Hercules Carbide Hole Saws

C

ChandlerJPerry

H-M Supporter - Silver Member
H-M Supporter - Silver Member
Joined
May 3, 2020
Messages
176
I have a potential project coming up to knock out some 3" holes in 1" thick aluminum plate, 8 holes total. I was planning on using a 2 3/4" hole saw and finishing with an endmill on my rotary table. While looking I came across this hole saw at Harbor Freight.

I was going to use a standard bimetal hole saw but I was curious to get some opinions on these brazed carbide ones. Has anyone tried them out? I do have some concerns about rigidity due to the the large flutes cut into the saw, but maybe it would be fine. For $15 I'm tempted to try one out just for curiosity. I may already have a bimetal this size out in my pile, but tool junkies will understand my desires :D.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20240902-013021_Chrome.png
    Screenshot_20240902-013021_Chrome.png
    410.1 KB · Views: 24
Wow, being a HF junkie I’ve never seen this. That is one of the highest rated tools by folks who actually used it I’ve seen! One of the reviews addresses you concern about tooth depth and I think he nailed it. For a lot of materials the small tooth depth is a hindrance as it clogs. I could see that and have experienced that on aluminum. The gullet is very deep on this carbide saw. My only concern with aluminum is it might be too aggressive a cut so go with light pressure. The comment I saw the most and agree with they need to come out with a set. For $15 that’s a steal IMHO.
 
It'll cost you a few dollars, but this a perfect application for an annular cutter. Depending on return on the project, this might be a consideration:

www.ebay.com

Hougen 18296 3" X 2" Copperhead Carbide Tip Annular Cutter | eBay

• 3/4" two flat Fusion2™ shank - fits Hougen mag drills & one-touch arbor systems. For Use With: Hougen Portable Magnetic Drills and machine tools operations on materials up to 350 BHN. Used for holemaking in all types of steels espcially harder to cut materials such as stainless steel and cast...
www.ebay.com

Regards
 
C-Bag said:
Wow, being a HF junkie I’ve never seen this. That is one of the highest rated tools by folks who actually used it I’ve seen! One of the reviews addresses you concern about tooth depth and I think he nailed it. For a lot of materials the small tooth depth is a hindrance as it clogs. I could see that and have experienced that on aluminum. The gullet is very deep on this carbide saw. My only concern with aluminum is it might be too aggressive a cut so go with light pressure. The comment I saw the most and agree with they need to come out with a set. For $15 that’s a steal IMHO.
Click to expand...
I don't know, it's pretty poorly rated if you read the low reviews. I always start reading the low reviews first to see if it's a consistent problem.
 
In general, annular cutters are far better than using holes saws, bimetal or not. There are plenty of sources for good quality HSS annular cutters; I have cut 200 holes with an offshore HSS annular cutter in 1/4" and 3/16 tubing, even across welds. The cutter is still like new.

Many guys don't know how to use an annular cutter - the correct cutting speed, the right lubricant, and the style of the cutter (chip clearing or not) and so they break teeth off the cutter,, burn the cutting edges, etc and blame the cutter.

@ChandlerJPerry If you are building your shop, and are willing to learn, get an annular cutter. Otherwise, stick to hole saws and save money.
 
woodchucker said:
I don't know, it's pretty poorly rated if you read the low reviews. I always start reading the low reviews first to see if it's a consistent problem.
Click to expand...
I only look at the bad reviews if it’s below 80% positive. 3% is well within the margin of bozo’s who can’t find their behind with both hands and I don’t need the irritation.
 
btw , I take their reviews with a grain of salt.
I agree, many don't know wtf they are doing.
But I have written quite a few reviews not favorable, and they disappear quickly.
I bought their electric impact gun rated at 240 ft/lbs. But it would not loosen 80 ft/lbs. I manually torqued lug nuts to 80lbs and made sure it should... it could not. that review stayed up about a month before it was removed. many times they will call it a new tool and remove all the old, only to have the same disappointing results.

So I am always skeptical, and don't buy until I need, so I can test it. Unless I can afford to take the loss. Most tools are good enough.
I bought the inch lb torque wrench it never indicated. 2 or 3 replacements all did the same thing. Pure junk at any price.
 
I also have to read through the reviews as it’s AMAZING there are so many that say “just got it and it seems nice, haven’t used it yet, 5 stars!” WTH?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top