How to cut perfect circles with a band saw Photo 1: Attach the runner. Cutting perfect circles is easy with a band saw-as long as you take a half hour to build yourself a cutting jig. The auxiliary fence not only stops the jig at the right spot for turning circles but also keeps the jig from tipping up from the band saw table.
Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how to build a circle cutting jig for your bandsaw. My bandsaw circle jig is largely inspired by George Vondriska’s bandsaw circle cutting jig. Using more scrap oak, I ripped a piece of oak that matched the width of my bandsaw’s miter slot and attached it to the base of the circle cutting jig.
You can cut circles on a band saw by simply driving a nail into a piece of plywood clamped to the table, using the nail as a pivot point for your workpiece. If you plan to cut circles more than once, a better way is this shop-built adjustable circle jig. A sliding tongue easily adjusts the pivot point for different size circles.
With a simple jig that you can make quickly and easily, you’ll be able to cut an exact circle every time on the band saw without the need to follow a cutline. “Step 1: To create the jig, cut a piece of sheet stock to the width of your band saw’s table. For circles up to 16″ in diameter, a jig 10″ to 12” long is fine. “Step 2: Starting at your mark, use a reliable square to continue the line across the surface of the jig. You can see here that I’ve drilled holes into the jig’s side edges that will accommodate a pair of fence clamps to secure the jig to the band saw’s table. Now, measuring from the front edge, make a series of marks 1” apart along this line.
how to make circle jig for bandsaw Related Question:
What router bit do you use to make a circle?
We recommend a solid-carbide up-cut spiral router bit. For the Model 300 Circle Guide, use a 1/2″-dia. router bit.
How do I use my circle cutter shopsmith?
Just attach the circle cutter to your bandsaw table extension (555488) with a single bolt use the single adjustment knob to set the attachment for your desired diameter and stock thickness… and pivot your workpiece through the bandsaw blade to cut perfect circles from 2″ to 36″ in diameter. It’s just that simple !
Can a bandsaw cut wood?
With the correct blade, a band saw can cut wood or metal, in either curves or straight lines. Blades come in a variety of widths and tooth counts. Narrower blades are good for tighter curves, while wider blades are better at straight cuts.
How thick of wood can a band saw cut?
Band saws are the undisputed champ when it comes to cutting curves and slicing through thick material. Many small band saws can slice though lumber a full four inches thick, and bigger saws handle six-inch cuts.
What is the best tool to cut circles in wood?
Using a hole saw is the absolute easiest way to cut circles in wood for your project. All you have to do is lock your hole saw in the chuck of your drill or drill press and start cutting. You can use hole saws to cut circles from ¾ inches up to 7 inches in diameter.