Need some help with annular cutters!

[skipnay]

I have this set. Yesterday while drilling I had no problems drilling. Me trying to get them off was a big pain in the ****. I broke two of them. One because I was using a wrench and realized I was just putting strain where I shouldn't. The other broke because I decided to crush it with the vise. I have since been taking the other piece and putting it in the vise and using channels locks or pliers towards the top of it.

Got any better ideas???

 

[pdizzleinmt]

I always grab the washer with pliers. Not the best way, but the only way other than trying to not break them.

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[Strouty]

I have no experience with that set, how is it that you have to break them to get them off? I am assuming you are not using a mag drill.

 

[FigureItOut]

I have a couple similar sets made by the same company. Mine are the rotabroach which I think are the same but with a Blair branding instead of Hougen. I used to have the same trouble with them.

First, if you're using the Blair/Hougen stick cutting lubricant, that stuff will clump up in the threads along with the metal shavings and make life harder. I clean up the threads on the cutters and the arbor frequently and that helps.

Also, leave the arbor chucked up to remove the cutter. I use a 3/4" open end stubby that stays near my cutters. What also helps me is to only use the larger washer, the small washer has no flats. If I'm worried about the washer hitting my work piece I have some little rubber donuts I cut to put over the piece.

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[skipnay]

What's a mag drill? I actually have the Hougen kit also. I just googled annular cutters and found that picture that looked like mine. I honestly couldn't believe how easy and nice it was to cut from 1/8- 1/2 steel and not have to cut pilot holes, Why I haven't bought these sooner? Just thought someone would have a better idea on getting them loose besides pliers...

 

[plinker]

When putting the cutter on the arbor I go about finger tight and if the cutter does not have a shoulder, I use the large washer and normally a 3/4 wrench will loosen them off. Otherwise pliers. I have the Blair kit, but they look to be the same.

 

[Strouty]

I had to search for a picture, that is terrible the way those are setup. The real cutters (mag drill style) have a shank that has set screws that keep them in place. The ones the OP is talking about would be like having a hole saw without the keepers. I don't understand this at all, if I were you guys I would look into buying an arbor for every bit, then just leave them attached.

 

[LXCam]

You must use the washer between the cutter and arbor or it'll bind every time. I normally leave the unit chucked into the drill, then twist off the cutter at the base with channel lock's.

 

[MFolks]

Mag drill, a drill mounted on an electromagnetic base ,useful for drilling upside down, or 90 degrees to the floor, but usually with a surface(steel) the electromagnet will grab.

Several makers of them. Milwaukee is the most recent one I've used.

 

[1badbird]

I have the same set just blue point branded, gotta use the washer for sure.

 

[skipnay]

1badbird are you the same as on yellowbullet? I actually use the washer. The first time I used the bigger washer and tried using a wrench to turn it since it had flat areas. I got it to turn with ease then thought that didn't help me do ****!

 

[1badbird]

Nope, I'm not the same guy, I do have a 2000 trans am with some work done tho. By turning the washer it helped loosen the cutter for me.

 

[iajonesy]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but can annular cutters be used in a drill press? I have always used hole saws and these look way better. Thanks.

You may continue.

Mike

 

[Strouty]

These appear to be for that exact purpose. I don't think I would use the ones designed for a mag drill in a regular drill press. I would use them with a bridgeport, I know they make adapters for the cutters.

 

[CGT80]

I use the cutters for a mag drill in my import mill/drill. They fit just fine in an R8 3/4" collette, and the slugs fell out after drilling, most of the time. It beats the hell out of using a hole saw or twist bit for drilling 1" holes in 3"x1/4" wall pipe.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have been looking for the manufacturer of that set for a long time. About 20 years ago, MAC had that set in their catalog with their brand name on it in a red case. Now I know who makes them. Thank you!

 

[skipnay]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but can annular cutters be used in a drill press? I have always used hole saws and these look way better. Thanks.

You may continue.

Mike

No problem and I can tell you I can't believe how well they hold up. I was drilling through some 2.5 and 2x2 square tubing at the same time. That way the holes were the same place. I was doing other stuff and my wife's cousin was maning the drill. I kept on hearing this squeal. I asked him what he was doing. He was hammering it down for everything it had. Needless to say he didn't back the plug out and it was full of metal. Took me about 20 minutes or so to get the metal out. Put it back in the drill all blue in color thinking it was toast. I started drilling and it started cutting through the metal like it was brand new. I thinking I drilled about 20 holes in 3/8-1/2 metal in about as fast as I could have cut maybe 3 or 4 holes with a drill bit.

 

[iajonesy]

Thanks for the valuable info. I'm now shopping for a set of annular cutters.

Mike

 

[04chase]

These are meant for thinner /sheet metal. Imo nothing more than 1/4" .

I have had this issue as well and don't use them often now that I have a hougen 904s, I use it for everything 1/2" and above and standard bits for smaller until I buy the drill chuck arbor for the mag drill.

I have not loved a tool this much since ratchet wrenches. Scored a almost brand new 904s that had been used maybe once or twice for 560 to my door, the control board wad faulty but was listed as in perfect working condition. Lucily was warrantied and back to me in one day.

Sorry for the slight - jack but I would try a **** hair of antiseize on the cutter too arbor threads.

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[Jason280]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but can annular cutters be used in a drill press? I have always used hole saws and these look way better. Thanks.

You may continue.

Mike

Mike,

I had no luck using a Hougen 1/2" annular cutter in either my drill press or mag drill. Of course, my cutters were a little different than the ones above, but I never could get them to cut correctly. I never could pinpoint the issue, but it could have been with the adapter I was using...either way, it kind of kept me from wanting to pick up any more.

 

[plinker]

These are meant for thinner /sheet metal. Imo nothing more than 1/4" .

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I have used them on 3/8 truck frame without issue. It's pushing it to some extent probably, but works well.

 

[skipnay]

Mike,

I had no luck using a Hougen 1/2" annular cutter in either my drill press or mag drill. Of course, my cutters were a little different than the ones above, but I never could get them to cut correctly. I never could pinpoint the issue, but it could have been with the adapter I was using...either way, it kind of kept me from wanting to pick up any more.

Jason I have used these both in drill press and drill. I have also been using mine to cut up to 1/4" even though they are only for sheet metal. I have had less problems in the drill press then I do in my cordless drill. I need some that will cut thicker stuff. I don't mind suing these for 1/8" and 1/4" stuff but they aren't really made for it though.