How to Cut a Circle on a Table Saw
It is possible to cut circles with a table saw if you are patient.
A simple jig that you can put together in minutes will help you cut rounds out of wood that are all the same size.
First, we’ll show you how to cut a circle on a table saw. Then we’ll show you how to make a jig and use it to always cut circles that are the same size.
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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cut Circles On a Table Saw:
Step 1) Making a Simple Jig:
Making a simple jig is the first thing that needs to be done.
To begin, we need a long, thin piece of wood or plastic to make the table saw’s miter track runner.
The guide will make it easier to move the jig along the miter track.
There should be no space between this piece and the top of your table saw. It should be as thick as the miter track.
Cut the piece of wood you don’t need into the right size. It’s possible to use wood, but plastic is better because it doesn’t easily grow, shrink, or break.
That’s why it’s great for these kinds of needs. We’re going to use a wooden mat this time.
Step 2) Making A Board To Connect With Runner:
The next step is to make the board that will connect to the runner.
Take a piece of plywood that is about 11″ x 22″ and use a pencil to make parallel lines on it.
These lines show where the runner should go when it’s attached to the board. The lines you draw must be the same width as the runner.
Do a few holes in the runner ahead of time along its length before you screw it to the board.
Step 3) Put the Runner on the Board with Screws:
Place this jig on the miter track. If the board goes past the blade, cut off the extra wood.
The board should be just big enough to fit over the blade of your table saw. After that step, your circle-cutting jig is ready to use.
Using the Jig, Cut a Circle:
Get the piece of wood that you want to turn into a circle. To cut down on waste, make sure the wood you take is straight. Draw two diagonals across the square board to find its center.
The square’s center will be where they meet. Fix this board to the jig now by going through the exact middle of the board. You need to know the end radius of the circle you want to cut before you can fix it.
How far away the screw is from the blade’s cut line will tell you how big the circle is. You need to find the right radius by measuring this and setting the board’s center.
Move the board to the right of the cut line if you need to make the shape smaller.
You can screw the board onto the jig once you know where the center of the board is. To do this, we’ll use a screw. If you don’t want screw marks, you can also use nails.
First, make a hole in the square piece’s middle. To connect the wooden board to the plywood board below, drive a screw through the middle of the test hole.
Make sure that the nail holds the board of wood in place but also lets it turn easily. To get a full circle, the wooden board should touch or go past the blade.
Now, spin the square piece 45 degrees counterclockwise to get the most wood to stick out past the blade. On the saw, put the board on the jig and push it onto the blade.
This will cut off a corner. Change the direction of the wood to 90° and cut the next corner. Do this again and again until all four corners are cut. Keep turning the wood and cutting off the corners in this way.
Each time you cut a corner off of a piece of wood, there are two more; this makes the board more like a circle. Do this again and again until you think all of the corners are made correctly.
Take the screw out of the wood. It’s easy to get rid of the burn marks the blade left behind and any other small flaws that are still on the wood.
The process of cutting a circle on a table saw is finished when the cleaning is done.
Accuracy Tips for Cutting a Circle on a Table Saw:
- A lot of the time, check the saw blade for splits and broken teeth.
- Use the right blade for the job if you are working with wet wood or treated lumber.
- Use a blade that is sharp and has the right number of teeth. It takes longer to cut with more teeth, but the cuts are better. Cutting with big teeth is faster, but the cuts are rough.
- Always cut off more than just the edge of the corner.
- You shouldn’t wear gloves when you use a table saw. Also, take off any rings, bands, or other jewelry that could get caught in the material or table saw.
- Stand to the side of the saw blade when you’re cutting. No one should stand in front of the saw blade while it’s going.
- Reach across the saw blade to take a piece of wood off or hold it down.
- Stay behind or too close to the moving blade at all times to avoid getting hurt if it kicks back. There is no way to stop kickback because it is so dangerous.
Bottom Line:
Finally, learning how to cut a circle on a table saw can open up a lot of doors for woodworkers who want to make projects with great accuracy. Following the three simple steps given is a simple way to make what might seem like an impossible job possible.
But the key to success is more than just knowing the basics. When cutting a circle on a table saw, accuracy tips stress how important it is to take accurate measurements, secure the item well, and make small changes over time.
These useful tips will help you get better at making circles and make sure the end result matches your creative vision.
These tips are meant to make the process easier while still getting the job done perfectly, whether you’re making a tabletop, a piece of art, or anything else that needs a perfect circle.
Accept that it will take some time to learn these methods. Start by practicing on scrap wood and work your way up to using them in your regular work.
Soon, being able to use a table saw to cut circles will be a skill that will improve the accuracy and finesse of your work, giving you the confidence to take on a wide range of projects.
FAQs
What’s the Best Wood-Cutting Tool For Circles?
A hole saw is the best tool for cutting rounds out of wood for your project. To begin, put your hole saw in the chuck of your drill or drill press and start cutting. With a hole saw, you can make circles with sizes from 3/4 inch to 7 inches.
Is it Possible to Create a Hole in the Wood with a Dremel?
The Dremel can make small holes because their chucks are so small. A rotary tool sometimes called a Dremel tool, can be used for many things, like grinding and cutting, as well as for hobbies and home improvement.
Is it Possible to Cut Circles Using a Table Saw?
Most of the time, table saws are used to cut wood into straight lines, but they can also be used to cut shapes. You need to have a strong hand to use a jigsaw to cut a circle out of wood. Cutting a circle with a router is more exact.