What tool to use for cutting?

[F0iL]

Hey, I am trying to build a small grow cab and I am just wondering what tool you guys all use when you cut out 4-6" holes in the back of your cab for the exhaust fan, intake holes, etc... I need to buy a new tool and I just dont know which tool I should buy when I need to cut holes for my wooden cab.

Thanks

 

[yamaha_1fan]

I would say jig saw. If you got the money, look at the Ryobi line of tools. They usually have combo kits. They are not the top of the line like Dewalt but I have been using my Ryobi stuff for years around the house w/o problems.

Otherwise you can get a cheap jig saw corded for like 20 or 30 bucks

 

[NiteTiger]

I use a Rotozip.

 

[F0iL]

The jigsaw sounds good but I was actually looking into something like the rotozip. I also want to be able to cut small pieces of wood and pvc pipe.

NiteTiger - what model rotozip do you use? Also besides cutting holes can the rotozip cut small pieces of wood and pvc piping?

Thanks

 

[NiteTiger]

Haven't used it on pvc, but I imagine it'd work.

I have used it to cut pieces of wood though.

I'm guessing you mean like cutting to length right? Straight cuts?

 

[F0iL]

yeah just straight cuts to shorten the length of things

 

[testpilot]

You use a hole saw for cutting holes. Home depot has them up to 6". You can use a sawzall or jigsaw for larger stuff.

 

[NiteTiger]

Thought so.

 

[Ganico]

Jigsaw, or a 4" circular hole saw bit for a drill. The drill bit is the easiest though, just drill, and you got a perfect ass circle

 

[F0iL]

oh I have a drill I just didnt know they made huge drill bits that big haha... So i can get up to a 6" drill bit for a hole hmm... I might just get the drill bit and buy a small 4 amp jigsaw from black and decker so I can make straight cuts.

 

[NiteTiger]

Not every hole is circular though. Cutting a hole for an air conditioner would be a BITCH with a hole saw

 

[cesartime]

if youre kinda short on funds and need to cut a few things in various sizes, id reccomend a sawzall and some cans of expanding foam, "great stuff" expanding foam to be exact. You use the sawzall to cut a rough hole, install whatever youre gonna install into the hole (air conditioners, 6-8'' ducting, mount fans) and then use the foam to seal around it.

Good luck.

 

[Ganico]

This is what one of them hole saws looks like

 

[krly]

Cheapest place around for a hole saw set : http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36222
krly

 

[ReeferDan]

Cheapest place around for a hole saw set : http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36222
krly

Woah! thats a great price! 1 4" hole saw at Home dePOT is like $19.99

 

[mrwags]

I use a Rotozip.

Damn Straight and worth every penny. Can be had at some Pawn Shops for under 30 bucks.


Mr.Wags

 

[NiteTiger]

Damn Straight and worth every penny. Can be had at some Pawn Shops for under 30 bucks.


Mr.Wags

Yep! Got mine for $20, but I knew how to read the code that told me how much they put into it

 

[Guest]

Once the hole saw is used when will you use it again? and it requires a mandrel and bit as shown in the picture (extra) and a drill motor powerful enough to handle it. Jigsaws have many uses, including cutting metal, plastics, wood and etc. The Super Sawzall, mfg. by Milwaukee is a spendy tool and usually only justified for use in the construction industry. Go with the Jig saw, buy a used one at a hock shop/2nd hand store. While the Roto-Zip is handy the bits aren't cheap and are easy to break by the inexperienced operator. Common usage is in the drywall trades.

Ty-Stik

 

[testpilot]

Once the hole saw is used when will you use it again? and it requires a mandrel and bit as shown in the picture (extra) and a drill motor powerful enough to handle it. Jigsaws have many uses, including cutting metal, plastics, wood and etc. The Super Sawzall, mfg. by Milwaukee is a spendy tool and usually only justified for use in the construction industry. Go with the Jig saw, buy a used one at a hock shop/2nd hand store. While the Roto-Zip is handy the bits aren't cheap and are easy to break by the inexperienced operator. Common usage is in the drywall trades.

Ty-Stik

Ty-Stik,

It's all about time. If you only have a few holes to cut, and they don't have to be perfect a jigsaw is great, but there are times when you use the right tool for the job.

I've used my hole saws at least 200+ times (no exageration) in the last few months.

You can get a generic Sawzall (not necessarily Milwaukee brand) for under $50. They're not limited to "construction" per se, but mainly demolition. These are a great tool to have around. I cut all the 6"+ duct holes with it. I just use my hole saw :wink: to cut a pilot hole, stick the blade in and cut.

I'm not a fan of rotozips.

 

[NiteTiger]

Once the hole saw is used when will you use it again? and it requires a mandrel and bit as shown in the picture (extra) and a drill motor powerful enough to handle it. Jigsaws have many uses, including cutting metal, plastics, wood and etc. The Super Sawzall, mfg. by Milwaukee is a spendy tool and usually only justified for use in the construction industry. Go with the Jig saw, buy a used one at a hock shop/2nd hand store. While the Roto-Zip is handy the bits aren't cheap and are easy to break by the inexperienced operator. Common usage is in the drywall trades.

Ty-Stik

I've never had a bit break in my Rotozip. Shoot, my kids and my wife haven't managed to break one either

I'd never heard about breaking bits being a problem, interesting info.