Expert: Dave Johnson - 6/18/2007

Question
I need to drill a 2.5" diameter hole through the plate and floor, a total of about 3.5".  Drilling will be from below.  As a test, I set up my hole saw and cut a 2.5" hole in a single 2x4.  The hole saw is barely deep enough to extract the plug from a 2x4.  The problem is the drilling.  There is so much bite on the hole saw that the drill gets slowed down almost to a stop and gets pretty hot.  The solution is a bigger, stronger drill and I could rent one.  But they are much heavier and holding one overhead while cutting through the 3/4" floor boards and 2-2x4s (one at a time) would be next to impossible.  Any ideas on how to deal with the bite on the hole saw?

Thanks.

TedLobsenz@optonline.net


Answer
I am well aware of your problem!! Been there many times.
My only answer is...try and keep the drill braced against something and fingers clear of the contact area. by this i mean to keep it in contact with an adjacent joist, beam etc. even if you have to add some lumber to existing joists.
I hope this is clear...mail me if you need more....
Dave