Make a Table Saw Circle Cutting Jig

In this video tutorial we show you how to make a table saw circle jig.
Cutting circles out of wood on a table saw with a simple circle jig is no real mystery, by cutting a series of straight line cuts while turning a board each time, it's actually pretty quick, and easy to make it into a circle using this tablesaw jig.
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[@taylorjones17]

Great job on this video. Clear instructions, safety reminders, and explanation of your techniques. Bravo! Thank you.

[@kitkatt1252]

LOVE the focus on safety here! Well done - this tutorial makes the circle jig accesible and, most importantly, SAFE! Thank you for such a simple and informative video!

[@John_Fx]

A true craftsman doesn't cut corners! :)

[@boathousepks]

Your technique worked perfectly. I just added a nail to one of my sleds. Another great video

[@paulblair260]

Colin, love the plastic runner idea. Thanks!

[@knecht105]

You're welcome Paul

[@xof-woodworkinghobbyist]

Thanks a lot, Colin. I glued up about 50 pieces of various wood (from Roasted Ash to Purple Heart, and Paduck, and so many more), all with a different density and hardness. I tried to use my router table for make it round, but the different densities made my router crazy and some of the softest wood broke where they should not have... Anyway, I re-glued the whole thing (not so much fun the second time), and used my table saw this time as you suggested... And it worked like a charm! (I actually used my crosscut sled) Thanks for this tip and for all the videos... you're an inspiration.

[@CameronForrester]

This looks like a really nice way to make a perfect circle template to use in the future with a flush trim bit to make repeated circles without all this hassle going forward.

[@cobberpete1]

Another simple jig that works Colin. It's amazing how many KZbinrs remove the blade guard. For 'photographic' reasons. You are one of the few who keeps it on. Thanks Colin.

[@knecht105]

Thanks Peter

[@harldave9850]

I love your Rigid table saw. Had one at work. Retired now. Great jig as well. I use Klein metal runners for my jigs. A little expensive but so accurate

[@timothybaker8234]

You can also buy plastic cutting boards at the dollar store. They work well and rip easily on the table saw.

[@knecht105]

Yes you can. Thanks for the tip Timothy.

[@JackSkull435]

do you mean for the guide or for the entire Jig?

[@timothybaker8234]

gnrsmith1 cut them up foy the guides.

[@dadgumit2505]

lol I just picked some up

[@darrendemchuk821]

Love your videos! Still learning with my saw, but you make the learning curve easy! Keep up the chuckles cause it shows you love what you do!

[@aaudain1]

That’s awesome, I learn something new today, I just jig saw, but thank to you, I learn a new thing

[@knecht105]

You are welcome Anthony

[@VitalityMassage]

7:57 You gradually lift the blade in small increments to avoid burning. Start at the very bottom of the circle and do just about 1/8 inch. Then slowly lift the blade 1/2 turn at a time. No more burning.

[@BuildStuffwithAJ]

It looks a lot easier that I thought it would be to make a circle making jig on the table saw

[@krn14242]

Thanks for the jig idea Colin

[@mc4kvb]

Great job Colin. It almost seems impossible to do to a common person not knowing anything about woodworking. How wonderful it is to have someone like you who explains it to us and show us too. Thanks for all you do.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! ... glad I could be of help!

[@mariffin9]

Thank you Colin! I've tried and it worked brilliantly!

[@cwtindall]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@starpaulo747]

Parabéns, vc é muito habilidoso com a serra circular .

[@patmash]

Excellent idea. Thank you.

[@walkerfamilyomaha8208]

This works but can be dangerous. On one occasion I tried this, the blade caught the board and spun it so hard it nearly ripped my hand open. That sudden spin can also potentially thrust your hand(s) right into the blade if you're not consciously thinking about it. I still use this method, but it can be a little precarious. Also, I wouldn't try small circles - only large ones.

[@James_T_Kirk_1701]

I would lean towards saying you should have taken more down during the straight passes because spinning it. But, you’re not entirely wrong either, this is a somewhat dangerous technique. I actually stand off to the side with my hands on the far side of the piece away from the blade. Awkward a bit because I’m left handed and am using primarily my right hand but it works. Also I keep the blade just even with piece so theoretically if you piece is pretty stable it should be pretty hard to touch the blade.

[@Assimilator702]

Walker Family Omaha You’re better of using a router and a circle jig.

