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Originally Posted by Sullivan How do I tell if a hole saw is made for metal or wood? And what would the difference between them be, I know for an obvious reason one is for metal because its stronger, and will cut faster, but what would be the result of using a wood one on metal? Please only reply if you have experience or truly know.

It will say on the package what it is made for. You will know that you have the wrong one when you try to make a hole and it doesn't bite into the metal and skips around uncontrollably - most likely ripping the tape you applied to protect the work area - you are using tape right?

 

I used a wood bit for a hole saw and decided to drill a 120mm hole in the side of my case. It took the better part of an hour. On the next hole, I started the hole with a drill, and cut out another 120mm hole on top, which took about 3-4 minutes.

Dont use a wood hole saw... its meant for wood, not metal.

Hole saws designed for wood have bigger teeth, while metal hole saws have teeth like you would find on a hacksaw... really small.

 

I alway thought that the bi-metal were good to go for metal.

 

when cutting metal with a holesaw, get one that says "bi-metal"
you can use them on wood too, in a pinch - but not the other way around.

I use a light coating of tapping fluid on the holesaw teeth before cutting metal. it does wonders for ease of cutting, keeps the teeth from dulling quickly, and you end up with a clean smooth cut

 

Generally hole-saws for abrasive materials (i.e. particle board) will have alternating heights in the teeth. One set is the "grind-set", the other is the "cutting-set".

This tooth-arrangement makes it easier to cut than many bi-metal bits.

 

Just look at the specs of the item on the package. If it's Bi-Metal it's good for anything. If it doesn't say bi-metal and it's a helluva lot cheaper than you thought holesaws should cost it's only going to cut wood.

 

Well to use a wood hole saw on metal can be done.It might not give the best results.If your going to buy one then get the bimetal.If you have a wood saw then use at your own risk.I have used wood one before but the cut isnt all that good.

 

Well the thing is, my dad has tons, some are in a box, which have a wood picture, I was just wondering if there is any way to tell, I guess its all a trial and check, and I will be using painters tape.

 

Just ask your dad is any of his are for metal.

You should know once you start. A wood bit will just grind on the metal. A good metal bit holesaw should begin cutting into the metal pretty quickly.

 

get a bi-metal hole saw. cuts everything. i got my 4.5" one for like 35 or 40 bux =X

 

didnt see if this was answered or not but the bit (the holesaw end) depends on the teeth ,,,, if the teeth are really close to and allot more of them than another bit your looking at chances are that bit is for metal ,, if you try to cut metal with a wood bit ,, youll have allot of *hop during cutting or snags (grabbing and ripping the metal up not cutting it ). now either way it goes ,,, its best to take your time and dont rush it make a clean even cut dont slant the bit or anything to the side other wise your gonna wind up with kinks and binds snags and an uneven hole. a wood bit *can cut the metal too ,,but it would take twice the time because you have to take very small babysteps with the drilling to make sure it didnt grab or snag ,,, but even then the teeth might grind down as your drilling so. the answer is ,,, fine teeth with more teeth is for metal. also word of adivice since your doin it ,,,, wear long sleeve shirt when cutting cause metal shavings from the bit can fly off ,, and goggles as well.

 

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wear long sleeve shirt when cutting cause metal shavings from the bit can fly off ,, and goggles as well.

I can attest to this first hand, during the Jessie's Gumdrop project a shard of case steel hit me in the thumb because a)I didnt have clamps so I was holding the sheet with my left hand, and b) I wasnt wearing gloves. Lots of blood from a minor "nick" lol. Since then, i still dont wear gloves but I always clamp everything and never have my hand/hands anywhere but on my tool (lol, that sounded funny)

 

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Originally Posted by CyberDruid Just look at the specs of the item on the package. If it's Bi-Metal it's good for anything. If it doesn't say bi-metal and it's a helluva lot cheaper than you thought holesaws should cost it's only going to cut wood.

that

 

Like toxicknight mentioned go with the bit with the highest number of the shortest teeth. This will be for metal.

 

The "rake" (angle) of the teeth are different, besides the number of teeth/inch. Wood hole saw teeth have a more agressive angle (good for wood) which causes the hole saw to jump on metal (it's trying to "bite" too much. A metal saw, has less agressive teeth which allows it to remove less material as it spins.. good for metal.. not as fast for wood.

Also, hole saws specifically for wood do not have the proper tempering of the teeth necessary to cut metal, and dull very quickly.

 

Heres how my project turned out, thanks guys.

http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-wo...ml#post5834244