Patent Publication Number: US-9884374-B2

Title: Hole cutter with multiple fulcrums

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/213,764 filed Sep. 3, 2015, and titled “Hole Cutter with Multiple Fulcrums,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to hole cutters, hole saws, or cup saws, and more particularly, to hole cutters with multiple fulcrums in their side walls to provide a mechanism for removing work piece slugs from the interior of the hole cutter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A hole cutter, hole saw, or cup saw, is a type of cutter used in drilling circular holes in various materials, such as wood, metal, drywall, etc. A hole cutter typically has a substantially cylindrical body that defines a side wall and a hollow interior within the side wall, a circular cutting edge with multiple teeth located at one end of the body that are designed to cut a work piece during rotation of the cutter, and a cap located at the end of the body opposite the cutting edge for attaching the hole cutter to a driving device, such as a drill or other motorized device. The cap typically includes threads, holes or other structure adapted to allow the hole cutter to be drivingly connected to a drill, such as through an arbor. In use, the circular cutting edge can create a circular hole in a work piece and, in turn, can remove a circular work piece slug therefrom. Typically, after the hole is cut in the work piece, the work piece slug is retained within the hollow interior of the hole cutter and must be removed therefrom prior to cutting another hole. 
     Some conventional hole cutters can include apertures or slots formed in the side walls of the hole cutters that allow users to insert a lever, such as a screw driver, through the side wall and into the interior of the hole cutter to, in turn, lever or otherwise urge the slug out of the hole cutter. This slug removal task can be time-consuming and take substantial effort on the part of the user. A slug may be difficult to extract from within the body of a cutter, even with a hole cutter that includes slug removal apertures or slots, because the slug can become tightly wedged in the cutter or because the slug removal apertures or slots are not aligned with the slug. For example, a slug may become warped or cracked and thus, firmly lodged within the hole cutter. As another example, some work pieces, such as certain wood or wood-based products, contain saps or other sticky or glue-like residue that inhibits slug removal. 
     In addition, thicker and thinner work pieces can create slugs of differing thicknesses and slugs positioned at different locations within the hollow interior of the hole cutter. For example, a thick work piece can create a thick slug that can be pushed deep into the hollow interior of the hole cutter, whereas a thin work piece can create a thin slug located within the hollow interior of the hole cutter near the cutting edge. Accordingly, slugs often do not simply “pop” out of the cutter when worked by a tool. Slugs often slide short distances, twist, tilt, or otherwise gradually or incrementally move along the hollow interior of the hole cutter. The apertures in the side walls of conventional hole cutters can be relatively short in length or in respect to the vertical distance between the cutting edge and the cap, and therefore may be used only to remove either relatively thin or relatively thick work piece slugs, but not both types of slugs, and possibly not slugs of medium thicknesses. Further, the relatively short vertical length of these apertures may allow for moving of the slug through a certain portion of the hollow interior of the hole cutter but not through the entirety of the hollow interior and out of the hole cutter at the cutting edge. Other conventional hole cutters have multiple apertures that are axially and angularly spaced relative to each other, wherein each aperture is relatively short in length. U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,579,554 and 8,579,555, which are incorporated herein by reference, show hole cutters with apertures in their sidewalls with multiple fulcrums. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and certain features thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying figures briefly described as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a hole cutter blade prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another configuration for a hole cutter according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the hole cutter blade of the hole cutter of  FIG. 2  prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter blade that can be used for smaller diameter hole cutters and prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter blade that can be used for smaller diameter hole cutters and prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the hole cutter of  FIG. 6  according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the hole cutter blade of the hole cutter of  FIG. 6  prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter blade prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of a hole cutter having the hole cutter blade of  FIG. 9  after being formed into a cylindrical body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of the hole cutter of  FIG. 10  according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Example embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concept disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like, but not necessarily the same, elements throughout. 
     Certain dimensions and features of the example hole cutters are described herein using the term “approximately.” As used herein, the term “approximately” indicates that each of the described dimensions is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “approximately” in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit. 
     In addition, certain relationships between dimensions of the hole cutter and between features of the hole cutter are described herein using the term “substantially.” As used herein, the term “substantially” indicates that each of the described dimensions is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “substantially” in connection with a numerical parameter indicates that the numerical parameter includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit. 
     Further, certain relationships between dimensions of the hole cutter and between features of the hole cutter are described herein using the term “substantially equal”. As used herein, the term “substantially equal” indicates that the equal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “substantially equal” in connection with two or more described dimensions indicates that the equal relationship between the dimensions includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit of the dimensions. As used herein, the term “substantially constant” indicates that the constant relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” indicates that the parallel relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a hole cutter blade prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a blade body of a hole cutter is indicated generally by the reference numeral  10 . The term “hole cutter,” “hole saw,” or “cup saw” is used here to mean a tool that cuts holes in work pieces, such as wood or metal work pieces. The example blade body  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  in its flattened state. However, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, during the manufacturing process for a hole cutter, the blade body  10  is rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical shape to form the side walls of the hole cutter. The blade body  10  can include, when formed into the hole cutter, a side wall  12  that extends around an axis of rotation “X” of the hole cutter to define a substantially cylindrical blade body having a hollow interior. One end of the blade body can include a cutting edge  14 . In certain example embodiments, at least a portion of the cutting edge  14  can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. The opposing end of the blade body can define a rim  16 . A cap (not shown) can be fixedly secured to the rim  16  to enclose the respective end of the hole cutter. The end of the hole cutter opposite the cutting edge  14  and including the rim  16  and a cap (not shown) attached thereto is referred to herein as the “nonworking” end of the hole cutter. As recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the cap (not shown) may include one or more of a threaded hub and pin apertures so that the hole cutter can be coupled to, and driven by, an arbor drivingly connected to a power tool, such as an electric drill or other motorized device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the example cutting edge  14  can be defined by, or otherwise include, multiple saw teeth with gullets extending between each tooth. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the cutting edge may alternatively be defined by, or otherwise include, any of a number of different tooth forms or other cutting edge forms that are currently known or that later become known. In one example embodiment, the blade body  10  is formed from sheet metal, however, any other type of metal, allow, or composite may be substituted for sheet metal. In certain example embodiments, the blade body  10  is rolled or otherwise formed into the cylindrical blade body  10  of the hole cutter and can be, in turn, welded or otherwise coupled to a cap. In other example embodiments, the hole cutter may be formed in any of a number of other ways that are currently known, or that later become known. For example, the end cap and side wall  12  may be a unitary apparatus spun, drawn, molded, or otherwise formed from a single piece of material. 
