Draw lines diagonally from corner to corner bisect in the squares. Then holes a with a drill. Simple center !

After the center drill punches through the lid, run the drill in reverse to cut the hole. The drill won't grab and buck while cutting.

This is like watching grass grow, just draw a diagonal line on the squares you want to cut and use the hole saw, just that easy...

You can use a deburring tool to clean off all the extra crap after drilling.

I did one yesterday using the 27 gallon tote. I drilled eight three inch holes and thought that might be a bit crowded even for lettuce. As far as cutting the holes I used a 3" hole saw(trade size) and the holes were too small for the cups. My 3.5" hole saw was way too big so I ended up enlarging the holes with a drimmel tool. Then I painted the top to reduce algae growth in the water. No air stone is used in the kratky method if you go that route. I measured where I wanted the cups in the top and put a single dot at each location and they weren't centered in the squares or need to be. The cups will still sit flat. Putting it out in my greenhouse today to see how it works over the coming months. Also am planning on adding an led light above the tote for extra light intensity during the winter months.

Just the video I wanted you to post. Thank you

I'm finding it helps to drill a 1/4" hole with a plain bit before I use the hole saw. You may be pleasantly surprised at how deep the roots will go. These totes are great for the least fuss system.

Good video. Thanks you for making it. I really want to try it.

Nice little video. I have been thinking of making one. I was thinking of buying the same container. I figured to find the center of those squares was to use a straight end and just make from edge to edge. Where they intersect is center. I learned that once the hole saw pilot bit goes through switch the drill into reverse and it seems to producta smooth edge as well...just thought I'd share it. oh yeah, I bought my various size hole saw kit from Harbor Freight a while back...goes all the way up to 4" Like the video Tim

I know this is an older video but I was wondering if you still cut this way or have you tried to once you have the center hole drilled to put your drill in reverse? It makes a lot fewer shavings and the holes are cut much cleaner. It almost melts the plastic instead of shaving it off bits and pieces at a time. I am really enjoying your videos :)

Thanks for this video. If I were to use 2 inch net cups do you think I could place them in each of those squares on the lid?

Do you think you could use 2" netpots instead, and then 1/4" pieces of 1" rockwool cubes, thus reducing your consumption of hydro-ton and rockwool by almost 75% per cycle?

How do you do water changes?

Where did the tote come from?