5 inch HSS BI Metal Hole Saw Cutter 1-1/2 Depth with Big Arbor for Wood Metal

I bought this cheap 5 holesaw to cut through a 1 thick piece of steel. Not just any steel, it is 4140- a chromium molybdenum manganese alloy. But wait- not just any 4140, it is hardened 4140, 32 on the rockwell C scale. A lot of 4140 is sold in the annealed state for easier cutting, but then needs to be hardened afterwards to gain the strength benefits of this alloy. I verified the 32Rc myself, cause I believe it matters for what Im making. Anyway, this holesaw cuts it fine. I ran it at about 70 rpm, a little faster than 1 rotation per second. A little less than 100 fpm linear speed. Using a pecking motion, lubrication, allowing chips to clear. Many drill presses and most hand drills just wont go that slow. If you put this in a hand drill and think youre gonna cut even a piece of sheet metal, its going to be hard to control, and if you spin it fast (like the 600 rpm speed that seems slow in your 1/2 drill) you could probably dull this in seconds. That is just the nature of a large diameter cutter like this. If you overspeed it in metal, you WILL ruin it, in seconds. This saw isnt magic metal, and neither is one that costs 3 times as much. This was used in a milling machine..it is rigid, and can go slow. If used to cut a hole in your ceiling for a lamp, you could get away with a lot, none of this applies. The saw wasnt real round...I checked it and improved it a little by hitting with a hammer, checking, hitting, etc. BUT- more expensive brands are no better at all, they are always pretty out of round..unfortunate, but good enough. Tight quality control costs a lot. You want a $150 hole saw thats somewhat better? Ill deal with a cheap one, myself. It is a roughing tool, no more. It pains me to see most drills and holesaws oversped by users who then dull it and blame the tool!

put in holes in ceiling for canless can lights. half the ceiling was drywall the other 3/4 inch knotty pine. after 10 holes still sharp and easy to use. I attached mine to a 1/2 inch hammer drill with a side handle for extra stabillity, no problem.

Impressed with the weight and sturdiness of this hole cutter and especially the arbor. The center of the arbor screws on and then two pins extend for steady and secure grip. So far I have used it to cut 3/4 MDF and it zipped right through it. I was surprised how smoothly it cut. Good value for the money.

Worked well, used for installation of 4 recessed lights. Seems pretty well constructed.

We got this to help us make corn hole boards. Makes quick work of it! Just attached to a typical cordless drill and went for it. Worked for us!

Bought a pc case a few years ago with horrible air flow, now that Ive upgraded my parts I need more air. This put a hole right where I wanted it

Not sure what others are doing wrong... some of the reviews complained about strength of the mandrel and such but I really put it through its paces drilling at least 7 through various layers of old siding and the sill without an issue. I really does bite hard so for the 5.5 bit Im glad I had a high torque low speed drill. Note this mandrel on the 5.5 will need a 1/2 drill chuck at least (typical 3/8 wont fit).

Arrived on schedule. Good quality, cut 4 hole in 1 /2 plywood. Came with the arbor, 2 center bits, a bonus smaller hole saw and a small tape measure. If I needed to use a hole saw every day, I buy a Lennox or Diablo. This is perfect for the few times Ill need to use it.

Inexpensive compared to name brands but worked perfectly for me cutting a half dozen holes through 2 layers of wood (3/4 incl solid cedar plank backed by 3/4 inch plywood sheeting) still looks knew. Needs 1/2 drill for power. As another reviewer pointed out, use an auxiliary drill handle. Hole saws can bind (did it twice) and the drill torque can seriously strain or otherwise damage your wrist. But saw cut clean holes every time

Needed to cut some holes for kitchen exhaust pipe, and this worked spectacularly cutting through some pine. But, then I had to cut through the roof, and of course asphalt shingles present a problem. But, that was the last hole so I committed myself. It got through, eventually, but I dont think it liked it. In a couple years when I need to cut another 6 hole Ill give it another try, but he already did his duty so I wont complain if he takes a bit longer.