Question about eBay diamond hole saws...

Physh1 · #1 12/24/2007, 10:56 PM

I was going to pick up a set...I've seen that everyone refers to them as cheap & good. Question is should I expect to be able to drill quite a few tanks with these or will they wear quick? Just trying to figure if investing in a more expensive set would have a better performance lifetime.

Any info would be appreciated...

kgross · #2 12/24/2007, 11:13 PM

I've purchase $50 bits from ameriglass as well as the cheaper bits and I don't think there is a noticeable difference in the usage of either bit.

GuySmilie · #3 12/24/2007, 11:34 PM

For the cost of the Hong Kong bits, what's the difference?
They are so cheap they are almost disposable.

I've used them for many drillings and if you keep them well lubed and don't abuse them, you will easily get your moneys worth.

customcolor · #4 12/25/2007, 12:59 AM

i drilled my 125 with hong kong bits with no prob

liveforphysics · #5 12/25/2007, 01:05 AM

I've got at least 15 holes in 3/8th glass with my 2" bulkhead sized ebay cheapy. It still looks and cuts like it did when it was new.

Quality bit or cheapy bit, if you drill with it incorrectly its going to ruin the bit and possibiliy break the glass. The trick is to simply lift off the work every 5 seconds or so with large amounts of water flow to flush the cutting area. If the bit never gets hot and the pressure on the bit remains resonable, any bit will last for a very long time.

iairj84 · #6 12/25/2007, 02:01 AM

I drilled 5 holes with both of the bits I got... If you're worried about it then just buy two. They're a lot cheaper than the american made ones and it's not like you're drill 100 holes or something.

aastretch64 · #7 12/25/2007, 02:43 AM

Why would you guys spends hundreds of dollars on a tank, and take a chance with some cheap hole saw?!?!?

Alex

kgross · #8 12/25/2007, 10:55 AM

Alex,

This is the DIY forum, we do stuff ourselves here. The Cheap holesaws work as well as the very very expensive ones, so there is no "take a chance with some cheap hole saw"

Kim

Physh1 · #9 12/25/2007, 11:04 AM

That's what I was looking for...thanks guys...

walmart · #10 12/25/2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aastretch64
Why would you guys spends hundreds of dollars on a tank, and take a chance with some cheap hole saw?!?!?

Alex

Yes

Piazzon12 · #11 12/25/2007, 02:04 PM

where do you think the expensive hole saws are made??? probably the same place, then labeled with a brand name and a 500% mark up

h20cooled · #12 12/25/2007, 02:11 PM

Like others have said on here the "cheap" hole saws work great, I have drilled probably 20 holes with the one that I use for 1/2" bulkheads and it still works great. The key is to let the bit due the work and keep it wet...

Thats it...

RONCGIZMO · #13 12/25/2007, 02:30 PM

Even if you get 5 or 10 holes out of it...you can"t beat it for the money

GrandeGixxer · #14 12/25/2007, 04:05 PM

I don't see any "risk" in using the "cheap" bits. Mine has at least 10 holes on it and still cuts like new. $10 shipped vs. $50+tax and shipping, no ? about it.

BeanAnimal · #15 12/25/2007, 07:06 PM

I have at least 10 holes with my cheapy and another half dozen in PEI 5 rated porcelain tile (much harder than the glass) .

dngspot · #16 12/25/2007, 08:35 PM

Got them, work great.

Ontosrob · #17 12/26/2007, 04:29 PM

Has anybody used the holesaw bits with the "centering bit" style like you would use wood holesaws?

h20cooled · #18 12/27/2007, 12:41 AM

never seen any like that, not sure they would work well for glass because you are not cut you are grinding the glass. Plus it would put a lot more pressure on the small point which is NOT good.

Ontosrob · #19 12/27/2007, 01:03 AM

Here is one here: Diamond hole saw w/pilot bit

I believe the pilot bit is a diamond drill bit as well.

GuySmilie · #20 12/27/2007, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aastretch64

Why would you guys spends hundreds of dollars on a tank, and take a chance with some cheap hole saw?!?!?

Alex

Because we spent hundreds of dollars on a tank!

iairj84 · #21 12/27/2007, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ontosrob
Here is one here: Diamond hole saw w/pilot bit

I believe the pilot bit is a diamond drill bit as well.

Do NOT buy the ones with the pilot bits, they're worthless. I ended up not being able to use them as they make the bit chatter on the glass too much... My only reccomendations is to keep the vibration off of the glass.. the best way I found to do it was to cut a hole in a piece of 3/4'' mdf of ply wood (doesn't matter much) and drill a hole with a hole saw the same size as the diamond bit. Then clamp it tightly to the glass and add the water in there. The bit will have no where to chatter and vibrate the glass and it also keep the bit wet as a damming method....

Worked really well for me. use at your own risk

Ontosrob · #22 12/27/2007, 02:27 AM

Thanks alot! Appreciate the good advise!

draleigh · #23 12/27/2007, 08:04 AM

i agree with all those who have bought and used the cheapo's. I two have bought the cheap ones and mine are still like new. I drilled 4 holes in my 180 gallon with them, then holes in my 30, 20L, and about to drill my friends 55 all with the same bits. They work fine. As stated, go slow, use lots of cool water to keep the bit cold.

hllywd · #24 12/27/2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ontosrob
Has anybody used the holesaw bits with the "centering bit" style like you would use wood holesaws?

I have a carbide saw I use for water and gas lines through tile, never tried it on glass....

This is what I use for glass, dirt cheap, great customer service, and I've drilled 20 or so holes with the 45mm one.

Tim

BeanAnimal · #25 12/27/2007, 11:45 AM

The carbide saws will not work for glass or porcelain... you need diamond