     The blade body  10  can include two axially-elongated apertures or slots  18  formed through the side wall  12  thereof and defining a passageway through the side wall  12  into a hollow interior of the hole cutter. In certain example embodiments, the two slots  18  can be angularly spaced relative to each other on the cylindrical blade body  10 . In one example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the two slots  18  are substantially equally spaced relative to each other (i.e., the two slots are spaced approximately 180° relative to each other). In various example embodiments, each slot  18  can have an axial depth D 5  (D 4 −D 2 ) ranging from approximately 1⅛ inches to approximately 1⅘ inches. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each slot  18  has an axial depth D 5  of approximately 1⅓ inches. In certain example embodiments, each slot  18  can have a circumferential length L ranging from approximately ⅖ inch to approximately 1⅘ inches. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , each slot  18  has a circumferential length L of approximately 1⅕ inches. As described in further detail below, each axially-elongated aperture or slot  18  can be configured to receive therethrough a lever from an outer side of the hole cutter into the hollow interior. In one example, the lever can be a device having a substantially straight, elongated member, such as a screw driver or Allen wrench, that can be used for removal of a work piece slug located within the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . 
     In certain example embodiments, the number of axially-elongated apertures or slots  18  formed through the side wall  12  of the hole cutter can depend on the size of the hole cutter. For example, larger diameter hole cutters can typically include a greater number of axially-elongated apertures or slots  18  that can be formed through the cylindrical blade body  10 . In some example embodiments, relatively small diameter hole cutters (e.g., approximately 9/16 inch diameter to approximately 13/16 inch diameter) may have one slot  18  oriented substantially parallel to the axis X of the hole cutter, larger diameter hole cutters may have two slots  18  (e.g., approximately ⅞ inch diameter to approximately 1 7/16 inches diameter) oriented substantially parallel to the axis X of the hole cutter, still larger diameter hole cutters (e.g., approximately 1½ inches diameter to approximately 3⅜ inches diameter) may have two larger area slots  18  that are oriented at acute angles relative to the axis X of the hole cutter, and still larger diameter hole cutters (e.g., approximately 3½ inches diameter to approximately 6 inches diameter) may have four larger area slots  18  oriented at acute angles relative to the axis X of the hole cutter. However, this is for example purposes only as any diameter hole cutter may have one or more slots  18  that can be oriented parallel to or at acute angle to the axis X of the hole cutter in other example embodiments. In some example embodiments in which hole cutters have multiple axially-extending slots  18 , the axially-extending slots  18  can be substantially equally spaced relative to each other about the axis X of the hole cutter, (i.e., if there are two axially-extending slots  18  they are angularly spaced approximately 180° relative to each other, if there are three axially-extending slots  18  they are angularly spaced approximately 120° relative to each other, if there are four axially-extending slots  18  they are angularly spaced approximately 90° relative to each other, etc). However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the axially-extending apertures or slots  18  need not be equally spaced relative to each other, nor do all axially-elongated apertures or slots  18  on the same hole cutter need to define the same aperture area or slot configuration. 
     In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , each axially-elongated aperture or slot  18  can include three fulcrums  20 A,  20 B and  20 C axially and angularly spaced relative to each other. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the slot  18  may include fewer than three fulcrums, or more than three fulcrums. In one example, the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B and  20 C are recessed edge surfaces of the side wall  12  of the blade body  10  that are formed on the edge of a respective axially-extending aperture or slot  18  that is adjacent to, or on the side of, the non-working end of the hole cutter. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B and  20 C extend linearly or substantially linearly in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter or parallel or substantially parallel to at least a portion of the cutting edge  14 . Accordingly, a common tool, such as a screw driver or Allen wrench, can be inserted into the axially-extending aperture or slot  18 , slipped into engagement with a respective fulcrum  20 A,  20 B or  20 C, and manipulated as a lever against the respective fulcrum  20 A,  20 B or  20 C to pry or push a slug out of the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . Each fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C has a width W 1  that is sufficient to support a common tool or implement, such as the elongate shaft of an ordinary screw driver, e.g., a number  2  screw driver or Allen wrench. In one example embodiment, the recess of each fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C can have a width W 1  that is least approximately ¼ inch to allow insertion therein of a number  2  screw driver (which requires a width or clearance of approximately 0.27 inch) or Allen wrench, and can be within the range of approximately ¼ inch to approximately ⅓ inch. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the recessed surface of each fulcrum  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C is oriented substantially parallel to the cutting edge  14 , and is located on the side of the axially-extending aperture or slot  18  opposite the cutting edge  14 . In addition, each fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C is recessed within the respective side edge of the axially-extending aperture or slot  18  so that a side edge or lip  21  is formed at either end of the fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C to facilitate retaining a tool within the fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C when levered against it. Each lip or fulcrum side edge  21  can be oriented substantially normal to the cutting edge  14  or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter. In one example embodiment, the orientation and location of each fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C can facilitate engagement of the fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C by a tool and levering of the tool against the fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C to pry or otherwise move a work piece slug out of the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . Forming at least a portion of the fulcrum surface  20 A,  20 B and  20 C substantially parallel to the cutting edge  14 , and on the side of the axially-extending aperture or slot  18  opposite the cutting edge  14 , can help in levering the tool against the side of the slug opposite the cutting edge  14  to force the slug out of the interior of the blade body  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , each slot  18  can also include a side edge  23  that is spaced opposite the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B and  20 C. In one example, the side edge  23  can be spaced opposite the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C by a minimum width W 2  of the respective axially-extending slot  18  that is sufficient to allow a common tool, such as a number  2  screw driver or Allen wrench, to slide axially through the axially-extending slot  18  from one fulcrum  20 A,  20 B or  20 C to another. The minimum width W 2  can be at least approximately ¼ inch, such as within the range of approximately ¼ inch to approximately ⅓ inch. In one example, the width W 2  is approximately 0.27 inch. Further, the side edge  23  of each axially-extending slot  18  can be substantially smooth and rectilinear in certain example embodiments to facilitate a sliding movement of a tool into and through the axially-extending slot  18  (e.g., from one fulcrum  20 A,  20 B, or  20 C to another to progressively remove a slug) and to facilitate chip and/or dust egress from the hollow interior out of the hole cutter through the axially-extending slot  18 . As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the example configuration, orientation, location, and dimensions of each fulcrum  20 A,  20 B and  20 C and axially-elongated aperture or slot  18  are only exemplary, and any of a number of other configurations, orientations, locations, and/or dimensions that are currently known, or that later become known, equally may be employed in other example embodiments. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first fulcrum  20 A can be axially spaced adjacent to and a first distance from the cutting edge  14 , the second fulcrum  20 C can be axially spaced a second distance greater than the first distance from the cutting edge  14  and adjacent to the rim  16  or non-working end of the hole cutter, and the third fulcrum  20 B can be axially spaced a third distance that is greater than the first distance but less than the second distance and between the first and second fulcrums  20 A and  20 C. In one example embodiment, the first fulcrum  20 A can be positioned at approximately one end of the axially-elongated aperture or slot  18 , the second fulcrum  20 C can be positioned at approximately a distal opposite end of the aperture or slot  18  relative to the first fulcrum  20 A, and the third fulcrum  20 B can be positioned approximately midway between the first fulcrum  20 A and the second fulcrum  20 C. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first fulcrum  20 A can be axially spaced from the cutting edge  14  the first distance D 1 , which can be within the range of approximately ½ inch to approximately 1 inch, the second fulcrum  20 C can be angularly spaced relative to the first fulcrum  20 A and can axially spaced from the cutting edge  14  the second distance D 2 , which can be within the range of approximately 1½ inches to approximately 2 inches, and the third fulcrum  20 B can be angularly and axially spaced between the first and second fulcrums  20 A and  20 C and can be axially spaced from the cutting edge  14  the third distance D 3 , which can be within the range of approximately 1 inch to approximately 1½ inches. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the first distance D 1  of the first fulcrum  20 A can be configured for levering slugs having thicknesses of approximately ½ inch or less, the third distance D 3  of the third fulcrum  20 B can be configured for levering slugs having thicknesses of approximately 1 inch or less (e.g., a ¾ inch thick plywood slug), and the second distance D 2  of the second fulcrum  20 C can be configured for levering slugs having thicknesses of approximately 1½ inches or less (e.g., a 2 inch×4 inch slug). In the illustrated embodiment, the distances D 1 , D 2  and D 3  are measured from a plane defined by the cutting edge  14 , such as a plane extending between the tips of unset or raker teeth disposed along the cutting edge. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the distances between the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C and the cutting edge  14 , or between other features of the hole cutter and the cutting edge  14 , may be measured with respect to any of a number of other reference lines or features that are currently known or used, or that later become known or used, such as from the base of the deepest gullets of the cutting edge teeth. 
     In the operation of the hole cutter of  FIG. 1 , in order to remove, for example, a relatively thick slug (e.g., a 2 inch×4 inch slug) or a slug that has traveled deep into the hollow interior of the blade body  10 , a user may insert a tool through one of the axially-extending slots  18 , place the tip of the tool in contact with the side of the slug facing the cap (not shown) or the hollow interior of the blade body  10 , select the second fulcrum  20 C located axially furthest from the cutting edge  14  by placing a portion of the tool into contact with the fulcrum  20 C, and apply a force (e.g., a rotational force about an axis defined by the fulcrum  20 C) to a proximate portion of the tool to use the tool and the fulcrum  20 C to lever the slug towards the cutting edge  14  and out of the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . If the slug is not removed by levering the tool against the second fulcrum  20 C, the user can reposition the tool against the third or middle fulcrum  20 B that is located axially closer to the cutting edge  14  within the same axially-extending slot  18 , and use that fulcrum to lever the slug further towards the cutting edge  14  and/or out of the hollow interior of the hole cutter. Similarly, if the slug is still not removed from the hollow interior of the blade body  10  by levering the tool against the third or middle fulcrum  20 B, the user can again reposition the tool, without having to remove the tool from the respective axially-extending slot  18 , against the first fulcrum  20 A adjacent to the cutting edge  14 , and use the first fulcrum  20 A to lever the slug towards the cutting edge  14  and out of the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . As can be seen from the description provided an in  FIG. 1 , each axially-extending slot  18  provides multiple fulcrums  20 A,  20 B and  20 C that can be used to progressively lever or otherwise work a slug out of the hollow interior of the blade body  10  without having to remove the tool from the respective axially-extending slot  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B and  20 C can be both axially and angularly spaced relative to each other such that the fulcrum  20 A disposed a first distance D 1  from the cutting edge  14  is located at or substantially near a first end  22  of the axially-extending slot  18  closest to the cutting edge  14 , the second fulcrum  20 C is located a third distance D 2  from the cutting edge  14  at or substantially near an opposite or second end  24  of the axially-extending slot  18 , and the third fulcrum  20 C is located a third distance D 3  from the cutting edge that is between the first and second fulcrums  20 A,  20 C along the slot  14  and at a distance D 3  that is between the first distance D 1  and the second distance D 2 . In one example embodiment, the diameter of the hole cutter is sufficient to include two axially-extending slots  18  oriented at acute angles relative to the axis X of the hole cutter. In this example, each axially-extending slot  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1  is oriented at an acute angle “A” with respect to the axis X of the hole cutter. In some example embodiments, the angle A is at least approximately 30°, and can be anywhere within the range of approximately 35° to approximately 80°. In one example embodiment, the acute angle A is approximately 60°. As shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , each axially-extending slot  18  can slope away from the cutting edge  14  in a direction opposite the rotational cutting direction of the hole cutter. In certain example embodiments, the first end  22  of each axially-extending slot  18  is axially spaced from the cutting edge  14  a distance D 4  within the range of approximately 15/100 inch to approximately ⅜ inch. One advantage of this configuration is that the first or inlet end  22  of each axially-extending slot  18  is spaced closely adjacent to the cutting edge  14  to receive therefrom and therethrough the chips or dust generated at the cutting edge  14  during a cutting operation and, in turn, allow such chips or dust to egress from the hollow interior of the blade body  10  through the axially-extending slot  18  and away from the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . Yet another advantage of this configuration is that the angular orientation of the axially-extending