I tried 6 different ways to cut circles and 2 surprised me

[@mxpants4884]

As someone just starting out... Thanks for showing options for folks who don't (yet) have a full set of tools

[@chofbrighton7014]

For a recent project I had to cut 48 circles to make train wheels. I built and utilized a table saw circle cutting jig. This was a lot of work however this method worked well. Appreciate this valuable information you shared. Excellent!

[@kz.irudimen]

Pretty comprehensive video, everyone should find a way that works for them in here :) Thanks

[@MWAWoodworks]

That's my main goal. Give all the options!

[@aarontrujillo2048]

This is the most comprehensive video on circle cutting in woodworking... and there is a lot of videos, so THANK YOU!!!!

[@VitalityMassage]

This for sure answered my question. Thanks.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome 😎

[@kevinbourke7800]

Appreciate the clear review of methods… and the ingenuity within the jigsaw approach!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks Kevin! I was hoping it would work and it worked well 👍

[@chofbrighton7014]

I've actually never cut circles with a table saw. However I have a little project of making wood wheels for an outdoor large train playset. This method is effective and worked well. Appreciate your sharing your knowledge on this technique. Awesome!

[@TheLastPharm]

Really, really good overview of different options available to small shop owners. I loved your tip on making a trough with the router first, then using a jig saw, then finishing with the router. That would be my go to method in most cases. I have good dust extraction here so that's not so much an issue. Great job, my friend 👍

[@cuebj]

A very long time ago, when the world was young, I used the jigsaw method. Score the cut line with your scoring tool held tight by whatever means works for you. Fresh top quality rigid blade. My green Bosch had clear plastic inserts for reducing tear-out, and you could buy packs of replacements. I recently saw a KZbin video about making your own tear-out eliminator. This worked well, even in melamine. When I got a router, I used that. Until seeing this video, I'd forgotten about the jigsaw. Truth be told, until doing a recent jib for daughter, I'd forgotten I even had the jigsaw!

[@USEER-bxleo]

7:55 You dont have to drill the work piece. Just take a piece of 1mm thick tin, put a screw in it and use double sided tapes to secure it in the center. the screw is the guide for your compass.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thats right! I thought i did that at some point in that video? Too long ago, cant remember 🤣

[@PCPAyLOAD]

Making a bunch of round candle stands for a client. That Band Saw jig is an excellent time saver. Will definitely be making one thank you!

[@jacksonlung7072]

Very clever professional wood master👍

[@qzwxecrv0192837465]

The bandsaw method is great for wide blade options. I have a 2 small band saws and the blade deflection can be an issue.

[@PeteSimpson]

Thank you for this video, I learnt something new today. I'm a home DIYer with a 10x10 work area. I personally use the table saw method (but with a different design of my own making) as I do not have a band saw. 2 years ago I watched lots of videos on how to make circles out of wood and I must say that until 5 minutes ago I've never ever seen the jigsaw method before, that was impressive Thank you...

[@lilred312benett6]

Thank you for making this video. The instruction and detail is exactly what I need. I am today years old when I learned I need a tremmel.

[@TheLastPharm]

Trammel, just in case you want to google more info.

[@jaykepley5238]

Great video! I recently cut out a bunch of circles using a Makita palm router. Using an upcut spiral bit and dust collection, there was no dust. I mean zero dust. It surprised me. Really enjoy your channel. One of my very favorites. Happy holidays!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you Jay! Happy holidays to you too!

[@sparky9864]

Thank you! Clear and concise for all methods. Well done!

[@MWAWoodworks]

😃

[@michaelcarroll4330]

Excellent presentation - especially of the ‘no centre hole’ version of the band saw method - really useful. Thank you 👍👏

[@skipanardoross6805]

I was happy to see others comment on the jig saw & trammel(?) method. Even though he refers to it as a beginner or budget method, my immediate thought was that it is a great idea for anyone that doesn't have CNC. It was good to see I wasn't the only one thinking that way.

[@gerrysmith5597]

I used the table saw method and was very impressed at the finish it gave me.

[@averagejoesworkshop]

Having not watched the whole video yet, I used my Shaper Origin to cut a circle. Then finished it on the bandsaw and flush trim bit. Couple of positives. Any size circle, no hole, dust control, and I used a core box bit to cut a juice groove prior to finishing the main circle cut. Pretty slick, albeit expensive tool.

[@MWAWoodworks]

I need to try the Shaper. Looks like a cool handheld CNC!

