Annular Cutters

Looking for a recommendation on a moderately priced set of annular cutters. Will be used for cutting holes in steel, frame work, shackles, etc. I want something that won't burn up on me first time I use them, but not doing production work, either.

I found what looks to be a smokin' deal on this Milwaukee kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-49-22-8400-Annular-Cutter-Piece/dp/B001DASM92

Anyone have a set of these or could recommend a better set?

 

Nice i need some of them myself

 

Are you going to use those with a magnetic base drill? I would guess they will be a real hand full free hand and probably prone to breaking-both drills and body parts. The good Starrett bimetal hole saws actually stand up well and I have used them to cut through 3/4 plate. The longest lasting hole saws I have used. The Milwaukee's suck and Lenox aren't any better-probably both made by Lenox.

 

X 2 with duffer on Starrett hole saws...best blades on the market. If you're using a mag base drill and want an annular cutter then I'd go with Hougen Mfg. In a press, pick a high quality TiN coated Cobalt bit. Good manufacturers are Kennemetal, Greenfield Ind. (Cle-Line, Cleveland, etc.) or Dorman. The key to not wearing out the bits is... speed, feed and lots of lube!. Something made for drilling not tapping. You can buy single bits from a lot industrial suppliers. You can get a re-sharp/re-grind on a higher quality bit which can save you money also. A good place to start is calling your local machine shops and see who supplies them and what they're using. They buy in bulk and will probably sell you singles if you ask nicley.

 

I bought one of these 2 weeks ago:

http://www.brweldingsupplies.com/shop/products/evolution-bora-2800-magnetic-drill-and-cutter-set.cfm

I haven't used it yet, but it appears to be well made. The cutters look nice, but once again, I've just looked at them. R)

 

I highly recommend these Blair Rotabroach cutters. http://www.blairequipment.com/Rotabroach_Cutters/rota_cutters.html
I have been using them for years and have a couple of sets. They are also sold under some other brand names but are the same and made by the same people. I have seen them have the Blair name, Hougan name, and Bluepoint name. Most of my employers have always had sets in their shop tool inventories as well. They work awesome. You get burr free and perfectly round holes. I have used them to cut through up to 1/2" plate. They hold their sharpness well and can be easily sharpened if you read the directions. You just take a die grinder with a cut off disk and lightly dress the cutting edge to sharpen if needed. I think every home fab shop should have a set or two. They are available from 1/4" to 1 1/2".
Greg

 

I agree with avmechanic...the rotabroach cutters are awesome. They are almost like a hole saw, but they produce a perfect hole. You use a 1/8" pilot hole and put it in a 1/2" drill on slow speed.
These cutters are more versatile than a magnetic drill, especially when using them to make holes in areas that don't have a lot of space. Get some
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That actually might be more in line with what I'm looking for. Thanks for the link. That pilot on the arbor looks like you still use a twist drill to start the process, yes?

 

Yes, or you can purchase the pilot drills and save a step.
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hey jayhawkclint
what is the thickness of the material you are cutting. if you are using the magnetic drill, material less than 3/8 does'nt allow the magnet to get a good hold. the part in the center of the cutter is used to align the cutter with a center punch indent, and to push the slug out of the cutter when the cut is complete. if you are looking for a good mag drill i would suggest the hougan or jancy brands. very reliable and durable.

 

I did not know that. Don't think it's going to work for me. Mostly frame work, bumpers, shackles, etc, so in the .120 to maybe .375 range.

I think I'm going to get a Rotabroach kit and stick with the drill press. Thanks.