Drilling Holes in Wood for Fans

MrDank007

MrDank007

Well-Known Member
I'm building my first grow box. I've got ahold of everything except 2 things. I can't seem to find any post on here or online on how to drill a 4-5in hole in wood. This has either been overlooked or it is a stupid question (I am new).

I saw a guy on youtube do it with what looked like an adjustable circle cutter bit that fits a cordless drill. I can't find one in any hardware store, but found this online.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs..._-D25X-_-100659792&locStoreNum=577&marketID=8

They have wood bits for drills in hardware stores, but they are more expensive and only for one size. Not a multi-tasker!

Thoughts on using this for wood? Any other methods I should try? Basically I need 2 5in holes in cabinet wood for PC fans.
 
Second the jigsaw, or a keyhole saw if you want to put some elbow grease into it. A 5" hole saw for the drill would be your best bet, but it probably won't be cheap. Not worth it if you're only going to use it once, but you may be able to sell it if you can find someone who does PC case mods as a hobby.
 
As a carpenter I would say that a jigsaw is your best bet...but don't do it yourself if you are unfamiliar with tools; you could mess the piece up. Go slow if you do and have some back up pieces. If you cut too much, then maybe get some spray insulation from home depot to fill in the gaps.
 
Thanks guys! I ordered that bit since it was only $15 and by far the cheapest option. The goal being not to buy tools more expensive than the rest of the box. If it doesn't work, I will try what you suggested. Another option would be just to drill holes a bunch of holes in a circle, knock out the in-between with a chisel and bore it out for smoothness. That seems to be the most time consuming/ghetto method. I can also borrow a reciprocating saw, but like all these other saws the cut will not be clean. I will follow up with the results when that bit gets here.
 
Picture 025.jpgPicture 026.jpgPicture 024.jpgmy bit came from harbor freight costs about $5.00 & makes up to 6'' holes in 1'' thick plywood no problem use it carefully as it can get away from you
 
i did it the hard way, i drilled about 20 little holes in the shape of the fan and use a hammer to brak the shape in, then sanded it down.
ps. i dont recommend it :D
 
Thanks guys. Horribleherk I saw that one and ordered the other. Can't remember what the reasoning was, but for the price you mentioned, it might be next if this one doesn't work. As far as the orbital jig saw, tempting, tempting! Trying to keep the price down. I'm well aware you can spend twice as much money through failed "rigs" as just doing it right the first time. Still waiting on that bit to arrive. Will report when it comes! I appreciate everyone's response!
 
noah1142 said:
i did it the hard way, i drilled about 20 little holes in the shape of the fan and use a hammer to brak the shape in, then sanded it down.
ps. i dont recommend it :D
Click to expand...

hahaha i feel you man... Kinda sucks when you dont have the right tools!
 
MrDank007 said:
I'm building my first grow box. I've got ahold of everything except 2 things. I can't seem to find any post on here or online on how to drill a 4-5in hole in wood. This has either been overlooked or it is a stupid question (I am new).

I saw a guy on youtube do it with what looked like an adjustable circle cutter bit that fits a cordless drill. I can't find one in any hardware store, but found this online.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs..._-D25X-_-100659792&locStoreNum=577&marketID=8

They have wood bits for drills in hardware stores, but they are more expensive and only for one size. Not a multi-tasker!

Thoughts on using this for wood? Any other methods I should try? Basically I need 2 5in holes in cabinet wood for PC fans.
Click to expand...

I was at Harbor freight and they have an adjustable hole cutter for drills that was only 3 dollars. I think that's what you need. It's cheap but would get the job done and didn't look like a use once and throw away tool.

Happy growing.
 
We don't have Harbor Freight here. Just googled..yes we do. Way on the outside of town. For that much, I might go drive out there. USPS isn't updating fast on the one I ordered. I'll post the results whichever I get first. This is the key to the deal. I'm all in and bought everything else.
 
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