[@lightupeventhire7371]

simple, too the point and without the waffle - good video.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you 😊

[@rev.matthewfontana7448]

I can understand the hole being the safest way to secure the center compared to double sided tape. If you wanted to apply a piece of wood below the center point of the jig with accommodations to the center pin and a piece configured to the router side, using tape that's strong enough and (this would apply more to myself) eliminating all of the dust possible could prevent the placement of a hole in the center of the circle.

[@justinjamison1414]

Clear, concise advice for me, a beginner. Thank you!

[@brendanlangord1687]

I loved this video. I knew about the concept of the table saw method, but had never seen it done. I had never seen the jigsaw one with the jig, simple concept and so easy. Thanks for sharing.

[@BrattonBuilt]

Two sided tape for the runner!! I made one and used super glue that didn't hold in my freezing shop. Great tip, thanks! I just used the table saw method to make a 22" diameter lazy susan and it turned out great. I think the table saw is great for making large circles. I first attempted to make the cut with the jig saw method and failed. I did a small test cut on plywood and it worked great, but when cutting one inch hardwood the blade just didn't cut it. Thanks for a fantastic video!

[@MANJITSINGH-ko2oi]

HI mat really really good. I learnt a lot today. thank u so much.

[@MCsCreations]

Really great tips, Matt! 😃 Thanks a lot!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@MWAWoodworks]

🙌

[@HandkissedbyNese]

I love these tips. Thank you so much for the demonstration along with detail information

[@MWAWoodworks]

You're welcome!

[@BradKane1]

Liked that a lot, I've used the router trammel / compass method up to 6feet for a rounded end of a kitchen island. that's my go to for larger apps, I loved the jig saw idea though, nice work !!

[@mulgerbill]

Really wish I had room for a CNC. I'll have a go at creating a jigsaw trammel, the edge will need rounding over so a bit of tearout isn't a problem Thanks for the tips!

[@TheLaLaFarm]

Enjoyed this video - Nice job. I liked that you explored all the various options. Never seen the table saw method.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah neither had I!

[@tonyd1149]

That band saw table is the best: safe, fast, quiet, versatile. (I guess that's why they're so expensive). Thank you for making this very informative and instructive video. God[Bible] Bless you.

[@Marcus_Caius]

Great video, thanks for sharing. For the Router circle jig, I would use a piece of foam underneat the lumber.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Very well done video, thank you for sharing these techniques !

[@SwearingenTurnings]

I started making circles with the band saw jig but didn't like the rough edge. Then I found the router trammel and fell in love. It's messier and a bit slower, but for making big table tops, it's my go-to. Great video. Thanks for putting it out.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah for sure that's the best way for big circles

[@saltydawg5489]

i cut my big circles on the bandsaw first then go around again with my router jig, that cleans up the edge, i usually make circles out of plywood, i cut thin edge banding out of solid wood (soak them and bend them around in a circle and let them dry) then use the circle offcuts with clamps to glue the edge banding in place

[@camchatsky]

Wow, that video was really useful! Good luck!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks!

[@AJ-ln4sm]

I made a table saw circle jig, I just use a piece of 1/8 inch finish nail for the pivot. Pretty small hole in the center of my workpiece.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah you can do that too!

[@stevenlarson6125]

I've seen similar jigs as your bandsaw one, used on the ridgid oscillating sander to take care of the bandsaw marks. It just has a slider and knob for adjustment to just barely touch the sandpaper

[@MWAWoodworks]

So you're using something to cut away the majority of the waste and then using the sanding jig to refine the final circle?

[@stevenlarson6125]

@@MWAWoodworks I haven't done it, just seen it... but yes.. you can cut away the bulk with the bandsaw, or even use your BS circle jig to make it mostly round with the rough edge.... then use a jig on the sander that has a slider on it to fine tune adjustment.... slowly turn the circle, just like you did with the tablesaw,. I don't remember which youtuber I saw do it.

[@tristendupuis9941]

Have you tried using a scroll blade for the jigsaw method to help with the tearout?

[@MWAWoodworks]

I have not

[@peterjf7723]

Some very good ideas there. I am already thinking of uses for wooden circles. How would you go about making a circular frame?

[@MWAWoodworks]

After you cut the first outer circle, reduce the radius of the jig by 2x the width you want the remaining ring to be and then cut the second inner circle. However make sure the inner and outer area is secured (maybe 2 sided tape?) so you don't damage it when the inner circle separates from the outer ring.

[@peterjf7723]

@@MWAWoodworksThank you.

