Hole saws

[merlin]

has any one used Blu-Mol hole saws for making wooden wheels for toys.

I have given up on my cheapo ones and the circle cutter I brought a couple years back, they are nothing short of trouble.

The circle cutter came ever so close to taking out a couple of fingers.

I have a pattern for a wooden train that has 36 wheels and need a faster way of cutting them..then finish on the lathe.

I have heard and read great comments of the Blu-Mol saws.

 

Thanks

 

 

***Merlin***

[Scrolling Steve]

Merlin, I don't know that brand...36 wheels on one project ....I am afraid i would have to consider buying some pre-made wheels...You are a brave man!

[amazingkevin]

Merlin, I don't know that brand...36 wheels on one project ....I am afraid i would have to consider buying some pre-made wheels...You are a brave man!

That for sure would save a lot of work  buying them precision made all ready to go !

[MetalScroll]

I use a hole saw for the hub on my whirligigs, a lot of sanding is involved, also the wood burns easy.

[oldhudson]

Like other posters I don't know the brand and like them I'd just purchase them from a hobby store.

However I have a couple of 'tips' that may be of value.

 

1) Securely clamp the stock. 

2) The friction of the sides of the saw rubbing against both the outside and insides of the cut really drag the motor down and build the heat up. When I use a hole saw, as soon as the pilot bit comes through I turn the board over and drill from the other side. This minimizes the friction because the cuts aren't as deep.

3) Because the sawdust has no way to escape it adds difficulty to the cut. I stop often and vacuum out sawdust. 

 

Good luck.

[MetalScroll]

Like other posters I don't know the brand and like them I'd just purchase them from a hobby store.

However I have a couple of 'tips' that may be of value.

 

1) Securely clamp the stock.

2) The friction of the sides of the saw rubbing against both the outside and insides of the cut really drag the motor down and build the heat up. When I use a hole saw, as soon as the pilot bit comes through I turn the board over and drill from the other side. This minimizes the friction because the cuts aren't as deep.

3) Because the sawdust has no way to escape it adds difficulty to the cut. I stop often and vacuum out sawdust.

 

Good luck.

and #2 makes it easier to get the wheel out without gouging it with a screwdriver.

[Scrappile]

The holes I have done with hole saws are not pretty.  Like said, there can be burning, jagged edges, etc.  May  require lots sanding.  Also the size drill bit required for the hole saw may not be the size you require for the axle.  It may be larger.

[Rob]

I haven't tried that particular brand but I didn't like using a hole saw for wheels when I tried it.  Unfortunately I have not yet found anywhere in New Zealand that stocks ready made wheels.  You can easily get them from E-bay but shipping is expensive at around $30.  My plan is to try and find a supplier in China where most are likely made anyway but the minimum order quantity may be too high.

 

If you do find a supplier in NZ Merlin, or indeed any good suppliers of scrolling related stuff etc, I would be very interested in their details.

 

Thanks,

 

Rob 

[merlin]

Thanks any way people might have to buy.............          

 

***Merlin***

[Scrappile]

Any wheels I have made I did on my wood lathe.

[WayneMahler]

I would use my lathe to make the wheels. Take a long dowel , turn to the right diameter and mark of the wheels width the turn them. Separate with a scroll saw and drill the center holes for axles  if needed.

[Lucky2]

I would use my lathe to make the wheels. Take a long dowel , turn to the right diameter and mark of the wheels width the turn them. Separate with a scroll saw and drill the center holes for axles  if needed.

Wayne, why would you separate them on the scrollsaw, wouldn't it be much easier to separate them with a thin parting tool? Using the parting tool, would leave the center mark that would be needed to drill them out.

Len

[woodduck]

Merlin I use sutton hole saws which are supposed to be a good brand ,I cut the wheels then mount them one by one on an appropriate size headless bolt with a couple of nuts & washers, I then mount the bolt in a drill chuck that fits my lathe & finish them off.

[merlin]

Woodduck that is what I do as well, will look into that brand to sea if I can get to NZ.

Have just ordered 255 slab wheels for the train I wish to make....but hell the NZ is a bugger at the moment $28 USD is $46 NZD, just have sell one to pay for the wheels so when you look at that way don't seem too bad.

 

***Merlin***

[Rob]

Merlin, I might be interested in buying some of those wheels from you if they suit my needs and you wanted to recover some of your outlay.

Rob

[ike]

i BOUGHT WHEELS FROM  THE WOODEN TEDDY BEAR

[WayneMahler]

Wayne, why would you separate them on the scrollsaw, wouldn't it be much easier to separate them with a thin parting tool? Using the parting tool, would leave the center mark that would be needed to drill them out.

Len

Len you are correct. I can turn them so far, but don't have a thin parting tool. Also I make a jig for drilling out the centers for axles or mounting pins. Using the scroll saw to separate them leave the mark for center also.  I just do mine differently I guess. 

Appreciate the insight and question though.

[savethebeer]

I have some patterns put aside for that moment when I run out of easier things to make and decide to make something needing wheels. But I have always thought of taking the easier way and buying a large diameter dowel and just slicing wheels of the required thickness. I love making things from scratch but trying to get several wheels [never mind 36] to rotate properly would drive me nuts.

 

Bob

[Sparkey]

Lenox is another good brand for holesaws.