Arbored vs Non-Arbored Hole Saw – Which one should I choose?
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Arbored and Non-Arbored Hole Saw Are the two types of hole cutters that create holes on different surfaces. They both have mutual similarities and dissimilarities.
Where the arbored hole saw cuts faster and comes with a fixed arbor attached to the saw blade, and the non-arbored hole saw is flexible and doesn’t come with a fixed or central arbor attached to the saw blade.
In this article, I will discuss elaborately about all the aspects of an Arbored vs Non-Arbored Hole Saw and let you understand Which type of hole saw you should choose.
Contents
Comparison table between Arbored and Non-Arbored Hole Saw
| Features | Arbored hole saw | Non-Arbored hole saw |
| Design | Fixed arbor | Separate arbor |
| Accuracy and stability | More | Less |
| Use | Easy setup | Little hard setup |
| Performance | Better | Good |
| Flexibility | No | Yes |
| Price | More | Less |
Arbored hole saw vs Non-Arbored hole saw
Arbored hole saw
An arbored hole saw is a versatile and accurate saw that comes with an attached arbor to the saw blade. This arbored hole saw comes in multiple sizes and materials, such as bi-metal, high-speed steel and carbide, to make hole cutting faster and easier.
Non-Arbored hole saw
Unlike the arbor saw, a non-arbored hole saw does not have a fixed arbor attached to the saw blade. But like the arbored hole saw, this arbored hole saw comes in multiple sizes and materials, such as bi-metal, high-speed steel and carbide, but for not having a central arbor, this saw is more difficult to use for beginners.
Hole Saw Kits
Similarities and Dissimilarities Between Arbored and Non-arbored Hole Saw
Similarities
Size: arbored hole saw and non-arbored hole saw both come in multiple sizes so that you can make different sizes of holes for your different needs.
Cutting material: Both hole saws can cut different types of materials such as wood, plastic, tile and metal.
Power Drill: Both the hole cutters can be used with a standard power drill to make easy holes on the surface.
Differences
Design: The main dissimilarity between them is their construction; the arbored hole saw has a central arbor attached to the pilot drill. However, the non-arbored hole saw does not have a central arbor.
Accuracy and stability: The accuracy and stability are better in the arbored hole saw than the non-arbored hole saw. As the central arbor or pilot hole, first contact with the surface before the pilot hole gives it a steady start, which means you get enhanced accuracy and stability in it.
Note: You can attach a central arbor with a non-arbored hole saw and work like an arbored saw to get accuracy and stability.
Use: The use of an arbored saw is more easier than the non-arbored saw as you just need to insert the required arbor in the drill chuck and tighten it. Whereas in the non-arbored saw, you have to insert the central arbor into the saw blade, then the required pilot hole and tighten it, which requires more time and effort.
Even if you are using a non-arbored saw without attaching the arbor, the beginner will face difficulties while using it as not getting stability and accuracy.
Performance: The performance you get better in the arbored hole saw than the non-arbored hole saw as it can make faster cuts more effectively.
Flexibility: A non-arbored hole saw is more flexible than the arbor hole saw as it can be used without an arbor and with a variety of arbors and can make holes without making the central hole.
Price: A non-arbored hole saw kit costs less than an arbored hole saw kit.
Which one should you choose between arbored and non-arbored hole saw
Depending on your job requirements, budget and skill, you should choose one of them as you have to make an effort and get different results on both.
Though you are a beginner or professional, an arbored hole saw is a better choice to have as it can make holes faster with stability, and setting up an arbored hole saw is very much easy for anyone.
On the other hand, if you have a low budget, you can choose a non-arbored hole saw. This hole saw will take more effort to set up the hole saw, but the cutting hole results will be good with it.
How to use an arbored hole saw?
An arbored hole saw is easy to use for both beginners and professionals, even if you don’t have much skill or knowledge about this saw.
Firstly, select the hole size and using a pencil mark the location of the hole on the material you are cutting.
Secondly, choose the correct size hole saw that covers the hole and do your cutting job.
Thirdly, attach the arbor with the hole saw and insert it into the drill chuck and make sure it is securely tightened.
Fourthly, place the hole saw and start cutting the hole.
Note: depending on the material, increase the speed of the drill.
Fifthly, after drilling and cutting through the material, carefully remove the hole saw.
How to use a non-arbored hole saw?
A non-arbored hole saw is a little bit tough to use for beginners as one has to give extra effort while setting up the hole saw. Without the setting up process, the using process is the same.
Firstly, select the hole size and using a pencil mark the location of the hole on the material you are cutting.
Secondly, choose the correct size hole saw that covers the hole and do your cutting job.
Thirdly, put a pilot bit into the hole saw, then attach the arbor with the hole saw and insert it into the drill chuck and make sure it is securely tightened.
Fourthly, place the hole saw and start cutting the hole.
Note: depending on the material, increase the speed of the drill.
Fifthly, after drilling and cutting through the material, carefully remove the hole saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are carbide hole saw worth it?
A carbide hole saw is worth it if you have a good budget. As for its versatility, you can use it on various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and tile. Also, it runs a longer lifespan and provides better performance, which makes it worth buying and using.
Can you use a hole saw with an impact driver?
Yes, you can use a hole saw with an impact driver; for that, you just need to select the appropriate hole saw arbor and attach it with the impact driver.
Note: Choosing an appropriate arbor is important, as a hole saw uses a thicker arbor.
What is the difference between a hole saw and a core bit?
They both are used to drill holes, but they are used to drill holes in different materials. A hole saw is used to make holes in the wood, metal, plastic and tile surfaces and provides rough edges.
On the other hand, a core bit is used to hole in hard materials like concrete and masonry and provides clean and precise edges.
Conclusion
Arbored and Non-arbored hole saws both make holes perfectly on multiple materials, but they differ in the efforts and the costs. Whereas the arbored saw needs less effort to set up and cut, and the non-arbored saw costs less.
The other comparisons I have already described in this article, read those carefully and choose a hole saw for your job. Thank you.
