Craftsman 1-1/2-In Bi-Metal Hole Saw with Arbor

Craftsman's 1-1/2-In Bi-Metal Hole Saw with Arbor (Model CMAH1112A) is a tool that promises versatility and durability, but does it live up to expectations? Having spent considerable time using this hole saw across various materials, I have a thorough understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stands out with this hole saw is its bi-metal construction. This design is intended to offer increased durability, making it suitable for a range of materials, from wood to metal. The hole saw comes with an arbor, which is a handy addition, ensuring you don't have to make a separate purchase for this essential component.

Upon unboxing, the tool feels solid and well-built. The bi-metal teeth appear sharp and robust, promising a clean cut. The arbor fits snugly, and the overall weight of the tool is manageable, making it easy to attach to a drill and maneuver during use.

Performance in Wood

When it comes to wood, this hole saw performs admirably in most cases. I tested it on various types of wood, including oak, plywood, and pressure-treated lumber. In oak and other hardwoods, the saw cut through efficiently, producing clean holes without much splintering. However, with plywood, I noticed that the saw tended to accumulate debris quickly, which required frequent stops to clear out the gunk. This can be a bit frustrating, especially when working on larger projects.

A useful tip I discovered is drilling from both sides of the wood to prevent splintering. This method ensures a cleaner finish and minimizes the chances of damaging the material. Despite the minor hiccup with debris accumulation, the hole saw's performance in wood is generally reliable.

Performance in Metal

Cutting through metal is where the true test of a bi-metal hole saw lies. I used the tool on various metal surfaces, including steel doors and thin metal sheets. The results were mixed. On thinner metals, the saw performed well, creating precise and clean holes. It is crucial to use a slow and steady drilling speed to prevent overheating, which can dull the teeth quickly.

However, when tackling thicker metal, the performance dipped. The saw struggled to maintain its edge, and in some cases, the teeth showed signs of wear after just a few uses. This is disappointing, especially considering the Craftsman brand's reputation for durability. For heavy-duty metalwork, you might want to consider other options or be prepared to replace the saw more frequently.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this hole saw is its ease of use. Attaching the arbor to the drill is straightforward, and the tool remains securely in place during operation. The saw's design allows for easy alignment, making it simple to start cuts accurately.

However, removing the plug after cutting can be a bit of a chore. The knockout holes are not the easiest to access, requiring you to remove the hole saw from the drill press to clear out the debris. This can slow down your workflow, especially if you have multiple holes to cut.

Durability and Edge Retention

Durability is a mixed bag with this hole saw. While the bi-metal construction offers a degree of resilience, the tool's longevity varies depending on the material you're working with. In wood, the saw retains its edge well, even after multiple uses. In metal, particularly thicker varieties, the teeth tend to wear out more quickly.

For those who primarily work with wood, this tool will likely serve you well for a long time. But if your projects frequently involve metal, you might find yourself replacing the saw more often than you'd like.

Craftsmanship

Craftsman has a long-standing reputation for quality, and this hole saw generally lives up to that standard. The design is thoughtful, and the materials used are of high quality. However, there are a few areas where the craftsmanship could be improved, particularly in the ease of debris removal and the durability of the teeth when cutting metal.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Craftsman's 1-1/2-In Bi-Metal Hole Saw with Arbor is a versatile tool that performs well in most wood-cutting applications and can handle light to medium metalwork. Its ease of use and solid build make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. However, its performance in thicker metals and the difficulty in debris removal are areas that could use improvement.

Would I recommend this tool? For woodworkers and those dealing with light metalwork, absolutely. The tool offers good value for its price and performs reliably in those contexts. However, if your projects involve a lot of heavy-duty metal cutting, you might want to look for a more robust option or be prepared for more frequent replacements.

Overall, this Craftsman hole saw is a solid performer with some minor drawbacks, but it remains a useful and dependable tool for a variety of cutting tasks.