[Shop-talk] 1" hole through cinder block ?

[Mark Andy]

Howdy,

On Tue, 17 Jun 2008, Randall wrote:
> I'm working on plumbing (and wiring) a new air compressor for my shop. 
> Turns out the 3/4" air line needs to run through some decorative cinder 
> block.
>
> Any suggestions for how to cut an approximately 1.25" diameter hole 
> through the block, with the least risk of breaking the whole thing in 
> half ?
>
> I see HF has spade-type masonry bits to 1", with turned down shanks; but 
> I'm not sure how to enlarge the resulting hole.
>
> Any suggestions ?  I've got an ordinary 1/2" drill motor; really don't 
> want to have to buy a hammer-drill for just this one project.  Also an 
> air chisel, but I'm worried breaking the block with it.

Rent a masonry drill & appropriate bit?

Or buy this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41983

They also have an SDS bit kit that has a 1" bit.  Biggest McMaster sells 
is a 1+1/8" bit...  That's not big enough for a 3/4" air line?

Mark