Build your own adjustable circle-cutting jig for your bandsaw and cut perfect circles every time! For more great jigs for your shop, visit www.popularwoodworking.com/pro...
Tom - thanks for the video. I've seen others online but your's by far was the easiest to make and use.I did, however make an adjustment. Instead of making the right edge extend past the saw table by three inches, I added an additional five. This gives a bit more capacity to the jig. With my Jet 14" bandsaw I'm able to cut a circle up to 22" in diameter. Of course, if that dang C-clamp wasn't there, there'd be no need to add those extra five inches.
That C-clamp certainly limits the diameter of the circle. There are alternate designs with variable stops for differing blade sizes. Also a cut-down 1/16" drill bit makes a nice centering pin without drilling completely through the work piece.
Thanks for your excellent video...you made it so simple even a “caveman” could build it. Made one this morning and cut some perfect 6” discs to use with my Work Sharp tool. Beats the heck out of buying additional glass discs at $20 a pop. Thanks again.
Two suggestions you might try re: the guide in the slot: 1) instead of using shims under the guide, it would probably be better if you simply use a slightly thicker piece of hardwood for the guide itself instead so that it is one solid piece that slides just proud of the table however high you want it to be ... 1/8" or so? Then you won't need the shims. And 2) instead of using Elmer's white glue and being concerned with the rusting issue you mentioned when you need to apply a bit of water into the guide rail ro remove the white glue when you are finished, try using rubber cement and a small glue brush to evenly spread the rubber cement in the guide channel. That way no water is required to remove the cement from that channel since you can easily rub it off when you're done. Does that make sense? Just a thought since I've already tried it and the rubber cement holds the wooden guide nicely; especially if your rail guide proves not to be too tight as you also suggested.
I really enjoy your woodworking site. However I made my circle hug and for some strange reason my bandsaw blade continues to move outwards while I am cutting, this making the circle larger than I was wanting it to be. Does anyone have any ideas on why this is happening ? ?
Is there any way to cut circles without putting a hole in the center of the workpiece? I'd like to make small plugs of variable sizes without investing in fixed-size plug cutters, haven't figured this out yet.
Depending on the diameter of your plugs, the band saw may not be a great option either. The turning radius with even and 1/8" blade isn't all the tight. You may want to consider a scroll saw, and to avoid the hole in the piece, give double-sided tape a try, or possibly hot-melt glue.
There are some versions (on RU-vid) without the hole. One I recall used a wooden donut with double sided tape that went into an appropriately sized track.
Hardboard used to be known by the brand name Masonite, but it's become more commonplace now, frequently appearing as the material that pegboard is made from. It's essentially a tempered press board and is usually brown. Most home center stores will carry some variation of the material in 1/4" thick sheets.
