Cutting Large Holes in thick steel

**bobneumann** · May 20, 2021, 08:20 PM

**DIYer** · May 21, 2021, 06:19 AM

Thanks bobneumann! We've added your Steel Plate Hole Cutting Method to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: bobneumann's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Steel Plate Hole Cutting Method by bobneumann

tags: drill bit, cutting, hole saw, plate

**jdurand** · May 21, 2021, 06:30 PM

I went through a bunch of several name brands that all stripped the threads on that screw-in arbor. I finally removed the pins from one and put bolts through and tightened well.

These were 4-1/4" saws.

**madokie** · May 21, 2021, 11:45 PM

good vid,, i worked in the machine shop at a plant that made tilted gravel shaker units,we made the sides from 3/8-3/4 plate,, we clamped them together and tack welded them..then used starett hole saws ,, we never drilled a chip hole in the side,,most chips came out in long strings, we just pulled out the hole saw,an blew out any remaing chips and kept on sawing,,ran the radial arm drill press lowest it would go 60 RPM.. i think,,good vid but it ran over 10 min and u did not mention your RPM u ran at, so heres your Sam Kinison award,,,OOOOOH,OH,OOH,OOH,OOOOOH,OOH,OOH ,OOOOOH !!!!!

**mdhatter3** · May 22, 2021, 05:08 AM

Hate to burst someone’s bubble but this short cut has been around for a long time.

**Thunderbelch** · May 22, 2021, 08:02 AM

That's an excellent tip that many of us have never seen before! Just ignore the toxic negative comments.

**Frank S** · May 22, 2021, 09:03 AM

While I agree the tip has been around for a long time, it doesn't hurt to be reminded of useful tips from time to time either.
I also stand with previous comments about the importance of using low RPMs.
I will also add that using a lubricating coolant when ever feasible is equally as important as the low RPMs especially for increasing the longevity to the cutters.
As far as being brand agnostic goes we might as well be as probably many of the name brand cutters are most likely made by 2 or 3 manufactures and privately labeled
Having said that whenever possible I do prefer to buy hole saws with brand names after band saw blades instead of power tool names, which may or may not be any better or any different than the power tool names as well.