Tools to cut circular holes in bamboo

[Mark Meckes]

Purchased many years ago - Great Neck Tools, I rediscovered this 7 in 1 hole saw in the bottom of my tools parts box, so I tried it out on some Moso bamboo - Phyllostachys edulis (P.pubescens)

7 in 1 hole saw
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/040229-757F.JPG See photo ( http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1284)
I don't think this manufacturer makes this (7 in 1) model any more - I can't find it listed anywhere.

This 7 in 1 hole saw cuts hole ranging in sizes from 1 inch diameter to 2 1/2 inches diameter

Hole sizes increase in 1/4 inch increments ...
1" : 1 1/4" : 1 1/2" : 1 3/4" : 2" : 2 1/4" : 2 1/2"

TPI (teeth per inch) - 11 (approx 4/cm)

7 in 1 hole saw with drill
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/040229-758F.JPG See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1285) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/040229-759F.JPG See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1286)

Holes drilled with hole saw
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/040229-761F.JPG See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1287) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/040229-762F.JPG See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1288)

The hole saw got hot while cutting out the larger hole.
As a result the waxy top coating on the bamboo melted - see difference in color of the larger hole cut out.
Now the hole is a spinning top! (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1263)

http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/533/thumbs/MosoSpinning_top.jpg

Mark

[asnor69]

Dear Mark,
The hole saw are still available at least here in Malaysia. It is also used by carpenters to cut holes for door knob. Some exhibition or event management companies do use these tools for making holes at exhibition booths. Currently available from Japanese, Taiwanese and Chinese Manufacturers. I, for one am a loyal user of this tool.

Also comes in different qualities based on the thickness of the saw. Some can also cut holes up to 8 inches in diameter. One version is the one showed by Kitefighter not long ago in this Forum.

Here in Malaysia, the tool is available in hardware stores and specialised carpentry supplies.

[Mark Meckes]

Ah yes, I should have explained better ... I couldn't find an online source for the Great Neck 7 in 1 hole saw ( have edited my previous post now)

At Great Neck product catalogue, they have the 5 in 1 Hole Saw (http://www.greatnecksaw.com/products/prod_detail.asp?sku=HC5D)

And This Site (http://www.epinions.com/Great_Neck_Blade_Hole_Saw_Shop_Tools) shows a picture of the 7 in 1 Hole Saw, but no link to a source.

~ Mark

[Mark Meckes]

Anyone tried this type of cutter out yet?

HolePro (http://www.holepro.com/) - adjustable hole cutters

Cuts from 2" to 12" diameter holes

User replaceable cutting blades for smooth operation and fast cutting

Works with any standard 3/8" drill

Innovative blade design minimizes binding and stalling unlike conventional cup style hole saws where there is often kickback.

Ball bearing construction allows Power X hole cutters to spin while the clear dust shield remains stationary against the work piece

Hole Pro™ has a wide range of hole cutters that provide superior results for contractors, woodworkers, remodelers, home theater installers, plumbers, electricians, automotive and aviation services, and HVAC. ... ( and bambuseros?)

[Bamboofount]

Hi Mark,
I'm back to Brazil. I had a bad experience with this 7/1 hole saw. Sometimes the saw escapes from the hook of the holder support and make damage on the subject, around the hole. I had used this ones fixed directly with the cup (the cup and drill are togheter) to the mandrill (Starret)- One to each size.
Ene

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Ene, it was great to meet you in your travels to the USA and glad to hear you've made it back safely!

Regarding the 7 in 1 hole saw set, I got it years ago because it was cheaper at the time. I haven't used it much yet.
One disadvantage with these ones are that they are not a solid round tube.
The hole saws in the photos below are more sturdy.

The price of the single hole saws varies a lot, and I presume it has to do with the type and quality of metal they are made with, and how long the teeth will stay sharp.

I will take a closer look at what is available when I go to the hardware store.
~ Mark

------------------

Cutting holes for bamboo chair seat cross-bars - Martin Cato
More pics coming soon of a recent bamboo workshop demonstration by Martin Cato / with Darrel Deboer.

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/523/thumbs/MCatoHoleSaw-163.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1431) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/523/thumbs/MCatoHoleSaw-161.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1430) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/523/thumbs/MCatoHoleSaw-164.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1429)

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Single bamboo joint technique - bambubrasileiro (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=1610)

http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/523/thumbs/03_10_20_Bzr_Escola_036_mod.jpg Photo #1 (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1324) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/523/thumbs/03_10_20_Bzr_Escola_031_mod.jpg Photo #2 (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1323) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/523/thumbs/03_10_20_Bzr_Escola_035_mod.jpg Photo #3 (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1322)

Photo #1 - Marking bamboo hole to be cut out
Photo #2 - Cutting out hole with a circular hole saw
Photo #3 - Trimming the hole with a reciprocating saw to fit off-round shape of bamboo insert.

[vinniedriver]

I've used the Holepro style hole cutters before on sheet metal, and they definitely would not be suitable for cutting a curved surface. The blades will part contact with the work, then re-contact as the curve rises and falls in relation to the blades. Also, the blades are wedge shaped, so the deeper they go, the wider the cut.

I'd suggest that if you can afford it, get a set of single hole saws as they are solid and most likely better quality than the multiple saws on one back style, and cut slowly.

