Will a Diamond Hole Saw Cut Through a Wood Underlayment?

       When you're drilling holes in your stone countertops you'll need to use a diamond core drill.  Some countertops have a plyboard underlayment to support it. So the question that was asked: do I need to buy a separate holesaw specifically made for wood to cut through the plyboard underlayment.

If you don't like to read and want to get to the point here is the video:

     A diamond holesaw is made out of a cylinder with diamond grit on the cutting end. It works by cutting material away similar to the way sandpaper works. It is not designed to cut wood, however I wanted to see if it was possible.

        Buying a separate hole saw for wood would cost anywhere from $10-$20.

        I was able to cut through wood with the diamond holesaw however there was a significant amount of heat created, Scorching the interior of the hole.  There was a little smoke but no fire. If you're going to do this, don't drill too fast.

        When you get close to cutting all the way through the wood, ease back on the pressure so that you create a clean cut on the bottom. But if you don't get a clean cut, it doesn't matter since no one will see the bottom. 

         Since the diamond is embedded into the drill bit, but heat made dislodge some of the diamond great. I recommend drilling all of your holes in your countertop first, then cut all of your holes through the wood underlayment. This way if you damage your diamond core bit from over heating, you won't need to buy another one.