How to use a hole saw

A hole saw is used for making holes in timber and board, or a variety of other materials.

 

Used as an attachment in a drill rotary or impact drill, a hole saw comes in a variety of sizes and materials. Used primarily to drill a hole in timber or board, the spade bit can be used in so many ways to create decorative projects. Using a hole saw for the first time can be a bit scary, but if you do it properly and follow safety guidelines it's fairly easy after that.

How to use a hole saw:

1. Always clamp a freestanding board or project before using a hole saw, as it could cause the project to spin.

2. Position the tip of the hole saw - the drill bit - at the centre of where you want to position the hole.

3. Hold the drill at perfectly horizontal or vertical position to ensure that you have even contact between the hole saw and the surface of the material.

SAFETY FIRST
Always use both hands to hold the drill when using a hole saw.

4. Start the drill before placing the hole saw on the surface to be cut and gently lower the saw onto the surface, holding the drill firmly as you do so.

Diamond-tipped hole saws are used for cutting into hard materials such as stone, tile and metal. When using these bits you need to start off at a 45-degree angle, slowly tilting to full vertical as the saw bites into the material.