Hole Saw Alignment Rod and Method of Using Same

Abstract

An alignment rod is disclosed which may include a first portion suitable for attachment to a drill and a second portion configured to guide a drilling operation using the drill, wherein the diameter of the alignment rod is at least substantially constant along a length thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a blown up, partially elevational view and partly sectional view of equipment for drilling a hole and of a workpiece in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a blown up perspective view of a connection device and an alignment rod in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the alignment rod of FIG. 2, along line A-A′;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an alignment rod in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a hole saw in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5B is a partly elevational view and partially sectional view of the hole saw of FIG. 5A, along line B-B′.

Claims

1. An alignment rod comprising: a first portion suitable for attachment to a drill and a second portion configured to guide a drilling operation using the drill, wherein the diameter of the alignment rod is at least substantially constant along a length thereof.

2. The alignment rod of claim 1 wherein the first portion is configured for attachment to at least one of: an arbor; and a chuck.

3. The alignment rod of claim 1 wherein the alignment rod is an arbor blank.

4. The alignment rod of claim 1 wherein a perimeter of the alignment rod is substantially smooth along its length.

5. The alignment rod of claim 1 wherein no threads are disposed on a perimeter of the alignment rod.

6. The alignment rod of claim 1 wherein no cutting surfaces are disposed on a perimeter of the alignment rod.

7. The alignment rod of claim 1 further comprising means for attaching a hole saw thereto.

8. A method comprising: providing a drilling assembly including a drill bit and an alignment rod parallel to and concentric with the drill bit, the alignment rod having an exterior diameter; andengaging an interior diameter of a pilot hole with the exterior diameter of the alignment rod to thereby align the drilling assembly.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the pilot hole is located within a workpiece to be drilled with the drilling assembly.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising: moving the drilling assembly toward the workpiece with the alignment rod engaged in the pilot hole.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the engaging step comprises: contacting the pilot hole with the alignment rod without cutting material surrounding the pilot hole.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising: advancing the drill bit through the workpiece, while advancing the alignment rod through the pilot hole, to drill a hole through the workpiece.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: maintaining a proper alignment of the drilling assembly with respect to the workpiece with said advancement of the alignment rod through the pilot hole.

14. The method of claim 12 further comprising: causing the drilled hole in the workpiece to be concentric with the pilot hole by said advancing of the alignment rod through the pilot hole.

15. An alignment device for a drill adapted to be operably connected to a hole saw, the alignment device having no cutting surface thereon.

16. The alignment device of claim 15 wherein the connection of the alignment device to the hole saw is operable to diminish the transmission of force between a portion of the alignment device for engaging a pilot hole and a cutting surface of the hole saw.