Cutting Ducting holes in floors ??

[marx2k]

This discussion has convinced me to get a rotary tool for hole cutting... but I don't get how this really differs from a drill? Even the bits look like drill bits. How does it cut ACROSS wood instead of into it?

 

[MTF-Sandman]

The bits are designed differently so they cut like router bits, but they can also plunge cut. The rotary tools also spin MUCH faster than a drill does...alot of em range from 10,000-20,000 RPMs whereas a normal drill would be in the 600-900 RPM range. Similar design, but totally different function...

 

[Dreamscape]

get a craftsman rotary tool/spiral saw
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/subc...Spiral+Cutting+Tools&sbt=1&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

I think they come with a circle cutting attachment, mine did... just push the bit through the wood and then run around your circle.. they cut through solid oak flooring like it was nothing

So what exactly does this 6" - 8" hole cutting attachment look like so I know i'm not buying the wrong thing ... i'm an extreme rookie when it comes to any power tool other than a drill lol and i'm guessing the bit for this rotary tool isn't gonna just be a circle with some teeth on the end of it ??

 

[MTF-Sandman]

So what exactly does this 6" - 8" hole cutting attachment look like so I know i'm not buying the wrong thing ... i'm an extreme rookie when it comes to any power tool other than a drill lol and i'm guessing the bit for this rotary tool isn't gonna just be a circle with some teeth on the end of it ??

Like this

The set screw that slides down the middle is what determines the size of the hole. Just put the set screw in the center of the hole after you've selected the appropriate size and fire it up.

Occasionally HD or Lowes will have a sale/clearance on rotozips, so you might wanna check there first. I got a RZ10 with all kinds of attachments for under $100 a year or so ago there.

 

[marx2k]

So is that a rotozip? That thing looks pretty straightforward. How deep does it cut?

 

[MTF-Sandman]

No, that's the hole cutting attachment that attaches to the nose of a rotozip. The rotozip itself is a high speed cutting tool...kinda like a dremel on steroids.

Here's what it (and other high speed rotary tools) look like...

 

[Guest]

The Roto zip line of tools is the shit! I was a carpenter for years and we used them on everything, wood, drywall, metal. Just get the right bit and it'll cut a hole in anything. Wear your goggles though, at 20K rpm's, debris is like shrapnel, especially when using them to cut wood.

 

[marx2k]

Hm now Im left wondering what is the best tool to buy that is UP TO $100 that will serve me well for making a perfect 6" (or 4" or 2") hole in a cab or 2 or 3 but not be used for really anything else

 

[Guest]

for under a $100 you could find a bunch of tools. you could buy a handsaw for under ten bucks. i'd still take a sawzall(reciprocating saw) as my first choice if i only had one tool. you can make cuts in tough places. not a pretty hole, but very effective.

 

[da_bears]

like mtf-sandman said brother, the rotozip would be the way to go. it cuts through all types of material. light gauge steel, duct work, tile, wood, plastics... youget the picture. it would be a good investment. like stated before though, be sure that your not cutting through anything important. to many times people just jump into things with out no planning(layout). be sure you check the other side brother. hope you find what you need.

 

[Dreamscape]

I ended up grabbing a cordless power tool set from black and decker with a drill , circular saw and jigsaw for like 170 from wally world because I spoke to a guy that worked at HD and asked about using a rotory tool for cutting holes and he said that it could be done but would probably burn the tool out , at the very least shorten its life expectancy ...

 

[MTF-Sandman]

lol...that guy at HD has obviously never used a real rotary tool I've used the same one to cut an assload of sheetrock and 3/4 plywood and it's never been phased by it. Having more tools is never a bad thing...you sound like you got pretty setup for just about any household project now.

How did the hole(s) turn out?

 

[Dreamscape]

Hey sandman,

I actually have yet to cut any holes , that'll come in a few days ...

And the guy at HD - I had ASSUMED would know what he was talkin about considering he was the guy (late 30's or so) they assigned to me when I asked about getting some wood cut for drainage tables ... When I said rotary tool he said "like a rotozip" and i said "yeah" and he basically said "yeah you could do that but they're not really built for that you're better off with a sawzall" ...

I'm guessing you probably use a rotozip ? If the function to price ratio is drastic enough i'll go return this black and decker set right now and grab a rotozip lol - I was dead set on grabbing a rotory style tool until I talked to that guy so i'm hopping I made the smarter of the two choices (rotory or multiple tool set)

 

[MTF-Sandman]

They have their place like any tool. They're great for small stuff like that where it's hard to find the exact right tool (IMO hole saws are the best way to cut holes) and they're very versatile - but they are far from a necessity for most people. You'll end up getting alot more general use outta the stuff you got and with a little time/practice it can easily give you the same quality cuts. Rotozips basically just prevent you from having to buy lots of specialty tools that you'll only use once or twice (like expensive ass 6" & 8" hole saws :wink.

What you've got now should handle the job just fine, so I wouldn't worry about returning it. Just take a few scraps of wood/sheetrock to practice on if you're worried about miscutting the floor/ceiling.

 

[Dreamscape]

Informatively solid advice as always friend ...

Thanks

~ Dream

 

[Sloppy Seconds]

Just chiming in.
your purchase will work fine, be careful with any powertool as they are alot stronger than you are. but dont be afraid, get a good grip on that saw and have at it!
some people are timid with tools but be the master and work smart.
good luck.