6 Inch holes in hard maple

[Bill Huber]

Take a look at this thread for making a template. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...Speed-Question

Then I would use the forstner bit and the router, like is in the video that was posted by James in post #3.

[John TenEyck]

1/4" upcut router bit, router, and trammel. Doesn't get any easier or quicker. Take 1/8" passes, and leave two or three little uncut points with your last pass. If you don't the router will jump at the end of the cut because the center disk is no longer connected to the outside piece. So leave a couple of "bridges" uncut, then cut those loose with a knife or saw and sand flush.

John

[John D Watson]

Keven, this is a worthy buy as they can cut up to about 9" holes. They cut cleanly, smoothly and can be set to any little incriment.http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/pag...at=1,180,42316

[Mike Heidrick]

Jasper jig and spiral downcut router bit _ if you dont wat to make a jig.

[Sam Murdoch]

Jasper jig and spiral downcut router bit _ if you dont wat to make a jig.

Now I know about Jasper Jigs . You can't get on to their website without registering (what a PItA - I did not comply) but here is a video showing how the jig is used https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQOB1sSRKZg The "instructor" was a bit casual - I would have clamped my work piece - but in any case this shows the potential for the jig. My way, as described in an early post, seems utterly stupid considering some other options using relatively inexpensive jigs .

[Bill Adamsen]

If a lathe and the material fit (the maple can spin over either the bed or outboard end) that would be the easiest, fastest, and most accurate outside of a hole saw. Alternatively, the lathe could quickly cut a hole for use with a router and guide.

[Marc Seguin]

I'd do this with a router and trammel jig as well. Putting a piece of scrap across the back of the hole with double sided tape means you can punch right through without having the centre piece skip loose and allow the router to damage the outside of the hole.