slots  18  improves the ability of the chips to flow up through the axially-extending slots  18  and away from the cutting edge  14  and hollow interior of the blade body  10  as the hole cutter is rotated during a cutting operation. A further advantage of the illustrated blade body  10  is that the first or inlet end  22  of each axially-extending slot  18  is axially spaced adjacent to the cutting edge  14  such that a solid or substantially solid annular portion  26  of the blade body  10  extends between the first or inlet end  22  of each axially-extending slot  18  and the cutting edge  14 . This annular portion  26  of the blade body  10  advantageously provides the blade body  10  with sufficient strength to withstand the heat applied to the blade body  10  during the manufacturing of the hole cutter without distorting the blade body  10 , and provides sufficient strength to the hole cutter to withstand the forces encountered during cutting operations. However, the annular portion  26  of the blade body  10  is sufficiently thin (as indicated above, D 4  is within the range of approximately 15/100 inch to approximately ⅜ inch) to allow the chips and dust generated at the cutting edge  14  to flow into the axially-extending slots  18  and away from the hollow interior of the blade body  10 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another configuration for a hole cutter according to one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the hole cutter blade of the hole cutter of  FIG. 2  prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , another example embodiment of a hole cutter is indicated generally by the reference numeral  100 . The example hole cutter  100  can include a substantially cylindrical blade body  110  that is substantially the same as the blade body  10  described above in connection with  FIG. 1 . Accordingly the description provided with reference to  FIG. 1  is incorporated herein except for the specific differences described below and like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “1” are used to indicate like but not necessarily the same elements as those shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     One example difference between the blade body  110  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  and the blade body  10  describe in  FIG. 1  is in the shape of the fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C. As can be seen, the fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C are defined by or otherwise include recessed curvilinear or radiused edges or surfaces of the axially-extending slots or apertures  118  that extend angularly in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the cutting edge  114 , as opposed to recessed linear edges or surfaces of the fulcrums  20 A,  20 B, and  20 C of  FIG. 1 . As shown best in  FIG. 3 , the radiused fulcrums  120 A,  120 B, and  120 C can extend angularly in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X of the cutter  100 . Further, each radiused fulcrum  120 A,  120 B, and  120 C, can be curved such that each fulcrum surface  120 A,  120 B and  120 C initially extends in a direction away from the cutting edge  114 , reaches an apex, and then curves in a direction back towards the cutting edge  114 . Thus, the radiused fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C can create gullet-like edges or surfaces wherein the deepest part of each gullet is closest to the rim  116  or non-working end of the hole cutter  100 . In the same manner as described above in connection with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a tool, such as a standard Phillips number  2  screw driver or Allen wrench, can be placed into contact with the curvilinear fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C, and pivoted about a respective fulcrum  120 A,  120 B or  120 C to lever a slug out of the interior of the blade body  110 . Therefore, the curved end of the fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C may have a radius and/or the fulcrums  120 A,  120 B, and  120 C may have a width W 1  sufficient to receive therein a common tool or implement, such as the elongate shaft of a screw driver or Allen wrench. In certain example embodiments, the width W 1  may be within the range of approximately ¼ inch to approximately ⅓ inch. The radiused nature of the ends of the fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C is advantageous because the fulcrums  120 A,  120 B and  120 C mimic the shape of common tools, such as the shaft of a screw driver. In addition, the curvilinear shape of the ends of each fulcrum  120 A,  120 B and  120 C laterally supports a tool received within the fulcrum  120 A,  120 B or  120 C to thereby prevent the tool from slipping, sliding, or otherwise becoming disengaged from the fulcrum  120 A,  120 B or  120 C when levering a work piece slug. As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the above-described fulcrum shapes and dimensions are only exemplary, and any of numerous other shapes and/or dimensions that are currently known, or that later become known, equally may be employed. 
     Another potential difference between the blade body  110  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  and the blade body  10  describe above in  FIG. 1  can be the angled orientation of the axially-extending slots or apertures  118 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the axially-extending slots or apertures  118  of the blade body  110  can be set at a smaller acute angle with respect to the axis X of the blade body  110  as compared to the axially-extending slots or apertures  18  of the blade body  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, the axially-extending slots or apertures  118  of the blade body  110  can be set at an acute angle with respect to the axis X of the blade body  110  of anywhere between approximately 20° and approximately 60°, and more preferably, the acute angle A can be approximately 47°. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hole cutter  100  can includes cap  117 . The cap  117  can be welded or otherwise coupled to the rim  116  of the blade body  110  and can form a part of the non-working end of the hole cutter. In certain example embodiments, the cap  117  can include a central hub  128  defining a threaded aperture for threadedly coupling to an arbor. The cap  117  can also include one or more drive pin apertures  130 . Each of the drive pin apertures  130  can provide a passageway through the cap  117  and into the hollow interior of the hole cutter. Further, in embodiments having more than one drive pin aperture  130 , each drive pin aperture  130  can be substantially equally spaced relative to each other about the central hub  128  for engaging the drive pins of the arbor. In addition, the cap  117  can include one or more angularly-extending apertures  132 . In embodiments having two angularly-extending apertures  132 , for example, the angularly extending apertures  132  can be spaced approximately 180° apart on opposite sides of the hub  128  relative to each other. In one example embodiment, the angularly-extending apertures  132  are dimensioned and positioned to allow insertion therein of a tool, such as a screw driver or Allen wrench, into the hollow interior from an exterior of the hole cutter to further facilitate work piece slug removal. 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter blade that can be used for smaller diameter hole cutters and prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , another example embodiment of a hole cutter is indicated generally by the reference numeral  200 . The hole cutter  200  can include a substantially cylindrical blade body  210  that is substantially the same as the blade bodies  10  and  110  described above in connection with  FIGS. 1-3 . Accordingly the description provided with reference to  FIGS. 1-3  is incorporated herein except for the specific differences described below and like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “2”, or preceded by the numeral “2” instead of the numeral “1”, are used to indicate like, but not necessarily the same elements. 