[@TheBestRoddy]

Thanks, dad

[@itsumonihon]

@@TheBestRoddy you think he's being annoying but there is a recent video of exactly this happening to someone doing this technique. That operator was lucky enough to have a Sawstop, because her hand was pulled right into the blade and she would have lost all her fingers had it been any other make of saw. Check around on KZbin for it. I'm not a fan of this technique precisely for this reason.

[@brianmathe4219]

Thanks for the tip. I was looking for a way to make inserts for my Delta HD shaper.

[@eduardodelunapa2285]

Whow, really works thanks for this idea 👍

[@roncooke2188]

Great Colin i made the jig and this afternoon and cut 2 perfect circles great video

[@knecht105]

Glad I could be of help. Thanks for watching!

[@marialouise5185]

GREAT video! Thank you!

[@MarkMiller-zm2th]

What a great tip, thank you

[@shannonjakoby2373]

Great video and easy to follow. I just beginning a business where I have to make a lot of circles out o wood, so this will speed things up! Thanks for sharing!

[@misfitramone]

Really great video! Thanks for posting! this video is really awesome and informative! Thanks so very much for a video that shows a great and safe way to do this!

[@larryjacobs5713]

Thank you very informative

[@scrumbi]

Nice! Old school.

[@joebrown1382]

Nice video Colin. I am one of those guys that doesn't use a blade guard or riving knife. It's a personal choice but it also makes me be extra careful when woodworking. When I run wood through my saw that is the ONLY thing I'm concentrating on. I also use a push stick every time.

[@TheRandyguitarrista]

That's Awesome!!

[@maikay1403]

Thank you so much for takes time to make this video. GREAT lesson. Have a wonderful day.

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome

[@markw3598]

A little tip: To make SURE you don't have little 'plastic' debris balls form and mess up attaching the runners to your sheet goods, countersink both sides of the holes in the plastic.

[@afterburner2869]

Mark W Good idea, will do.

[@scubanick1019]

Worked like a charm. Thank you sir.

[@ruthboria5572]

Amazing love the way you explain everything , I’m not a Carpinter but I always like to work with wood for my art 👍👍👍👍💜💜💜💜💜

[@cliffcarlo180]

CARPINTER....................is that an Asian Carpenter.

[@cesarbaro340]

thanks friend for sharing that good technique.

[@heruvey87]

i almost died doing this, beginners beware the kick back is no joke. I didnt give up however i took a breather gathered the curage to try again and now i aquired a new technike.

[@carlosgamalielcontrerasagu3322]

Another good idea thanks man. I remember the circule jig with the band saw

[@knecht105]

You're welcome Carlos. Thanks for watching.

[@carlosgamalielcontrerasagu3322]

WoodWorkWeb watching, subscrive and couple likes jeje

[@big1finger]

Amazing how things happen, I posted this on Table saw Hacks and here you have built one like mine except I also use mine for cross cutting boards since the edge is at the blade. Biggest I have cut is a pair of 30 inch circles. Great Video

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching Gary

[@rdmilbourn]

I learn so much from you 👍

[@doctorwigglespank8933]

Excellent video. I've been wanting to make wheels for a homemade bandsaw and wasn't sure of a good way to make them... without a bandsaw. This is perfect.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching Robert. This jig can be easily modified for the bandsaw too, if needed.

[@dwightl5863]

Mathias Wandel's channel has built two bandsaws. His second build is at : kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHPRZqivh8lsa9E May be of help for you.

[@doctorwigglespank8933]

Thank you. That's definitely a helpful link.

[@preusbs]

You could make a jig like or with a stationary or adjustable spinner. Like the ones used on a table for food. Thanks for your videos! Happy cutting :)

[@beardedgarage]

Great stuff, thanks for the tips

[@bradmcnamar5679]

Another great video!! Thanks

[@karolpuma]

U`re great...Thx, I`m gonna ask my friend to do this today....cause he`s got table saw and me have only circular portable saw...

[@frankorona1]

Excellent explanation, thank you very much.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome!

[@duczman76]

🤔 now i know why it's called a circular saw😉 btw nice,simple and inexpensive jig.

[@robins1016]

What I was young and debating my father he would try to impress upon me that things aren't always what they appear. He would say remember that a circle is nothing more then a series of very very short straight lines, this is a great illustration of that .

[@PropTrading]

Nice. Learned something new, that’s good. Best wishes and thanks

[@B0M0A0K]

Nice video Colin, I like the extra safety information.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching

[@taitelennox4514]

thanks for the tip

[@knecht105]

You're welcome

[@websterbehrens7837]

Great video and explanation, Thanks for sharing.

