Using a Small Hole Saw on PVC Pipe

[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