     One example difference of the blade body  210  in comparison to the blade bodies  10 ,  110  described above in  FIGS. 1-3  is that the axially-extending slots or apertures  218  are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter  200 . In one example embodiment, the blade body  210  forms a relatively small diameter hole cutter  200 , and therefore, the axially-extending slots  218  may not define as large a slot area as the larger diameter hole cutters described above, and/or may not be oriented at acute angles relative to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter  200 . However, in alternate example embodiments, the same axially-extending slots or apertures may be provided in the blade body of any hole cutter having any diameter. In one example embodiment, the blade body  210  is used to form hole cutters defining blade body diameters within the range of approximately ⅞ inch to approximately 1 7/16 inches. In certain example embodiments, smaller diameter hole cutters (e.g., approximately 13/16 inches diameter or less) may include the same slot configuration  118  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , but may include only one such slot  118  in the blade body  110 . 
     Another optional difference of the blade body  210  to that of the blade bodies  10 ,  110  of  FIGS. 1-3  is with regard to the shapes of the fulcrums  220 A,  220 B and  220 C. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the first fulcrum  220 A is defined by or otherwise include a curvilinear surface extending laterally or substantially laterally from the axially-extending slot  218  parallel or substantially parallel to the cutting edge  214 , but sloping slightly away from the cutting edge  214  in a direction opposite to the rotational cutting direction of the blade  210  about the X axis. The first fulcrum  220 A can include only one side edge  221  that is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter. The third or middle fulcrum  220 B can similarly defined by or otherwise include a curvilinear surface extending laterally or substantially laterally from the axially-extending slot  218  parallel or substantially parallel to the cutting edge  214 , but sloping slightly away from the cutting edge  214  in a direction opposite to the rotational cutting direction of the blade  210  about the X axis. Like the first fulcrum  220 A, the third or middle fulcrum  220 B can include only one side edge  221  that is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter  200 , but is curvilinear rather than rectilinear. The second fulcrum  220 C is defined by or otherwise includes the second end  224  of the axially-extending slot  218 , and as can be seen, is can include a curvilinear surface extending parallel or substantially parallel to the rotational cutting direction of the blade  210  about the X axis, and two side surfaces  221  extending parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X of the blade  210  and formed by the respective side edges of the second end  224  of the axially-extending slot  218 . In one example embodiment, the width W 2  of each of the first fulcrums  220 A and the third or middle fulcrums  220 B may be within the range of approximately 2/10 inch to approximately ½ inch, such as within the range of approximately ¼ to approximately ⅜ inch. The first fulcrum  220 A and the third or middle fulcrum  220 B need not be as wide as the diameter of a number  2  screw driver, for example, because part of the screw driver shaft or Allen wrench can be received in the fulcrum  220 A,  220 B while another portion of the screw driver shaft or Allen wrench can extend into the adjacent portion of the axially-extending slot  218 . The width W 1  of the third fulcrum  220 C may be at least approximately 0.27 inch to allow insertion therein of a number  2  screw driver or Allen wrench. 
     Another difference of the hole cutter  200  in comparison to the hole cutter  100  described above in  FIGS. 2-3  is the configuration of the first or inlet end  222  of each axially-extending slot  218 . In one example embodiment, the side edge  221  of the first fulcrum  220 A can extend linearly or substantially linearly and parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. The first or inlet end  222  of each axially-extending slot  218  can defined by or otherwise include two curvilinear regions. A first curvilinear region can be contiguous to the first fulcrum side edge  221  and have one or more relatively small radii R 1 , and a second curvilinear region can be contiguous to the side edge  223  and have one or more larger radii R 2  and can be disposed on an opposite side of the axially-extending slot  218  relative to the first fulcrum side edge  221 . The larger radius R 2  can impart a shape to the respective edge of the axially-extending slot  218  that slopes away from the cutting edge  214  in a direction opposite the rotational cutting direction of the blade  210  about the X axis in certain example embodiments. In addition, the location of the first fulcrum  220 A and the orientation of the respective side edge  221  oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X can impart a relatively wide first end or entrance region  222  to the axially-extending slot  218  to facilitate the flow of chips or dust from the cutting edge  214  and hollow interior into the axially-extending slot  218  and out of the hole cutter. In certain example embodiments, the width at the inlet end  222  of the axially-extending slot  218  can be within the range of approximately 1¼ to approximately 1½ times the minimum width W 1  or width at the outlet end  224  of the axially-extending slot  218 , and can be at least approximately 1⅓ times the width W 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter blade  300  that can be used for smaller diameter hole cutters and prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to  FIG. 5 , the hole cutter blade  300  includes a substantially cylindrical blade body  310  that is substantially the same as the blade body  210  described above in connection with  FIG. 4 . Accordingly the description provided with reference to  FIGS. 1-4  is incorporated herein except for the specific differences described below and like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numeral “2,” are used to indicate like but not necessarily the same elements as those shown and described in  FIG. 4 . 
