Need to cut a 60mm hole in mdf....

[nordberg73]

I need to cut a 60mm circular hole in some 24mm MDF. I am thinking of just using a standard 60mm hole saw. Thought I would use some masking tape to stop it flaking the surface too much.

Is this the best method?

 

[Burnerman]

It can't do any harm, but its really the size of holesaw teeth that will make a difference....go for a quality non split one like Bosch or Starrett, dont let the pilot hole wander and keep the holesaw dead perpendicular to the work and all will be fine. Any small damage can be sanded away.
John

 

[big-all]

drill from one side till around half way through then drill from the other side

 

[Burnerman]

Now why didn't I mention that
John

 

[big-all]

Now why didn't I mention that
John

its because its so automatic its not in the front off your mind

 

[stevethejoiner]

drill from one side till around half way through then drill from the other side

As the guys say drill from both sides but to know where to position the drill at the back do the following.
The hole saw will have a pilot drill in the centre, drill from the face but keep checking the back face of the board until the pilot drill just breaks through, be careful you don't push too hard. Then you can locate the drill point exactly on the other side to get a perfectly aligned hole. Easy.
Steve.