Drilling holes for net pots, the correct way

[Davephan]

I watched a YouTube video about Beginners in Hydroponics. The method to create the holes for the net pots shown in the video, in the top of the plastic storage container was horrible!

The best way to make the holes for the netpots is with a hole saw drill bit. Drill the pilot hole in the forward direction and the large hole in the reverse direction and you will have a clean hole. If you drill the large hole in the forward direction, you will not have clean hole.

The hard part is figuring out the correct hole saw sizes. I figured out the exact sizes needed. I tested different hole sizes using a compass and cardboard, and determined the exact sizes needed by trial and error.

For 3" net pots use a 75 mm hole saw drill bit, for 3.75 inch net pots, use 92 mm (3-5/8") hole saw drill bit, and for 5-1/2 inch net pots use a 5-1/4 inch hole saw drill bit. I could not find these exact sizes at any local stores, so I ordered the hole saw drill bits from Great Lakes Power Tools.

I trace the netpots upside down with a pencil on top of the plastic contain lid, then use a compass to find the exact center of each hole. A paper template would also work to find the center holes. After determining the centers, I erase the everything except for the hole centers.

Then drill in the forward direction for the centers, and reverse direction for the larger holes, you end up with perfect clean holes for the net pots every time. It's worth spending about $60 for several hole saw drill bits.