     One example difference of the blade body  310  in comparison to the blade body  210  described in connection with  FIG. 4  is that the axially-extending slots or apertures  318  define or otherwise include two fulcrums  320 A,  320 C instead of three fulcrums. In certain example embodiments, the blade body  310  can be used to form hole cutters having blade body diameters within the range of approximately ⅞ inch to approximately 1 7/16 inches. Embodiments of smaller diameter hole cutters (e.g., approximately 13/16 inches diameter or less) can include the same slot configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , but may optionally include only one such slot rather than two. However, in other example embodiments, the blade body and slot configurations of  FIG. 5  can be used for a hole cutter having any diameter. In one example, the second fulcrum  320 C can be axially spaced from the cutting edge  314  a distance D 2 , which can be within the range of approximately 1½ inches to approximately 2 inches. As noted above with regard to  FIG. 4 , the second fulcrum  320 C being located in this range is advantageously configured for levering slugs from 2-by wood (e.g., 2 inch×4 inch, 2 inch×6 inch, 2 inch×8 inch, etc., as those dimensions are used within the lumber industry (e.g., 2 inch×4 inch wood typically has an actual dimension of approximately 1½ inch×3½ inches)), such as slugs of approximately 1⅝ inches or less. 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter  400  according to one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the hole cutter  400  of  FIG. 6  according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the hole cutter  400  can include a substantially cylindrical blade body  410  and can have features that are substantially the same as the blade body  110  described above in connection with  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Accordingly the description provided with reference to  FIGS. 1-3  is incorporated herein except for the specific differences described below and therefore, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numeral “1,” are used to indicate like but not necessarily the same elements as those shown and described in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The blade body  410  can include a side wall  412  that extends around an axis of rotation “X” of the hole cutter to define or otherwise create a substantially cylindrical blade body. One example difference of the blade body  410  in comparison to the blade bodies  10 ,  110  described in connection with  FIGS. 1-3  is that the slots or apertures  418  define or otherwise include two fulcrums  420 A and  420 B. In addition, the blade body  410  includes another aperture or hole  419  that extends through the blade body  410  into the hollow interior of the hole cutter and that is separate or isolated from the aperture  418 . In certain example embodiments, the fulcrums  420 A and  420 B each are defined by or otherwise include recessed curvilinear or radiused edges or surfaces of the axially-extending slots or apertures  418  that extend, at least in part, angularly in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the cutting edge  414 . In other example embodiments, the fulcrums  420 A and  420 B each are defined by or otherwise include linear edges or surfaces. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the example fulcrums  420 A and  420 B define or include portions that are generally angular in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X of the hole cutter  400  and are curved such that each fulcrum surface  420 A and  420 B initially extends in a direction away from the cutting edge  414 , reaches an apex, and then curves in a direction back towards the cutting edge  414 . In certain example embodiments, the end of each fulcrum  420 A and  42 B can be radiused to provide for this change of direction and apex. In this example, the radiused fulcrums  420 A and  420 B create gullet-like edges or surfaces wherein the deepest part of each gullet is closest to the rim  416  or non-working end of the hole cutter  400 . Similarly, as described above in connection with the example embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a tool, such as a standard Phillips number  2  screw driver or Allen wrench, can be placed into contact with the fulcrums  420 A and  420 B, and pivoted on or about a respective fulcrum  420 A or  420 B to lever a slug out of the interior of the blade body  410 . Therefore, the ends of the fulcrums  420 A and  420  B may define or have a radius and/or width W 1  sufficient to receive therein a common tool or implement, such as the elongate shaft of a screw driver or Allen wrench. In certain example embodiments, the width W 1  may be within the range of approximately ¼ inch to approximately ⅓ inch and the radius may be half of that example amount. The radiused nature of the fulcrums  420 A and  420 B in the example embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7  can mimic the shape of certain common tools, such as the shaft of a screw driver. In addition, the curvilinear shape of the end of each fulcrum  420 A and  420 B can help to laterally support a tool received within the fulcrum  420 A or  420 B to prevent the tool from slipping, sliding, or otherwise becoming disengaged from the fulcrum  420 A or  420 B when levering a work piece slug. 
     The example aperture  419  as shown in  FIG. 6  is substantially circular. In one example embodiment, the aperture  419  has a diameter of approximately 0.24 inches (approximately 6 mm), and the outer edge of the aperture  419  acts as or otherwise defines at least one fulcrum or fulcrum surface for levering out slugs from the blade body  410 . In other example embodiments, the hole can have a diameter greater or less than approximately 0.24 inches. This example diameter can permit a tool, such as a Phillips number  2  screw driver, Allen wrench, or other tool, to be inserted into the aperture  419  and used to pivot on the fulcrum surface(s) (e.g., the perimeter surface of the hole) to lever or force slugs out of the blade body  410 . As those of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate, a circular or substantially circular hole, such as the aperture  419 , is the strongest shape and can provide a large and possibly infinite number of leverage or fulcrum points along its edges(s) and thus, would be particularly useful to those using the saw blade to cut steel plate material. As should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the fulcrum shapes, fulcrum dimensions, and the hole diameters described herein are only exemplary, and any of a number of other shapes and/or dimensions that are currently known, or that later become known, equally may be employed. For example, the aperture  419  may be oval, square, square with rounded corners, rectangular, radiused or curved to provide at least one fulcrum surface. 
     The hole or aperture  419  through the side wall  412  of the blade body  410  may be located in any position on the saw blade body  410 . In one example embodiment, the aperture  419  is located near the axially-elongated aperture  418 , e.g., circumferentially spaced within approximately 45° to approximately 90° from the axially-elongated aperture  418 . In such manner, a user can move a levering tool from aperture  418  to aperture  419  without having to turn the hole cutter  400 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the aperture  419  is shown as being positioned closer to the cutting edge  414  than the aperture  418 . In one example, the distance D 6  between the top of aperture  419  and the cutting edge  414  is shorter than any other distances such as D 1 , D 2 , and D 4  from the cutting edge  414 . For example, the distance D 6  can be within the range of approximately 0.030 inch to approximately 0.050 inch, the distance D 1  can be within the range of approximately 1.1 inches to approximately 1.4 inches, the distance D 2  can be within the range of approximately 1.6 inches to approximately 1.85 inches, and the distance D 4  can be within the range of approximately 0.8 inch to approximately 1.2 inches. In example embodiments where the aperture  419  is closer to the cutting edge  414  than the aperture  418 , the aperture  419  may be used to lever a relatively thin slug from the body  410 , or the third fulcrum defined by aperture  419  can be used to further lever a slug after using fulcrums  420 B and/or  420 A. Furthermore, distance D 6  provides sufficient material between the aperture  419  and the cutting edge  414  to provide the hole cutter  400  with adequate strength and stiffness, even under levering forces. In one example embodiment, D 6  is at least approximately 0.2 inches. In another example embodiment, D 6  is within the range of approximately 0.3 inch and approximately 0.5 inch. 