[@dukeengine1339]

I have another method. Did a frame for a clock but wanted to make it look nicer. The external side you do it with the table router, but inside? I made a jig with two straight sides at 90 degrees, the circumference centers itself on that borders and you can turn it to create nice shapes!

[@robw95]

Great video, liked and subscribed! I think that I am going to give the jigsaw method a try and put down some painters tape on the circle path to prevent tearout.

[@Normal1855]

I like all these ideas. Right now I'm building a circle jig for my bandsaw. I can't cut large circles though. I'll be building a jig for my table saw, and router. I'm holding off on the jig saw, because my blades have too much flex.

[@C11ffH4ng3r]

I'm making the jigsaw jig but with a zero clearance slot for the blade. Using a sharp and fine tooth blad should minimise the tear-out?

[@tonydavis6487]

A little bit quicker technique with the router. You can cut all the way thru the piece, just leave little tabs...3 or 4 little tabs so the piece is still secure. Basically plunge your router all the way thru and when you get to the 3,6,9,12 o'clock positions, lift the router and leave a little tab. That way you don't have so much to cut with a jigsaw and clean up. Great video though. I love that bandsaw jig. Super fast!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah that's pretty much how my CNC works no reason not to do the same with a router!

[@linusgallitzin]

Will try the first method with a cross cut jig for a circular saw. I only need small diameter circles 12” or less. A clean edge would be a nice bonus. Thank you.

[@Pseudify]

I like that the blade on a table saw is much more rigid than a bandsaw or jigsaw. The thing I don’t like about the table saw is the amount of cuts (i.e. dust) you have to make. The bandsaw and jigsaw would seem to be the best in terms of dust-making.

[@kermitfrog6350]

Norm Abram demonstrated a bandsaw extension jig for cutting a circle of any size just by placing the center pivot on a floor supported arm. However, the size of the table can determine if it's safer and wiser to bring the tool to the wood, e.g., the router method; or the wood to the tool e.g., bandsaw or table saw methods. Great video! I've not seen a decent jig saw circle jig like yours. Thanks!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah doing really large circles on a band saw really is a 2 man job

[@CReevesMakes]

Great tips Matt! I need to make a bandsaw jig now! 🤘🏻

[@chrisnash2154]

I was really surprised at how well the table saw method worked! I use the router method. #7 could be using a table router. Similar to the jig, but you bring the work to the table like you did with the table saw.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yes! Very true.

[@saddle1940]

Not sure if this would work but as you make the jigsaw trammel (?), don't drill the blade hole and leave the back-side of the retainer box off. Run the jigsaw as you side it into the box which makes a blade width slot up to the front. Screw the back on and this should limit the tearout on the top of the work piece.

[@TobyIKanoby]

I mostly make speaker boxes, which basically means circle cutouts with counter sunk edges (that's the right term?) for flush mounting the drivers. So only the router (or CNC) method makes sense. What I am trying to say here is: go for the router method, it is more versatile than the others. Also I would recommend to make a little slide in the jig for more precision than just holes. I guess if I ever start making many pieces of the same design I would just make templates (or get a CNC).

[@bwhite661]

I have to cut an inside hole and it will be production based so I have to figure out the most efficient way to cut it. I'm thinking of making a template first, then hand cutting the hole slightly larger with a jigsaw and then finishing it off with a flush trim router bit. Do you have a router bit you recommend? I think the double bearing bit seems like it provide the most flexibility. Thanks for showing all of the various options - extremely useful as I might be using at least a couple of them for my elevated dog dish projects.

[@bwhite661]

You have a link to the single bearing bit but not the double one you used in the video.

[@crowznest438]

So many good ideas!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks 😊

[@ralphglass4837]

I was wondering how I would cut a teak disc to a size larger than my hole saws, and the table saw method worked great. KZbin FTW yet again, and thanks for that!

[@makermark67]

Great tips! Thanks for this one

[@natalirivero467]

Hey, jigsaw method looks great, a quality jigsaw, with a high TPI, dual sided blade from a top brand should do the trick. Do you happen to have more specs for the jig (guide) you used?

[@PeterFreese]

All of these methods were evaluated for the feasibility of cutting a circle where the circle is the end product. I'm curious about thoughts for cutting circles of various sizes where the hole is the desired end product. Obviously for smaller circles one can use Forstner bits and hole saws. What do you like to use for larger holes?

[@rajrooplal7595]

Enjoyed watching the video

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you Raj!

