American Kestrel nest box

Step 10 Score circle, then drill extra exhaust holes

Put the front piece onto the waste wood, and lower the hole saw into position, checking that it will hit your target correctly. Fire up the drill press, and lightly score the piece with the hole saw.

Pull the hole saw back out, turn off the drill press, and using the mark made by the saw as a guide, drill a few 1/4" or similar sized holes along the inside of that circle. The idea is to create exit holes for the shavings and sawdust made by the hole saw to escape into. This will reduce the friction involved in cutting, thus lowering temperatures and making the process go more smoothly. After the holes are drilled, put the piece back onto the drill press, check the alignment, and fire up the drill press.