Guiding a Pilotless Hole Saw
Learn how to drill precise holes without a pilot bit.
In FHB #240, John Swope showed how masking tape can stop hole saw pilot bits from moving in small holes. But what should you do if the hole is too big to fill with tape? How do you work with a hole saw without a pilot bit?
Well, to start, I use a hole saw of my desired diameter to cut a hole in a plywood scrap. This becomes my guide block. As shown in the drawing at left, I clamp it to the workpiece where I need the larger hole. Now I don’t need to worry about the pilot bit; the guide block keeps the hole saw from wandering.
— J. Kaye; Phenix, VA
From Fine Homebuilding #241
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