must to use that with a drill press or can it be used with a standard hand held drill, if one is slow and careful?

Drill press only. Circle cutter either a router or Roto-zip. How many holes do have to cut?

 

[slghmmr88]

Looking to cut 6" diameter holes (or larger) in wood (.5" to .75" thick), what is the best tool for the job?

I have a 6" hole saw but it is not a blade specifically for wood so it takes a long time to cut with.

Roto Zip or Dremel type tools best for such a cut?

I have used both my rotozip and dremel along with a couple of different routers and each have worked well. Depends on the area I'm working which I will use dremel is a little slower than rotozip but if working overhead it is alot easier to deal with. I usually save my fixed base porter cable for larger circles up to and including table tops, little heavy working vertical or with smaller material.

 

[kardude67]

A very meticulous beaver would leave a nice edge...........

 

[gt40mkii]

You can also use it to vaporize a human-sized target from orbit.

 

[Innov8tive1]

I have owned a roto-zip for over 15 years and while it does have a circle jig which works ok, the base is not wide enough for repeated stability which leads to somewhat imperfect circles.
For much better accuracy I have started using a router with circle jig. I have this set http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=365-260 and a decent plunge router.

 

[jweller]

For much better accuracy I have started using a router with circle jig. I have this set http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=365-260 and a decent plunge router.

Doesn't even have to be a plunge router, just pre-drill the starting hole.

 

[Al Bundy]

A very meticulous beaver would leave a nice edge...........

I can't believe everyone let this comment go...

 

[cashishift]

Router with a circle cutting jig.

 

[TireTracks]

I've cut niced edged holes with a Jig saw and a fine toothed, scolling blade.

I'd rather do it with a router though, much quicker.