[@martyking6942]

I like it. A quick and simple jig.

[@knecht105]

Thank you

[@kamdigonzales9037]

Nice, thx

[@roberthoyle6442]

Colin, I really enjoy your videos. I have just watched your bowl cutting jig and your circle cutting g jig video. My question is, would it be safe to make a bowl from the bowl jig and then use the circle cutting jig to make the bowl round or do it in the reverse order.

[@XJWill1]

You should be able to temporarily disable the pawls with a small dowel and a rubber band or cable tie. You just wedge them open and tie them off.

[@darrenlaberee8036]

Could you not trim your 3/4 ply to be outside of the pawls?

[@markw3598]

@@darrenlaberee8036 It makes it harder to measure the pin placement for cutting the circle because you have eliminated the flush cut edge, but yeah, it could be done.

[@TacoTeaser]

I'm amazed by all the things a table saw can do. I guess it IS my favorite tool..

[@FREDBLA]

Great.... your videos are so cool, clean explanation , and fully understandig for begginers. Thanks

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome, FREDBLA!

[@Rhysnga]

I traced a 40 litre bucket lid onto a piece of ply and jig sawed it out.almost a perfect circle.the problem was i needed a hole in the centre.It took me long a long time to find the centre of the circle.I would have saved a long time if i had used this method. Great video

[@g.m.forsythe9626]

Rangatira Ahau: The way to find the center of a circle is to draw 2 lines across the circle (not parallel to each other; close to 90 degrees is best), then find the center of each line and draw a perpendicular line toward the center. Do this for both lines. Where the two perpendiculars meet is the center.

[@augumentum]

Nice job. I need to cut a 4 1/2 “ wheel. This seems to be the best way to do it. I have numerous routers but there isn’t anyway I can cut a 2 1/4 “ radius on any of the routers.

[@fabriziofabrizi5524]

meraviglioso good tenqiu Fabrizio Italia

[@vwchad957]

Thanks a bunch...i cant wait to make this....im having a lil trouble finding a place to get the plastic cheap though....

[@markw3598]

Dollar stores, OR Bed Bath and Beyond.

[@markw3598]

White-poly cutting boards.

[@chrisforry5268]

Very cool! Would you suggest trying to make smaller circles. I'm looking to make circles about 2" diam. X .75" thick.

[@williamsebastian7241]

Colin, Would you address the issue of tolerances that can be generally achieved when working with wood. Your videos have been very helpful in helping me align my table saw, fence and create a crosscut sled if these are all aligned what tolerances can I expect when making cuts.

[@nedcramdon1306]

Would you recommend this procedure for 3/4" construction plywood ( spruce- 6 ply) ?

[@Assimilator702]

ned cramdon No. Not a good idea.

[@AnnaLilleyify]

Very helpful.thAnks 😀

[@knecht105]

You're welcome

[@thefakemaker]

Could this work with an angled cut as well?

[@raulgusta7316]

nice job

[@nessbrooks6442]

Hello Mr. Colin, I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge. What is the piece of plastic that I ask for when going to the store? How did you determine where you drew your line on the base?

[@claudexy]

thank you for the tip..i like to build things out of wood and/or metal and i just learned something cool today...i could've used that trick a week ago(make a round piece of wood), but i'll definately use it in the future. and i also like the sliding jigg you made...thanks...lol ps..your experience really shows.

[@overtheedge9298]

One of the most dangerous parts of a table saw, is using the guard. In high school, I made cove molding on the table saw.

[@AFmedic]

Correction...The person using it is the most dangerous part.

[@lordsanityfree]

You are the first KZbinr I've seen to have a blade board on his table saw...

[@robira1313]

blade board?

[@cliffcarlo180]

@@robira1313 I was wondering the same!!!

[@robira1313]

Chris may have meant blade "guard".

[@ccccen]

would the measurement of O.D. of the circle should it be to the blade?

[@robira1313]

Great video! Wondering if this technique can be used to cut a circle with plexiglass?

[@markw3598]

Would be better to try it on a bandsaw, if you have one, or a router. Plexiglass can be tricky.

[@redwillow53]

I have a large table saw sled I use to make circles. When you pull the sled back you can clean your scrap away.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the tip David

[@taitelennox4514]

great video man

[@knecht105]

Thanks

[@cdncycler]

Mix some sawdust and some wood glue to form a heavy paste. It can be used like wood putty to fill in any holes. Sand after it dries.

