[Milo Dolezal]

How do you monitor RPMs on a cordless drill? (18v Ridgid in my case)

You have to have drill that has variable speed option. Some drills show RPMs on adjustment wheel. I am not sure about Ridgid, but Hitachi does so. If you don't have this adjustment wheel, than run drill at slow speed pressing the switch gently. Try to maintain same speed. The slower the better... If your drill bit, or stainless steel, starts turning black, stop, you are going way to fast... Also: NO sparks !

[Hemlock50]

Milo,
Thanks for the reply. It has the variable speed option, but no RPM markings on the wheel. Just #s ranging from 1-22. It's also a 2 speed & looking at the spec sheet, RPMs range from 0-400/0-1400. So between that & what you said about the stainless turning black, I'd feel comfortable doing it.
Just one other? Is the Starrett Hole bit you mentioned strickly for metal?

[Milo Dolezal]

Hemlock50: from my experience, the slower the better. The hole saw bit cuts better through stainless steel at slow speed. Use the 400 RPM setting.

[Hemlock50]

Will do. Do you know if Lowe's or Home Depot carries that Starrett Hole bit? Thanks again.

[Milo Dolezal]

No they don't. Google it. We had to buy it On-Line, on eBay.

[Hemlock50]

OK, thank you.

[KISS]

Lowe's should have the Lennox version. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...le+saw+1-1%2F8

I've gotten other sizes before. Looks like you may have to buy the arbor separately.

The local hardware store has the bits with the non-replaceable arbors.

For the larger sized hole saw there is an easier to use arbor with two points, so the saw bits come off easier.

Looks like Starret has a carbide version too. http://www.starrett.com/pages/1232_new_hole_saws.cfm

Local electrical supply houses should stock hole saws.

[Milo Dolezal]

KISS: those are High Speed Hole Saw bits. We need Low Speed on for drilling Stainless Steel. I had no success with Ridgid, Milwaukee and Lennox bits purchased in Lowe's and/or Home Depot. They get dull in few seconds. Starrett is made for cutting at Low Speeds.

[KISS]

Have you tried the carbide teeth ones yet such as Ideal Industries or Starrett?

I just checked a few Lennox bits that were purchased at Lowe's. The teeth pitch seems way too course for sheet metal.

[JodBronson]

Hi Jlisenbe:

To use this tool you will drill a hole that is large enough to acommodate the DRAW STUD. You slip the draw stud with the bushing/die and ball bearing nut on the top of the sink (in this case). Then you spin the punch section onto the draw stud from under the sink and spin it up tight to the bottom of the sink. Then you go up top and use a ratchet tool and socket of the correct size to tighten the ball bearing nut. This tightening draws the punch up into the metal and makes a perfect hole by literally PUNCHING OUT a circle.

This is great on metal studs or other thin metals, but can cause an indent in thicker metals (such as thick guage sink metal) that can be an issue if you aren't careful. I have used both hole saws and punches to make additional holes in sinks. The hole saws were messy and noisy and if you slip..you own the sink...*OUCH...but overall this made a really nice hole. The punch was also a bit noisy/messy as I had to drill a couple holes to get the proper hole size for the draw stud, and it created a bit of a dent at the sides of the hole, but again, made a nice hole in the end. I would recommend ewither way.

Hope that all made sense...

MARK

PS: Jod...you are a patient man....nice job!!


.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU MARK!!

Jod

[massplumber2008]

Your'e welcome!

I could see all the work you put into that hole!


Have a great day!