     In certain example embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the aperture  419  can be angularly or circumferentially spaced or offset from the aperture  418 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the aperture  419  can be angularly spaced from aperture  418  in a direction of rotation of the hole cutter  400  defined by the cutting edge  414 . In other example embodiments, the aperture  419  is angularly spaced from the first fulcrum  420 A in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the saw  400  defined by the cutting edge  414 . In yet other example embodiments, the aperture  419  is substantially axially-aligned with the aperture  418 , e.g., not angularly or circumferentially offset from the first fulcrum  420 A. 
     The number of apertures  419  formed through the side wall  412  of the hole cutter  400  may vary. For example, as discussed above, the number of axially-elongated apertures  418  may vary based on the size of the hole cutter  400 . The larger the diameter of the hole cutter  400 , the greater is the number of axially-elongated apertures or slots  418  that may be formed through the cylindrical blade body  410 . In some example embodiments, the number of apertures  419  may be equal to the number of slots  418 . Thus, for example, relatively small diameter hole cutters  400  (e.g., approximately 9/16 inch diameter to approximately 13/16 inch diameter) may have one aperture  419 , larger diameter hole cutters  400  (e.g., approximately ⅞ inch diameter to approximately 3½ inches diameter) may have two apertures, and still larger diameter hole cutters  400  (e.g., approximately 3½ inches diameter or greater) may have four apertures  419 . In other example embodiments, the hole cutter  400  may have a different number of slots  418  and apertures  419 . 
     In some example embodiments of the hole cutters having multiple axially-extending slots  418  and/or apertures  419 , the axially-extending slots  418  and/or apertures  419  are approximately equally spaced relative to each other about the axis X of the hole cutter  400 , e.g., if there are two axially-extending slots  418  or isolated apertures  419  they can be angularly spaced approximately 180° relative to each other, if there are three axially-extending slots  418  or isolated apertures  419  they can be angularly spaced approximately 120° relative to each other, if there are four axially-extending slots  418  or isolated apertures  419  they can be angularly spaced approximately 90° relative to each other, etc. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the axially-extending apertures or slots  418  or apertures  419  need not be equally spaced relative to each other, nor do all axially-elongated apertures or slots  418  on the same hole cutter need to define the same aperture area or slot configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , the axially-extending slots or aperture  418  through the blade body  410  can be at a similar angle with respect to the axis X of the blade body  410  as compared to the axially extending slots or apertures  118  through the blade body  110  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . However, in other example embodiments, they may be at any angle, or no angle at all, i.e., extending substantially aligned with the axis X-X of the hole cutter  400 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the hole cutter  400  can include a cap  417  welded or otherwise coupled to the rim of the blade body  410  and forming a part of the non-working end of the hole cutter  400 . The cap  417  includes a central hub  428  that includes a threaded aperture for threadedly engaging an arbor. The cap  417  can also include one or more drive pin apertures  430 . In certain example embodiments, the drive pin apertures can be substantially equally spaced relative to each other about the central hub  428  and can be configured to slidably receive therein the drive pins of the arbor. The cap  417  can also include two or more angularly-extending apertures (not shown but in one example embodiment substantially similar to that shown and described with regard to element  132  of  FIG. 2 ). In one example embodiment, the angularly-extending apertures can be spaced approximately 180° apart on opposite sides of the central hub  428  relative to each other. The angularly-extending apertures (not shown) can be dimensioned and positioned to allow insertion therein of a tool, such as a screw driver, to further facilitate in work piece slug removal. 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the hole cutter blade of the hole cutter of  FIG. 6  prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the blade body  410  is shown in a flat or substantially flat form prior to being formed into a cylindrical body shape. As should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the blade body  410  may be rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical shape to form the hole cutter  400 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , the blade body  410  can include two or more slots or apertures  418  each defining or otherwise including two fulcrums  420 A and  420 B. The blade body  410  can also include two or more apertures  419 . In one example, each aperture  419  can be located relatively near to a respective slot  418  but can also be circumferentially spaced in a direction of rotation of the hole cutter  400  and axially offset toward the cutting edge  414 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , in some example embodiments, the aperture  419  can be spaced a distance D 6  from the cutting edge  414 . In certain example embodiments, the distance D 6  is less than a distance D 4  that the aperture  418  is spaced from the cutting edge  414 . It should be noted that while the example embodiment of the hole cutter  400  has two slots  418  and two apertures  419 , in other example embodiments, a greater or less number of slots  418  and apertures  419  can be provided in the blade body  410  of the hole cutter  400 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a hole cutter blade body  510  prior to being formed into a cylindrical blade body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of a hole cutter  500  having the hole cutter blade body  510  of  FIG. 9  after being formed into a cylindrical body shape according to one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG. 11  is a rear elevational view of the hole cutter  500  of  FIG. 10  according to one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 , the blade body  510  is shown in  FIG. 9  prior to being formed into a cylindrical body shape. As should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the blade body  510  may be rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical shape to form the hole cutter  500 . The example blade body  510  can include a side wall  512  that, when so formed, extends around an axis of rotation “X” of the hole cutter  500  to define a substantially cylindrical blade body  510 . One end of the blade body  510  can include a cutting edge  514 . In one example embodiment, the cutting edge can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X. The opposing end of the blade body can defines a rim  516 . The example hole cutter  500  can include the substantially cylindrical blade body  510  and have features that are substantially the same as the blade body  410  described above in connection with  FIG. 8 , and therefore, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “5” instead of the numeral “4,” are used to indicate like, but not necessarily the same elements. One example difference of the blade body  510  in comparison to the blade body  410  described in connection with  FIG. 8  is that the blade body  510  can include two differently shaped slots or apertures  518  and  618  instead of two similarly shaped slots  418  as shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 8 . In one example embodiment, the slot  618  of  FIG. 9  may be similar in configuration, shape, and location to the slot  418  of  FIG. 8 . For example, the inlet end  522  of the slot  518  can have a different shape than the inlet end  622  of the slot  618 . As can be seen in  FIG. 9 , the inlet end  522  of the slot  518  can extend substantially linearly and substantially parallel to the cutting edge  514  in one example embodiment. The inlet end  622  of the slot  618  defines or otherwise has a more curvilinear shape than that of the aperture  518  in certain example embodiments. 
