Using a Small Hole Saw on PVC Pipe

[rgsparber]

Although a hole saw goes through PVC like butter, the resulting puck tends to get jammed. With a little planning, it comes out easily.

If you are interested, please, click here.


Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.


Thanks,

Rick

[mklotz]

Hole saws are plagued by the fact that they have no means of ejecting the swarf they produce while cutting. In many materials this can lead to clogging and overheating of the saw blade. To avoid this while sawing metal, I drill a hole in the plug tangent to the circle to be cut. Said hole then allows swarf to fall out of the saw teeth as they pass this tangent hole.

I'll make it a point to drill two tangent holes next time so I can both clear more swarf and use your clever trick to extract the plug.

[rgsparber]

Hole saws are plagued by the fact that they have no means of ejecting the swarf they produce while cutting. In many materials this can lead to clogging and overheating of the saw blade. To avoid this while sawing metal, I drill a hole in the plug tangent to the circle to be cut. Said hole then allows swarf to fall out of the saw teeth as they pass this tangent hole.

I'll make it a point to drill two tangent holes next time so I can both clear more swarf and use your clever trick to extract the plug.

I'm glad I can add to your vast knowledge. I've benefitted from your ideas countless times.

After learning about drilling a tangent hole, I realized that it was hard for me to judge exactly where to drill so it did not blemish the remaining perimeter. My trick is to start drilling the hole with the hole saw until it leaves a clear mark in the stock. Then it is easy to place the tangent hole, or holes so it is within the kerf and not outside of it.

Rick

[mklotz]

I'm glad I can add to your vast knowledge. I've benefitted from your ideas countless times.

After learning about drilling a tangent hole, I realized that it was hard for me to judge exactly where to drill so it did not blemish the remaining perimeter. My trick is to start drilling the hole with the hole saw until it leaves a clear mark in the stock. Then it is easy to place the tangent hole, or holes so it is within the kerf and not outside of it.

Rick

My "vast knowledge"? Well, you're only half right, but thanks anyway. :-)

I use the same procedure you hit upon to decide where to drill the tangent swarf release holes. If I'm worried about the hole wandering at start due to the hole saw kerf, I use a brad point drill on the brown stuff or an endmill on metal.

If the piece you're saving is the plug, the swarf release holes can be drilled tangent on the outside of the kerf but, of course, they'll then be of no help in releasing the plug.

[DIYer]

Thanks rgsparber! We've added your Small Hole Saw Usage on PVC Pipe to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: rgsparber's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Small Hole Saw Usage on PVC Pipe by rgsparber

tags: hole saw

[Beserkleyboy]

Rick,
Thanks for yet another of your tips. I use holesaws a lot in panel products, venerred particle board, MDF & plywood. The sawdust clearance holes have bern a longtime given, but those 2 simple holes are genius! Thanks again.
Jim
Just landed from Outback by Air 'Red Indulgence' air tour of outback NSW, QLD, NT & SA, Australia. If coming to AUS, highly recommend! Just do it..

[rgsparber]

Rick,
Thanks for yet another of your tips. I use holesaws a lot in panel products, venerred particle board, MDF & plywood. The sawdust clearance holes have bern a longtime given, but those 2 simple holes are genius! Thanks again.
Jim
Just landed from Outback by Air 'Red Indulgence' air tour of outback NSW, QLD, NT & SA, Australia. If coming to AUS, highly recommend! Just do it..

https://outbackbyair.com.au/tour/the...re-indulgence/

Sounds amazing!

Thanks,

Rick

[Beserkleyboy]

Rick, truly was...fly from town to town, 600-1200 km apart, land on landing strips, usually next to accomodation. Pub meals, plenty grog, good times and the air views of terrain are magic.
Cheers,
Jim