When it comes to tools, you get what you pay for ;)

[sound world]

I use hole saws of various sizes,but also Forstner bits,which have a centre point but a solid backing behind the cutting edge.They're great for cutting into bamboo very cleanly (you have to use a drillstand) and also cutting in at an angle.They're always my first choice for making holes in flutes etc,because you can theoretically drill a larger hole over an existing one.
Not cheap though.

[Mark Meckes]

One disadvantage of the afore mentioned hole saws is it takes another step to remove the cut plug, using a screwdriver with each cut .. I see most cup hole saws have a slot on one side to stick the screwdriver in.
-----------

I have acquired some second-hand forstner bits, previously used to make holes for bamboo trellis and whatnot, and have only briefly tried them. I think they will be in need of sharpening soon.
Here they are...

Forstner drill bits: 3/4" - 7/8" - 1" - Craftsman brand
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/ForstnerBits-229.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1434) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/ForstnerBits-230.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1433) http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/529/thumbs/ForstnerBits-231.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=1432)

Here's a post by kudzu9 discussing forstner bits ...
Drilling holes in bamboo: Splintering prevention (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?p=799#post799)

Doing a Google search on Forstner, I came up with these tid-bits ...

From Woodshed Tools... History of Forstner Bits (http://www.router-bits-shaper-cutters.com/products/index.cfm?Product_Group_ID=2)
"Benjamin Forstner patented his forstner bit on Sept. 22, 1874. The successful invention of the forstner bit was to make him a rich man. Without the lead screw (which Forstner calls the "gimlet-point") and cutting lips of more conventional wood boring bits it would prove especially useful to gunsmiths like himself and other high-end woodworkers. The forstner bit was unsurpassed in drilling an exceedingly smooth bore hole, with a flat bottom. It was better than the Russell Jennings spiral bits for boring at an angle and not following the grain of the wood...."

From the Woodworker Club of Houston ... a bit about ...
Forstner Bit Speeds and Sharpening Techniques (http://www.wwch.org/TechData/ForstBitSpd.htm)

From Tools-for-woodworking.com ...
Sharpening Forstner Bits (http://www.tools-for-woodworking.com/sharpeningforstnerbits.pdf) (pdf file - 168K)

~ Mark

[sound world]

Yes,the one problem with Forstners is blunting (Or should I say,the problem with bamboo...!).But they're way better with bamboo than ordinary flat bits,and make cleaner holes than holesaws.Great for making angled joints!

Thanks for those sharpening links, Mark.It costs a lot of money to get them professionally sharpened.

Yes,getting the cut plugs out of holesaws is a pain.Sometimes now I stop drilling just before the holesaw goes through,and snap the plug out of the bamboo to avoid minutes of tedious prising with a screwdriver.If you time it right,you can still get a nice clean hole.

The cut plugs are fun for making wonky wheeled toys-the circumference is of course perfectly round but the bamboo curve gives a charming wobbliness to a wheel.
And I haven't done this yet,but they would probably make great beaters for percussion covered in rubber or felt, a little like Javanese xylophone-type beaters.

[ouyangjiang]

Dear Mark,
we can supply the 7 in 1 hole saw and forstner drill bits for Bamboo.

please visit: 7 in 1 holesaw (http://www.holesaws.com.cn/products/holesaws/woodholesaw/woodholesaw.htm)

[ouyangjiang]

http://www.holesaws.com.cn/products/holesaws/woodholesaw/pic/1inch.gif



http://www.holesaws.com.cn/products/holesaws/woodholesaw/pic/2inch.gif

[Troppo]

Hello Ouyangjiang :)

Will you ship pre-paid, small orders outside of China?

Thanks

Troppo

[ouyangjiang]

show me your detail inquiry. i think that we can do it for you.
and we can ship to you by DHL or TNT, ok?

Best Regards,

Ouyang

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Troppo and ouyangjiang,
Though we encourage 'independent' reviews of manufactures products suited for working with bamboo, inquiries with suppliers about purchasing products should happen outside of this forum, through email correspondence provided.

Thanks for your culmsideration :)

Mark

[pyrocarver]

Hello Mark and others.
I am rather new to the bamboo craft and often use my time doing pyrography. It works beautifully on bamboo but is a new experience.

As for hole cutting, the hole saws are great and one that I enjoy even more, is the forstner bits and have recently purchased a new set. Easy to dril a flat bottomed hole without going through the entire thickness but makes a nice clean hole if you decide to cut completely.
I have also been using a 14 inch bandsaw to make some unusual openings of various shapes and having great fun trying to come up with new ideas.

I have only posted a couple of pictures in the gallery as everything is still new to me and will wait until I improve my work.

I have a large workshop in Alabama and bamboo craftsman, pyrographers, gourd crafters and other craft oriented folks are always welcome. just contact via this site for best time to visit and send me an email address and I will contact you direct, if easier.

Another interesting site is uniting_pyrographers, a group on yahoo, and some may wish to see the different craft projects there. They are having a time with yahoo when you go to sign in as for some unknown reason, they have stuck an adult label on the sign in and you have to tell them you are over 18 years old. Abit of a hassle but well worth it.
I will also send this site to the forum there as it is a great site and very happy I found you.

Y'all come and God Bless.

Ray

[CaroleMeckes]

Here are some of pyrocarvers works:
http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/008.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2513) http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/005.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2512) http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/0041.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2511) http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/0031.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2510) http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/007.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2514)