A coring unit comprises a clamping arrangement for releasably attaching the coring unit to a structure into which a core is to be cut. A bit is provided comprising an elongated tubular body having a cutting surface at a first circular end of the elongated tubular body for cutting the core. The unit includes a drive system adapted to rotate and linearly translate the bit so that the drive system rotates the bit and moves the bit with respect to the clamping arrangement to advance and retreat the bit through the structure to cut the core from the structure. A method of using the coring unit is also described. The unit and method permit an accurate, reliable, safe, and reproducible cutting of a hole in a structure. The unit and method find particular application in cutting holes in studs of wood frame structures to accommodate services such as wires and piping.