7 Best Saws to Cut Holes in Plywood for 2026: Expert Tested & Reviewed

List of 7 Best Saw To Cut Hole In Plywood

Image	Title	Best For	Link
	HSS Bi-Metal 230mm Hole Saw	The 9 inch hss bi-metal hole saw cutter for precision drilling in wood boards plastic and thin… more	View on Amazon
	12-Piece Hole Saw Drilling Kit	The 12-piece professional hole saw kit with arbors and drill bits for soft wood plywood and pla… more	View on Amazon
	22-Piece Hole Saw Blade Set	The 22-piece hole saw kit with 13 saw blades and mandrels for wood plywood drywall and pvc offe… more	View on Amazon
	HSS M42 Cobalt Hole Saw	The 1-1/2 inch hss m42 bi-metal hole saw with 8% cobalt for high performance metal drilling off… more	View on Amazon
	220mm Wood Hole Saw Cutter	The 8.66 inch hole saw for wood featuring durable sds plus and hex shank arbors for drilling of… more	View on Amazon
	12-Piece Black Hole Saw Kit	The 12-piece professional hole saw set with arbors and drill bits for softwood plywood and pvc… more	View on Amazon
	12-Piece Tungsten Carbide Hole Saw	The 12-piece tungsten carbide hole saw kit designed for cutting hard metal and steel materials… more	View on Amazon

Detailed Reviews

These detailed reviews analyze the top-rated hole saw kits and individual cutters available, evaluating them based on their cutting diameter, material compatibility, durability, and overall ease of use. Whether you are tackling professional woodworking or simple DIY home repairs, these assessments will help you identify the perfect tool to ensure smooth, precise, and chip-free holes in your plywood projects.

This high-capacity 9-inch hole saw is designed for heavy-duty applications where large, precise holes are required. Its bi-metal construction ensures it can handle the dense layers of plywood without dulling rapidly, making it a favorite for specialized construction tasks.

The included packaging ensures that your tool remains protected during storage, extending the life of the cutting teeth. It is an ideal choice for contractors who need a large-diameter tool that maintains its structural integrity through repeated use.

This versatile set is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts who need various sizes for different woodworking applications. It is specifically optimized for soft materials, providing enough sharpness to create clean openings in plywood without causing excessive tear-out.

The organizational case makes it easy to maintain the inventory of bits. By keeping everything in one place, you significantly reduce the setup time for your home improvement projects.

This extensive kit offers significant versatility, providing 13 different saw blade sizes. The carbon steel construction is specially coated to resist rust and oil, ensuring the blades remain in good condition over long-term storage.

The sharp serrations are optimized for softer materials like plywood and drywall. Its setup process is streamlined, allowing users to switch between sizes quickly using the included mandrels and hex keys.

Designed for high-performance applications, this M42 cobalt hole saw is incredibly resilient. The 8% cobalt content provides superior heat resistance, making it an excellent choice for not just plywood, but also thin metal and fiberglass.

The non-binding edge design is a major benefit, as it prevents the saw from snagging mid-cut, ensuring user safety and consistent results. This makes it an ideal tool for professionals installing recessed lighting or ventilation pipes.

This large-format hole saw is built to handle significant diameter tasks. The inclusion of both SDS Plus and Hex shank arbors makes it compatible with both heavy-duty rotary hammers and standard handheld drills.

Designed specifically for woodworking, this bit remains a reliable option for large-scale plywood projects. Its robust construction helps maintain accuracy even when drilling through thicker wooden panels.

This kit is tailored specifically for softer materials like plywood and PVC. The heat-treated carbon steel ensures reliable performance, while the rust-resistant coating helps maintain tool quality even if stored in humid garage environments.

With 8 common sizes and all necessary accessories included, it provides a comprehensive solution for furniture trimming and general home woodworking projects without breaking the bank.

This tungsten carbide-tipped (TCT) set represents the peak of durability and sharpness. While optimized for hard metals, the three-blade design makes it incredibly efficient at slicing through wood, including dense plywood, with extreme precision.

The multipurpose compatibility allows you to switch between hard metal and wood drilling without changing tools. It is a robust, high-precision kit designed for professional settings where durability is non-negotiable.

Complete buying guide for Best Saw To Cut Hole In Plywood

Selecting the Right Material

When cutting plywood, the material of the hole saw bit is crucial. High-speed steel (HSS) is standard for most DIY wood projects, but for longevity and cleaner cuts, look for bi-metal or tungsten carbide-tipped (TCT) options.

Cutting Depth Considerations

Always check the maximum cutting depth of your hole saw. Standard blades often reach 25mm, which is sufficient for typical plywood sheets. However, if your project involves stacked or thick plywood, ensure your tool can accommodate that thickness.

Arbor and Drill Compatibility

Ensure your saw set comes with compatible arbors and pilot bits. The pilot bit is essential for keeping the hole saw steady at the start of the cut, preventing the blade from “walking” across your plywood surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a metal-cutting hole saw on plywood?

Yes, you can. In fact, bi-metal and TCT metal-cutting saws often provide much cleaner, faster, and more durable performance on plywood than standard wood-only hole saws.

How do I prevent plywood from splintering when cutting a hole?

To reduce splintering, drill halfway through from one side, then finish the cut from the opposite side. Alternatively, apply masking tape over the area where you intend to cut.

Is a hole saw better than a jigsaw for cutting holes in plywood?

A hole saw is far superior for perfectly round, consistent holes. A jigsaw is better if you need to cut irregular shapes or very large openings where a hole saw of that diameter is unavailable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right saw for your plywood project ultimately depends on the size of the hole you need and the frequency of your tool use. For most home projects, a versatile hole saw kit provides the best value and convenience, while professional-grade bi-metal bits are the right choice for heavy-duty, long-term construction.

Always prioritize quality materials like HSS or TCT to ensure your cuts remain clean and efficient throughout the life of your tool. By selecting from our recommended list, you can be confident that you are getting a durable and reliable solution for your workshop.