     Another difference between the slot  618  and the slot  518  can be that the distance D 4  (e.g., anywhere between approximately 0.3 inch to approximately 0.5 inch) between the slot  518  and the cutting edge  514  can be less than the distance D 7  (e.g., anywhere in the range of approximately 0.8 inch to approximately 1.2 inches) between the slot  618  and the cutting edge  514 . Further, the two side edges  521  can be longer than the corresponding two side edges  621 , even though both the side edges  521  and  621  are substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X. 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the positioning slot  518  closer to the cutting edge  514  as compared to the slot  618  (distance D 4  compared to distance D 7 ) provides the blade body  510  with additional fulcrums at different distances from the cutting edge  514 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the fulcrum  620 B is located a distance D 8  from the cutting edge  514 . In certain example embodiments, fulcrums  620 A and  520 B can both be located a distance D 2  from the cutting edge  514  that is less than the distance D 8 , though those skilled in the art should understand that in other example embodiments, slot  518  and/or slot  618  may be configured such that fulcrums  520 B and  620 A are located at different distances from the cutting edge  514 . In certain example embodiments, the distance D 2  can be anywhere within the range of approximately 1.1 inches to approximately 1.4 inches and the distance D 8  can be anywhere within the range of approximately 1.6 inches to approximately 1.85 inches. In one example, fulcrum  520 A is located a distance D 1  from the cutting edge  514  that is less than the distance D 2  (and D 5 ). In certain example embodiments, the distance D 1  is anywhere in the range of approximately 1.1 inches to approximately 1.4 inches. In the example embodiment of  FIG. 9 , both slots  518  and  618  have the same height D 5 , though those skilled in the art should understand that slot  518  and slot  618  may be configured such that each has different height from each other. In certain example embodiments, the distance D 5  is anywhere in the range of approximately 0.6 inch to approximately 1.2 inches. Fulcrums located at different distances from the cutting edge  514  can provide an improved capability to remove slugs of different thicknesses from the blade body  510  using the different fulcrums provided. Alternatively, this feature permits fulcrums that are successively closer to the cutting edge  514  to be used successfully to lever a slug toward the cutting edge  514 . Further, the provision of fulcrums at multiple distances (e.g., three or more) from the cutting edge  514 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , is achieved while decreasing the amount of material removed from the blade body  510  as compared to, for example, the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5 . In this manner, the loss of strength and/or stiffness of the blade body  510  is reduced. 
     The hole cutters as disclosed herein may include one or more features of the hole cutters disclosed and/or claimed in any of the following patents and patent applications and are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties as part of the present disclosure: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/687,052 filed on Jan. 10, 2010, titled “Coated Hole Cutter”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,907 issued Nov. 5, 2013, titled “Hole Cutter With Minimum Tooth Pitch to Blade Body Thickness Ratio”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/687,102 filed on Jan. 13, 2010, titled “Hole Cutter With Extruded Cap”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/687,078 filed on Jan. 10, 2010, titled “Hole Cutter With Chip Egress Aperture”; U.S. Design Pat. No. D690,334 issued Sep. 24, 2014, titled “Hole Saw”; U.S. Design Pat. No. D659,176 issued May 8, 2012, titled “Hole Saw”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D692,470 issued Oct. 29, 2013 titled “Hole Saw”. 
     It may be readily understood by those having skill in the pertinent art from the present disclosure that any of numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the hole cutters may be made from any of numerous different materials, in any of numerous shapes, taking any of numerous different dimensions. For example the cutting edge may be made from any of numerous different materials or combinations of materials that are currently known or that later become known. As an example, the cutting edge may take any form, pattern, arrangement or configuration that is currently known or that later becomes known, including without limitation, tooth patterns that tend to function well in specific applications, hybrid applications or general applications. For example, the cutting teeth may include any of numerous different tooth forms, pitch patterns and/or set patterns. As another example, a single aperture/slot may be provided in the blade body of the hole cutter, two or more apertures/slots may be angularly and/or axially aligned with one another, or two or more apertures/slots may be variably angularly and/or axially spaced relative to one another. Also, the hole cutters may be used in any of a number of different cutting applications, on any of a number of different work piece materials, such as woods, metals, plastics, composites, resins, stones, fabrics, foams, etc. Further, one or more apertures/slots may extend to the cutting edge, to the rim of the side wall or cap, or even extend to both the cutting edge and to the rim of the side wall or cap. As another example, the length or width of each fulcrum may not be the same from fulcrum to fulcrum or slot to slot. As yet another example, the fulcrum surfaces may not extend linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hole cutter about the circumference of the hole cutter. Instead, the fulcrum surfaces may define or otherwise include curved, curvilinear, rectilinear, angled surfaces and/or combinations of the foregoing. Still further, the aperture/slot side edges may not extend linearly and axially to define the angular width of the angled slots or apertures and connect the outer-lying fulcrums to the bottom edge surface of the apertures by radiused corners. Instead, for example, the aperture/slot side edges may be curved, curvilinear, rectilinear, angled and/or any combination of the foregoing, and the intersections of the aperture/slot side edges and the end surfaces of the apertures/slots and the outer-lying fulcrums may be right, obtuse and/or acute intersections, or may define rectilinear and/or curvilinear corners. Similarly, the surfaces that extend between the fulcrums may not be linear and the transitions between the surfaces may not be defined by radiuses. As an alternative, for example, these surfaces may be curved, curvilinear, rectilinear and/or alternatively angled, and the transitions between these surfaces may be right, obtuse and/or acute intersections or may define curvilinear and/or rectilinear corners. As another example, additional surfaces may be included, or surfaces may be removed, from the apertures, such as surfaces located adjacent to, or between, the fulcrums. In addition, the axially-elongated apertures or slots may define a different number of fulcrums or like surfaces than illustrated herein, or some axially-elongated apertures or slots may define a different number of type of fulcrums than other apertures or slots of the same hole cutter. Accordingly, this detailed description of some example embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense. 
     Although example embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the example embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain example embodiments could include, while other example embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.