Soffit lighting

[nizak]

Any suggestions on cutting 6 3/8” diameter holes in 26 gauge aluminum soffit material.

-hole saw
- shears
- roto zip

Thanks

 

[infinity]

I think a hole saw is the best option for a clean hole. That's what I've been using for vinyl soffits and it does make a perfect hole. I've also used tin snips in a pinch.

 

[LarryFine]

Hole saw; try running it in reverse.

 

[retirede]

Hole saw; try running it in reverse.

That’s what I have always done.

 

[nizak]

I think a hole saw is the best option for a clean hole. That's what I've been using for vinyl soffits and it does make a perfect hole. I've also used tin snips in a pinch.

It seems that the pilot hole wants to enlarge in the very thin material. That makes the teeth want to wander.

I will try reverse and see if that helps. Thanks

 

[ActionDave]

Get a pilot bit with short cutting flutes and a carbide hole saw. If you don't want to spend the money on the carbide the running in reverse works pretty good

 

[steve66]

It seems that the pilot hole wants to enlarge in the very thin material. That makes the teeth want to wander.

I will try reverse and see if that helps. Thanks

Even with a 2x6 or something similar clamped behind the soffit?

 

[retirede]

Even with a 2x6 or something similar clamped behind the soffit?

How do you do that once it’s installed?