Woodworking Tips
Woodworking Tips Index


Hole Saw Relief

Whenever I used a hole saw, I'd encounter a problem. Right off the bat, the teeth would clog with sawdust and the saw would heat up and start to burn the wood. After the smoke cleared, I'd find the hole was a mess. But recently a friend let me in on his "secret" technique for using a hole saw.

woodworking tip: hole saw relief woodworking tip: hole saw relief

The idea is pretty simple. First, use the hole saw to lightly score the surface of the wood and outline the hole. Next drill a 3/4" clearance hole all the way through the workpiece along the inside edge of the scored "circle."
When you resume cutting with the hole saw, the clearance hole will allow the sawdust to escape the teeth.
woodworking tip: hole saw relief woodworking tip: hole saw relief

And if the saw doesn't clog, it won't heat up and burn the wood. When you resume cutting with the hole saw, the clearance hole will allow the sawdust to escape the saw teeth. And if the saw doesn't clog, it won't won't heat up and burn the wood.
woodworking tip: hole saw relief woodworking tip: hole saw relief
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