Can someone share some advice on using a hole saw to drill a 1 1/2″ hole through a laminate countertop? Before drilling the hole through the countertop, I opted to drill a pilot hole for the hole saw’s mandrel–so far so good. It was when I inserted the hole saw into the pilot hole and began drilling to a depth of 3/16 of an inch that the hole saw spun itself out of the hole and marred the laminate top. Unfortunately, a drill press was not an option as the countertop was already installed. One final note: I was using a deep throat hole saw whose mandrel only projected a 1/4″ beyond the saw’s teeth. Perhaps a longer mandrel bit would have prevented a lot of frustration or a hole saw with more teeth per inch? Your thoughs, please.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
By considering things like energy-efficient mechanicals, window orientation, and renewable energy sources, homes can be evaluated to meet the energy codes. Here's what the IRC has to say.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
One of the first things I do when I get a new hole saw mandrel is change the pilot bit to a longer one. Especially for jobs like drilling for locksets, the longer bit keeps you from blowing thru.
I think changing the pilot will help you, too. It'll keep the hole saw from wandering.
If that doesn't work, I'll sometimes drill a hole w/ the holesaw thru a scrap and use that to guide the drill. Clamp the block where you need it, and drill.