Hey, I came across some hole cutters that can make cutting large diameter holes for lights, fans and vents a lot easier, faster and cleaner.
1) Parts Express hole cutter - adjustable dand ceiling tile hole cutter, 1.5" to 11" diameter (about $59). If you have a drill already, makes the cleanest and quickest holes with little mess (uses a dust shroud).
2) Hole Pro hole saw models, 1 7/8” up to 17” diameter ($130-180). If you need to cut 3/4” MDF or go through a wall to outside, the more durable Hole Pro models should do the trick. Guess these are the “Hummers” of hole saws and also use a drill, some even call it a portable drill press.
3) Walboard Tool 08-001/AC31 Drywall Circle Cutter, 1" to 16" diameter (about $12). The Walboard tool is also a hand cutter and more accurate than a keyhole saw. Many models are clumsy and ineffective but many like this one.
4) Olfa Model CMP-2 Compass Cutter, 3"-12" diameter (about $35). Similar to the Walboard but more expensive. Many like this one too for scoring/cutting drywall.
5) Milwaukee, Shark or Stanley keyhole or jab drywall saws, any diameter (about $10-15). The keyhole or jab saws are among cheapest ways to go and "cut like butter" and with some skill can make holes pretty accurate, but not perfect. There's tons of videos out there on how to do this right as well as other good brands, many like these brands for ease and durability.
Now with the circle cutters #3 and 4 above you may have to do both sides of the drywall as you need to break the paper covering on the drywall to make an effective break. Some use these to do recessed ceiling fixtures so it shouldn't be impossible to use just from one side like a wall too. Also I guess you can use them as a compass scribe and guide along with a keyhole saw to make an accurate cut. You can use a hand or hammer to finally punch through as well.
Of course if you have power tools you can use a Dremel, Rotozip, router/Jasper jig, jigsaw/circle guide, etc.. I used to have all those but am left w/a DeWalt drill (bro-in-law has them). Well hope this helps at least some of you members here!
1) Parts Express hole cutter - adjustable dand ceiling tile hole cutter, 1.5" to 11" diameter (about $59). If you have a drill already, makes the cleanest and quickest holes with little mess (uses a dust shroud).
2) Hole Pro hole saw models, 1 7/8” up to 17” diameter ($130-180). If you need to cut 3/4” MDF or go through a wall to outside, the more durable Hole Pro models should do the trick. Guess these are the “Hummers” of hole saws and also use a drill, some even call it a portable drill press.
3) Walboard Tool 08-001/AC31 Drywall Circle Cutter, 1" to 16" diameter (about $12). The Walboard tool is also a hand cutter and more accurate than a keyhole saw. Many models are clumsy and ineffective but many like this one.
4) Olfa Model CMP-2 Compass Cutter, 3"-12" diameter (about $35). Similar to the Walboard but more expensive. Many like this one too for scoring/cutting drywall.
5) Milwaukee, Shark or Stanley keyhole or jab drywall saws, any diameter (about $10-15). The keyhole or jab saws are among cheapest ways to go and "cut like butter" and with some skill can make holes pretty accurate, but not perfect. There's tons of videos out there on how to do this right as well as other good brands, many like these brands for ease and durability.
Now with the circle cutters #3 and 4 above you may have to do both sides of the drywall as you need to break the paper covering on the drywall to make an effective break. Some use these to do recessed ceiling fixtures so it shouldn't be impossible to use just from one side like a wall too. Also I guess you can use them as a compass scribe and guide along with a keyhole saw to make an accurate cut. You can use a hand or hammer to finally punch through as well.
Of course if you have power tools you can use a Dremel, Rotozip, router/Jasper jig, jigsaw/circle guide, etc.. I used to have all those but am left w/a DeWalt drill (bro-in-law has them). Well hope this helps at least some of you members here!
