Hole Saw For Commercial Ektar Lens

[pendennis]

I just found a very nice Commercial Ektar Lens, 8.5" f/6.3, set into the standard Ilex Acme #3 Shutter. I've drilled lens boards before, mostly for Copals, etc., and I found the specs on the lens. It calls for a hole size of 1.985" (50.42mm). I have hole saws of 1.875" and 2". However, I would have future use for a 50mm hole saw, and McMaster Carr has these. I already have a jig set up on my drill press to do lens boards, so I'm curious if the 50mm hole saw would be the best bet, or 1.875" and open up the hole a bit with a drum sanding bit.

Thanks.

[Bob Salomon]

Proper way is not to drill a board.

[C. D. Keth]

Proper way is not to drill a board.

That may be but it's not rocket science. It's a hole in a panel of wood or aluminum.

The 2" will do fine. 0.02" won't make any difference once the flange is screwed to the board.

[Bob Salomon]

That may be but it's not rocket science. It's a hole in a panel of wood or aluminum.

The 2" will do fine. 0.02" won't make any difference once the flange is screwed to the board.

And the pressure and heat from drilling can warp the board. That’s why they should never be drilled.

[goamules]

I simply shoot a hole in my boards. 20 or 12 Gauge works for most lenses.

[Bertha DeCool]

I simply shoot a hole in my boards. 20 or 12 Gauge works for most lenses.

I've used laser vision but I get best results through sheer force of will.

[C. D. Keth]

And the pressure and heat from drilling can warp the board. That’s why they should never be drilled.

And here I've been tempting fate all along. I must be a couple dozen drilled lensboards into borrowed time by now.

[BrianShaw]

I've used laser vision but I get best results through sheer force of will.

Between that and your sharp wit...

[Peter De Smidt]

Me too, Chris. I've used hole saws, fly cutters, router, CNC....All have worked just fine with proper setup and use.

[pendennis]

Me too, Chris. I've used hole saws, fly cutters, router, CNC....All have worked just fine with proper setup and use.

When cutting metal, I always keep the hole saw lubricated with machine oil I've never had a warp. My main concern here was whether the 2" or 50mm hole saw would be correct.