[@arnoldwiggins]

Great idea, thx Colin. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's a "fixture", not a "jig". A jig guides the tool, whilst a fixture guides the workpiece. Keep up the good work!

[@mxstyle909]

Really nice . I subscribed and I'm going to start my own projects also . Very soon

[@CidtheVicious3]

just zip tie the anti kick back in the up position so you dont have to worry about them interfering and you can still use the blade guard

[@guyh.4553]

Nice work sir. I've read about how to do this in magazines and books but wanted to see how it was actually done. This is supposed to work equally as well on a bandsaw as well but I don't own one. In regards to the riving fence, I prefer to use them as possible. They are there for a reason. Plus, they push the sawdust down instead of into your face. Also, if you bring the working piece backyards into the blade, that is what causes burn as well as feeding it too slow. But thank you. I enjoy watching your work. I seem to learn something new every time I watch. 😊😊😊

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the tips!

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

Yes, this works 100 times better on a band saw. Takes all of about 10 seconds to cut the entire circle. Perfect circles can also be cut with a router, or a jigsaw and Disc Sander. All of these other methods take a fraction of the time, are probably safer, and produce a better result. Sorry, cutting a circle on the table saw is something I would never do.

[@megrim8292]

what about the a lathe?

[@markw3598]

@@bullfrogpondshop3179 Please show us how in your next video, would love to see your shop with all the expensive tools that a lot of us can not afford.

[@d.k.1394]

Nice

[@cudlapin9972]

I could make wheels now for my boys kart! Thx !!!

[@knecht105]

You're welcome

[@markw3598]

Don't forget to use old bicycle tires to wrap the discs!!

[@jerrywoodworking4997]

very good, I like all your videos.

[@americanwoodworkingtrickss6543]

good job

[@knecht105]

Thanks

[@adamlovato7]

Where do you get your plastic materials for the guides???

[@EduardoTorresDeMadera]

I like the concept however too dangerous in trusting the process with a nail, I would install a toggle clamp to avoid put my hands near the blade. Thanks for sharing that concept. Very usefull.

[@markw3598]

Can't spin a toggle clamp! The spin ability is the whole thing that makes this jig work.

[@Sevalecan]

What type of plastic do you normally buy for this at your plastic shop (not counting cutting boards here), assuming I'd like to purchase an equivalent plastic online.

[@hejustleft]

Colin, particle boards as a given, what dulls carbide blades most after it in your order? BTW, am now a subscriber, and you've shown this 60 year old so many new tips and tricks. ty

[@johnbarney5787]

I found the plastic for miter slots super cheap. Sam's Club food industry preparation area has heavy cutting boards of that plastic!

[@munch15a]

Question how would I adapt this to do a semi circle I thought of doing a circle and cutting it in half but I think this would be highly unsafe.

[@duczman76]

if you attach the circle to a sliding carriage with a toggle clamp and then cut it in half, it should actually be less dangerous -for possible damage to humans and machines i assume no liability-

[@winedaddy]

Excellent, thank you. How small a circle (diameter) do you think one can safely cut this way?

[@markw3598]

How close do you like your fingers to the blade?

[@Assimilator702]

Ric Ferrentino At a certain point wouldn’t it be more wise to use a hole saw on a drill? Seriously a ROUTER with a circle jig is the proper method of cutting a circle.

[@marlontomera]

Where do you purchase your plastic that you use for your miter slot?

[@guyh.4553]

I have a question for you Collin. We have a Craftsman table saw. The miter groove has a few small tabs in it to keep the push bar from jumping up. What would be your recommendation for this to apply it to this jig?

[@herbsu4330]

Just cut the strip so there is no slop side to side.

[@muchelaguito]

When you are in the final stage, rounding the circle, you should clamp the base of the jig. By accident, while putting your weight on the board, the whole thing may slide forward and you can cut your hands or worse.

[@ccccen]

If I want a 14 1/2 Dia circle would I put the measurement up to the blade

[@rty1955]

Carl Zorro. No because the sled had been cut already by the saw blade, therefore the edge of the sled is the same measurement as the tooth edge to the center of the circle. Much more accurate .measurement as well

[@jdsbeau1]

should mention the size limit of the circle possible ? I wanted to make one 26 inches.

[@MikeTheSith200]

Are the plastic runners UHMW? They are not inexpensive here in IL. Sheets are upwards of $100 and two three foot bars are about $30

[@darshandhanowa6631]

👌👌