Yes, used with a drill. Just so we are on the same page, the set up usually includes a 3/16" drill bit (which acts like a pilot guiding the drilling so the large diameter "saw" does not "walk" around) with a mandrel that can accept a hole saw which is a cup-shaped piece with teeth along the cutting edge. I think the 5/8" plug cutter was not big enough for what you needed PLUS a plug cutter can be unwieldy with a hand drill. It is usually recommended to use a drill press for plug cutting. I have also cut plugs by hand but would not want to study the wood or preserve the finish with this method. Eric Hammarberg Director of Preservation Vice President Thornton-Tomasetti Group LZA Technology Division 641 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10011 Telephone: 917.661.8160 Fax: 917.661.8161 Mobile: 917.439.3537 email: <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] _____ From: John Callan [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, October 07, 2005 12:08 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [BP] Plug Cutter? Eric, 1" Hole saw? Would this be like a circle cutter? Used with a drill? Cores from rotted wood is exactly the kind of result I'm after. Perhaps my 5/8" plug cutter just wasn't big enough!? -jc On Oct 7, 2005, at 10:17 AM, Hammarberg, Eric wrote: We have used a 1-inch diameter hole saw to take cores from rotted window sills. That worked fine. Eric Hammarberg Director of Preservation Vice President Thornton-Tomasetti Group LZA Technology Division 641 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10011 Telephone: 917.661.8160 Fax: 917.661.8161 Mobile: 917.439.3537 email: <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] _____ From: John Callan [mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ] Sent: Friday, October 07, 2005 10:55 AM To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: [BP] Plug Cutter? I used a plug-cutter bit on my drill, hoping to take a nice clean piece out of a log that would keep the finish layers intact. It didn't work. The first several rotations destroyed the finishes. Nice hole, but not what I was after. Yes, I can and have taken samples with pocket knife. I'm sure a scalpel would work marvelously. But, I was so hoping for something neat, tidy and uniform. So, is it the wrong tool? Wrong speed? Or lack of skill with the tool? -jc <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The information in this email and any attachments may contain confidential information that is intended solely for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). This message or any part thereof must not be disclosed, copied, distributed or retained by any person without authorization from the addressee. If you are not the intended addressee, please notify the sender immediately, and delete this message. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The information in this email and any attachments may contain confidential information that is intended solely for the attention and use of the named addressee(s). This message or any part thereof must not be disclosed, copied, distributed or retained by any person without authorization from the addressee. If you are not the intended addressee, please notify the sender immediately, and delete this message. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>