Hi there, could you advise me on the best tool for cutting a circular hole in 9mm MDF.
Thank you.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Cappa1. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about drilling into MDF.What size hole are you looking to create? For most smaller holes, you could use a standard drill bit or spade bit. Spade bits top out at around 38mm, so you'd need to use a holesaw for anything larger than that. These Craftright 16 Piece Holesaw Sets are my usual go-to if I only need to do several holes and contain sizes from 19mm right up to 127mm. 152mm is about the largest hole saw you'll find, anything larger than that, and you'd move onto a jigsaw to cut out the hole.Please let me know if you have any questions.Mitchell
Interested in this discussion as I need to cut a 160mm hole in a kaboodle cupboard back for a rangehood flue. I don't have a jjigsaw so what are the best 'manual' options for achieving this. Thanks.
Hi @DIYHaveaCrack,
Unfortunately, there isn't really a great manual option for cutting round holes in sheet materials because the type of saw you would typically use for cutting curves is a coping saw, which due to its frame is not really suited to sheet materials. It could be done by cutting a slot for the frame to fit through, but it would be slow going and a bit frustrating.
If you had a drill, you could start by creating a central hole to work out from, then use a jab saw or small dove tail saw to cut a slot that can accommodate the frame of your coping saw to then work out from.
If you didn't have a drill, you could manually create this initial hole with a sharp chisel, but I'd be very careful about it.
Alternatively, you could create that central hole and then just work with a jab saw or dove tail saw, getting as close to your markings as possible, then cleaning it up by hand sanding or filing the hole. They aren't quite as suited to cutting curves, but with some care and patience, you should be able to get it reasonably neat before cleaning it up.
Ultimately, manually cutting a round hole is going to be tricky, but with a bit of patience, I think you should be able to achieve it.
Allow me to tag some knowledgeable members to see if they know of a manual technique for cutting circles in the centre of sheet material - @DIY4Knuckleheds, @Nailbag, @JDE, @Dave-1.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
Thanks Jacob. The more I think about it, it may be easier to just buy a $100 jigsaw. It would cost me more than that to get someone to do it for me! I have a couple of other straight cuts to do as well so
Hello @DIYHaveaCrack
The https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-680w-pendulum-jigsaw-with-3-blades-jsw-6800_p6290651 is a good starter set. But if you have an existing battery-operated set from Ozito, Ryobi or any of the other brands then I would advise looking at tools in those ranges. In regard to cutting a panel on your kaboodle cabinetry, I would suggest the classic nail, string and pencil method to create a cutting guide.
Start by measuring the diameter of the hole you need to cut. Once you have the measurement, mark the exact centre point where the hole will be positioned. From this centre point, use a ruler to draw one horizontal line and one vertical line that cross in the middle, forming a “+” shape. These lines will help you locate the centre accurately and guide the size of the circle.
Next, place a nail or pin directly in the centre where the two lines intersect. Tap the nail in lightly so it stays secure but can still be removed easily later.
Cut a piece of string and tie one end firmly around the nail. Measure the required radius of the circle this is half of the total diameter. For example, if the hole needs to be 160 mm wide, the radius will be 80 mm. Stretch the string from the centre point to the 80 mm mark on one of the guidelines.
Tie or hold a pencil at the other end of the string while keeping the string pulled tight. With steady pressure, move the pencil around the centre point in a complete circular motion. Make sure the string remains taut the entire time, as this keeps the distance from the centre consistent and creates an even, accurate circle.
Once complete, you will have a clearly marked circle ready to be cut.
One other method is to cut it as a square instead of a circle, this will make it easier to cut an access point for the ducting.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Afternoon @DIYHaveaCrack
Since the hole will be inside your cabinet and against a wall, would a square hole work as well? You could install a cowl around it or cut a plaster square to fit with a hole. (so there is less of drop from cabinet to wall)
I have an el-cheapo electric jigsaw and it has stood me in good steed fro decades :)
Dave
Hi @DIYHaveaCrack
A few key points to consider in making your 160mm hole.
I was thinking about your rangehood project and wondering whether the “buy the jigsaw” route ended up winning out in the end.
There were some good ideas shared around alternative cutting methods, but honestly, this did feel like one of those jobs where having the right tool would make life significantly easier.
Would be interested to hear how the cabinet cutout turned out and whether the jigsaw survived its first DIY initiation successfully.
Mitchell
Hi team. Yes sometimes the simple solution is the best. The question was 'do I need another power tool?'. The answer was YES I absolutely need a jigsaw. :) So yes that's what I used for both the rectangular and circular holes. It was incredibly easy to use, even for the circle. I practiced on a 'stunt' piece first and this also showed me a reverse cut blade worked more easily and effectively than the forward cutting laminate blade. I also outlined the rectangle on both sides with painters tape and that helped me keep to the line and helped with chipping. So, LOVE my jigsaw! I also used a hole saw (4cm) for the first time for the electrical outlet hole and that's pretty awesome too!
That is good to hear and it's also good to know that your new tool has given excellent service in its initial use. If you get a chance, we would love to see the type/model of jigsaw that you purchased along with the cuts you made on the MDF panel.
