Milwaukee 3" Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw

The Milwaukee 3" Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw has become a staple in my toolkit, and for good reason. This hole saw is designed for durability and efficiency, boasting a 3.5 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration that promises to tackle various materials. After putting it through its paces on several projects, I feel equipped to share a comprehensive review.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Hole Dozer impresses with its solid construction. The bi-metal design is evident, and the tool feels robust in hand. Milwaukee has incorporated a thermoset coating, which is intended to reduce friction and thus prolong the life of the saw. This coating also helps in reducing heat buildup, which is crucial when working on metal projects.

The access slots on the sides of the hole saw are a thoughtful addition. They make it significantly easier to remove material plugs after drilling, which can often be a cumbersome task. This feature alone saves considerable time, especially when you’re working on multiple holes in quick succession.

Performance in Wood

In wood, the Hole Dozer excels. Whether it’s 2x4 studs or plywood, the saw cuts through with ease. The aggressive tooth design bites into the material efficiently, making for quick and clean cuts. I particularly appreciated how the arbor screws into a thick, threaded metal plate on the base of the saw. This design eliminates the need for a nut on the backside, allowing for faster bit changes and easier plug removal.

I used the Hole Dozer to create openings for electrical wiring in several wooden studs, and the process was almost effortless. The saw maintained its sharpness throughout, and the material removal slots worked as advertised, making it easy to clear out the wood plugs.

Performance in Metal

Metal presents a different set of challenges, and this is where my experience with the Hole Dozer was mixed. On thinner sheet metal, such as 26-gauge steel, the saw performed admirably. It cut through the material smoothly and maintained a sharp edge after multiple uses. However, when it came to thicker or harder metals like mild steel, the performance was less impressive.

Despite using adequate cutting oil and maintaining a low RPM as recommended, the saw struggled. It did eventually get through, but the process was slow, and the teeth dulled quicker than expected. The residue left behind was more of a paste than metal shavings, indicating that the saw was grinding rather than cutting efficiently. This was disappointing, given the tool's bi-metal designation and the expectation that it would handle metal with more ease.

Usability and Ergonomics

The Hole Dozer is user-friendly in many respects. The increased pilot visibility is a small but significant feature that enhances accuracy. When starting a cut, being able to see exactly where the pilot bit is hitting the material makes for more precise holes. The 3/8” hex shank provides a secure fit in most drills, though it’s worth noting that it won’t fit in a standard 1/4” hex chuck. This isn’t a major issue, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning to use it with an impact driver.

One area where the Hole Dozer could improve is in the removal of the arbor. After extended use, the arbor tends to tighten itself into the saw, making it difficult to remove. I found myself needing to use a vise and pump pliers to separate the two, which can be frustrating. This is particularly inconvenient if you need to switch between different hole saw sizes frequently.

Durability and Edge Retention

Durability is a strong point for the Hole Dozer, especially in wood. The saw retains its edge well and shows minimal wear even after extensive use. In metal, however, the edge retention is less impressive. As mentioned earlier, the teeth dulled quicker than expected when cutting through thicker metal, which is a notable drawback.

Versatility

One of the standout features of the Hole Dozer is its versatility. It’s marketed as a multi-material hole saw, and in many respects, it lives up to this claim. It handles wood and thin metal well, making it a great all-around tool for general-purpose applications. However, its performance in thicker metal leaves something to be desired, which limits its versatility somewhat.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee 3" Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw is a solid tool that excels in many areas but has some limitations. Its design and build quality are top-notch, and it performs exceptionally well in wood and thin metal. The ease of material removal and quick bit changes are significant advantages that make it a pleasure to use.

However, its performance in thicker metal is a letdown. If your projects frequently involve cutting through substantial metal pieces, you might want to consider other options. The difficulty in removing the arbor after extended use is another minor but notable inconvenience.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Hole Dozer? Yes, but with some reservations. If your primary use is in wood or thin metal, this tool will serve you well and provide excellent value for money. For more demanding metal applications, you might need to look elsewhere or be prepared for some additional effort.

In summary, the Hole Dozer is a versatile, well-made tool that performs admirably in many scenarios but falls short in others. It’s a worthy addition to any toolkit, provided you’re aware of its limitations.