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Looking to replace a circle cutter for recessed lights.

506 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  kb1jb1
I have an old Elco EL5000 circle cutter that I really like but it is worn out. 30 plus years of service. I am looking to replace it. Any suggestions? Anybody have the EL6000 model or know what the difference between the 5000 and the 6000?
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Looks like blades are still available, what part is worn out?
Looks like blades are still available, what part is worn out?
Bearing seized and I cannot remove and the counter weight broke off in the cutting arm. The blades I can make out of tool steel.
Do not buy any of those old recessed light cutters. They are all outdated.

Get 4 1/8” and 6” or 6 1/8” hole saws instead. They will fit your wafer lights like a glove.
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Do not buy any of those old recessed light cutters. They are all outdated.

Get 4 1/8” and 6” or 6 1/8” hole saws instead. They will fit your wafer lights like a glove.
This is an adjustable one with a hard clear plastic and metal frame. NOT the cheap plastic dome type. It works great for wafer lights. I do not need drop cloths nor is there any dust to clean up. I have used it on everything from metal lathe plaster to plywood to sheet rock. I bought it about 30 years ago because I had to cut about 20 recessed lights into a metal clad transite ceiling and we know what transite is. The only problem was looking for cutting tips until I found out I can make my own for about 75 cents each.
This is an adjustable one with a hard clear plastic and metal frame. NOT the cheap plastic dome type. It works great for wafer lights. I do not need drop cloths nor is there any dust to clean up. I have used it on everything from metal lathe plaster to plywood to sheet rock. I bought it about 30 years ago because I had to cut about 20 recessed lights into a metal clad transite ceiling and we know what transite is. The only problem was looking for cutting tips until I found out I can make my own for about 75 cents each.
I bought a dust bowl of Amazon that has done a pretty good job and like I said before, I just use hole saws. Those older style ones will wobble and can start walking on you or make weird looking cuts.

Just my personal preference, but I think the hole saw method works way better. Plus you can just get a new one after youve done 20-30 holes instead of buying that recessed light kit. Save money
I bought a dust bowl of Amazon that has done a pretty good job and like I said before, I just use hole saws. Those older style ones will wobble and can start walking on you or make weird looking cuts.

Just my personal preference, but I think the hole saw method works way better. Plus you can just get a new one after youve done 20-30 holes instead of buying that recessed light kit. Save money
Check out an Elco EL6000 on Amazon or Google. It is very well made not like those dust bowl things. And the cutter cost me about 75 cents to make. The EL5000 looks the same.
I think elco easier to square up to ceiling, spring loaded so dust bowl tight to ceiling before starting to cut
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Do not buy any of those old recessed light cutters. They are all outdated.

Get 4 1/8” and 6” or 6 1/8” hole saws instead. They will fit your wafer lights like a glove.
Diablo snap lock hole saws are all I use.
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EL6000 Large Unit, Cuts 2" to 8 1/4"
EL5000 Medium Unit, Cuts 1 1/4" to 6 1/2"
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I use a hole saw with a long bit. The long bit makes it easier to see my dot on the ceiling. I don’t do renos much anymore so I don’t care about dust. I do have a bowl somewhere, probably squashed under a box of material I was going to return a year ago.
I have one of the adjustable cutters with the bowl and Bu but I don’t like it. I went to buy a 6” hole saw the other day but the $60 dollar price tag turned me off!
I have the Rack-a-Tiers Hole in One, which looks very similar in design to the Elco. I do quite like it, though it's a little fiddly to set up, and quite expensive. I usually just use hole saws but it has its uses.

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I have one of the adjustable cutters with the bowl and Bu but I don’t like it. I went to buy a 6” hole saw the other day but the $60 dollar price tag turned me off!
You don't need an expense hole saw to cut drywall. Get a $15 hole saw and run it in reverse. Running it in reverse prevents it from grabbing and tearing out the sides of the hole.
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You don't need an expense hole saw to cut drywall. Get a $15 hole saw and run it in reverse. Running it in reverse prevents it from grabbing and tearing out the sides of the hole.
It's the dust that I worry about otherwise I would just use a sheetrock saw.
I have an old Elco EL5000 circle cutter that I really like but it is worn out. 30 plus years of service. I am looking to replace it. Any suggestions? Anybody have the EL6000 model or know what the difference between the 5000 and the 6000?
Both models are available. They are about $100. Buy both and give us a review.
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Both models are available. They are about $100. Buy both and give us a review.
Someone posted the green one goes up to 8 inch. I have the gray one that goes up to 61/2 inch but it is old and I cannot remove the center bearing. I love this cutter. I was just wondering if I should get the green 8 inch or stick with the 6 inch.
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