[TowerTalk] [Bulk] Re: Grinding hole in thick steel plate?

[n0tt1 at juno.com]

Grant,

>A "hole saw"  would be useless in 3/4" thick steel plate and without a 
>pilot drill center just wouldn't work no matter how rigid the setup.  

I don't agree with all of that.  I had no trouble sawing through 5/8" hot
rolled
steel and could have easily sawed though a thicker piece if I needed
to.  It took about 15-20 minutes per hole.  

Yes, a center pilot is needed *or* at least
have another "thick" piece of metal pre-drilled to use as a guide.

Use plenty of oil, remove chips as they accumulate and don't
"push it".  Let the hole saw do the work.  Use a drill press!  Use 
a sharp bi-metal hole saw....no cheap stuff!!

73,
Charlie, N0TT