Keggers Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 I need to cut a 3" hole in some furniture grade plywood and am wondering if someone could suggest a whole saw that won't tear up the plywood face. I have a 3" hole saw suitable for cutting holes but it tears the plywood up pretty badly. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Cut through a block get most of the way through then finish it off on the other side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Use a divider, draw your 3" circle, score it with a box cutter knife, then drill the hole till the center part is breeched on the other side... stop flip the piece, draw the circle again, score the plywood and reenter from the newly scored side! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keggers Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Thanks, I'll try cutting through a block and see how that works. I hadn't thought of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 If that doesn't work, make a pattern with the hole saw and use a downcut spiral bit in the plywood. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keggers Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Eric, that's a good idea too. I actually think I'll do that. I have some plastic circle jigs that I bought from Rockler a few years ago. Now if I can just find them the problem is solved. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mzdadoc Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 When I made my cornhole boards I started on one side until the pilot drill bit made it all the way through the flipped over to finish. Worked perfect and no tear out like my first board. When in doubt painters blue tape also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 31, 2015 Report Share Posted January 31, 2015 Here is an alternative, if you don't already have the hole saw: Drilling Holes Larger than your Largest Bit: http://youtu.be/oHGw5Y2rwxk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janello Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 I'm with Eric, hole saws are generally a rough construction tool. I've personally never had good luck with them when I want a perfect cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 The trick is really the guy running the drill. Just using a block is a good crutch. Photo is a old 3" saw that's has probably cut 1000 lighting pucks in ply so it's pretty much wore out but is still able to make good cuts in HW veneer plywood even the elcheapo stuff from Lowes back side looks just as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 In tearout prone woods, I will sometimes run the hole saw backwards to grind through a little ways. Care has to be taken to not burn. Best results usually come using a drill press if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keggers Posted February 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 I have the holes cut. Used my hole saw. Sandwiched the two pieces receiving the holes between to cut offs. The holes look great. Thanks for all the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Turner Posted February 8, 2015 Report Share Posted February 8, 2015 Just my 2 cents on this but you could always drill a hole and use a jigsaw and get close then finish it off with some sand paper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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