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Metal Ceiling - Cut Circle for Fan

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Marctrees

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Something is wrong here - A name brand hole saw like that should be able to cut a hundred holes through 29 ga.

Do you have any experience doing hole saws in sheet metal previously ?

Marc
 
M

Marctrees

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You may need to get a better understanding... watch some youtube videos.

Something is wrong, probably technique, not tool.

And DEFINATELY do some practice holes on waste on workbench.


Marc
 
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johnnyradiant

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Cutting speed for metal is important. A 4" dia. hole is going to for sure be in the slow range setting on the drill, and likely not with the trigger full throttle. Carbide would help, but only because it is going to mask the problem better than high speed steel.

There are speed ranges, and charts for a reason. There are proper techniques for every tool too. Saws, especially hand saws, and files all have a proper technique that for some reason even journeymen using the tools of their trade often don't adhere to proper use. But it isn't a pet peeve of mine. Nope. At least not until they some how get their hands on tools I have to pay for, but those are usually my kids that are only on their way to red seals.
 
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Marctrees

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Just watch some videos and do a few holes in scrap and you'll get it.

Goggles AND face shield are musts for this... maybe not as much on the bench, but definitely NO question overhead.

The smallest swarf in your eye will easily scratch/ cut your cornea and can cause major problems and possibly realistically an $$$$$ ER trip and a few weeks of discomfort.

Or worse.

WAY more dangerous then a coarse piece of sawdust.

And be ready to pick swarf out of your pubis hair.

I've done many times what you need to do and never want to do it again.

Marc
 
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like2wheel

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I can't believe there is a hand drill out there with a speed wrong enough to make bi-metal hole saw " teeth grinded down" putting a hole thru 29 gauge.
 
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Firebrick43

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West central Indiana
Had to be in reverse. I have drilled 50+ holes in my 14gauge steel deck of my composite slab so there is concrete dust as well and I am using the same Milwaukee hole saw.
 
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bradpac

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I agree with being in reverse. 29 gauge material is thin, any new hole saw should go through it. Any pictures of your attempted hole?
 
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Dustball

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The bigger the bit is, the slower you need to go. With a 4" hole saw, you pretty much need to spin it as slow as the drill will let you while still maintaining speed. I'm guessing you had the drill at full speed which will get the teeth very hot and wear down quickly.
 
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