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

That was pretty thorough.

[@Hvn1957]

Great compilation! In our shop we’ve used the bandsaw and router methods quite a bit. I favor routers, but I cut down into a sacrificial piece. I don’t like adding the step with the flush trim bit. That’s just personal preference. I’ve heard of the table saw method but never tried it - very cool… I will definitely give it a go. Love the saber saw idea. It never even crossed my mind 😅. That’s definitely on deck for a try. Last comment: I always make my trammels out of 12mm Baltic. I’ve had occasional issues with deflection using the thinner, more flexible material. Love the video and the channel! PS: Whoever said CNC isn’t “real” woodworking, is an idiot, and probably hasn’t ever had to work in a real pressure-filled production environment. A tool is a tool.

[@davidcole333]

Big difference between production and home shops. Cnc machines belong in production shops. Btw hoss...a different opinion does mean someone's an idiot, it means they have a different opinion. Stay civil.

[@BenNawrath]

Great video! I wonder, if maybe combining the router and jig/bandsaw methods a little differently could be just as good but less messy. Cut a circle on the band saw 1/4” bigger than you need, then use the router on a trammel to cut the final diameter. You still get that great cut, but maybe a much smaller mess. Bonus if you can do the router cuts over a downdraft table or something.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Great ideas!

[@BenNawrath]

@@MWAWoodworks sharing is caring. Lol

[@PaulO-mv6ku]

Very helpful - thanks.

[@jassemalhussaini6802]

Great presentation

[@BaddRyan]

Super helpful - thanks!

[@tommccurnin524]

Good Video, Takes for Taking the Time to Make the Video I would not recommend using a jig saw for cutting circles as demonstrated as one method in this video. The blade is unsupported for about an inch or two, even on the best of jig saws and may flex causing the circle to be out of whack. I recommend the router technique and plunge all the way, and don't worry about tear out if you place painters tape on the outline of the circle on the underside.

[@buhuhuh7757]

Masking tape out the circle when using the jig saw to prevent the edges from blowing out

[@kenhenninger5173]

I made this jig drew my circle with it but my dewalt jag saw will not track on the line. The saw is 90⁰ from the holes ????

[@freekg62]

I have the same problem. The film starts with the completed base plate with the hole for the jig saw and the little holes. Bit it is not explained how to line it up 90 degrees to the jig saw.

[@nhaxanhhanoi7060]

Thanks alot for your video,hope to see more videos from you

[@guystewart9554]

want to see one about cutting holes like for speakers.

[@ericdudley608]

Love your video. What is the biggest size circle can you cut on a 9" band saw

[@kermitfrog6350]

Only limited by your shop floor size. See Norm Abram's bandsaw cirlce cutting jig. Of course, you might need to rough cut corners based on the throat capacity of your band saw and your board size relative to the circle.

[@mikedisimile2478]

Great job explaining everything thank you

[@raimonds6719]

Which modell of CNC you have, Thank you

[@upnorthoffcuts929]

Great presentation Matt. My Preferred method is the table saw. I have however been meaning to make a jig for the band saw and one for one of my palm routers. Thanks for the great content and Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@willdabeest34]

I'm trying to use the jigsaw method, but can't seem to get the blade to stop bending. Within the first inch I notice the bend. I'm cutting 1/4" birch with a Diablo fast wood blade. Any suggestions??

[@jenniferbutler6797]

I have watched this many times. I bought my router and wood to start making some home decor. When you Finished did you drill a hole In the board that you’re cutting? I went back and watched it a few more times and I didn’t hear nor see you say anything. Also do you have measurements for the length of your birch used to make the trammel? Every detail of cutting with the router and trammel. I’ll continue following. If you’re willing to share tips/ tricks that would be. Thank you.

[@jhutch1265]

I like ed your presentation style. I have used all of these except the table saw and I will try that at some point. CNC is total off the table for me even if I could afford it. My only issue is where your band saw guard was set. That's just a an invitation for losing a finger. Besides, with the guard down the guide bushings or rollers will help keep the blade from flexing. Great presentation anyway.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Glad you liked the video!

[@jdsbeau1]

Largest circle size on a table saw ? Thanks.

[@brkooduh66]

cool. i think the jigsaw method is gonna work for me to cut out a 12" OD in sheetmetal

[@risabetcoxnet]

Would a thinner bandsaw blade with a higher tooth count give a smoother edge?

[@MWAWoodworks]

Possibly. You'd have to cut much slower though and risk breaking the blade depending on the material being cut

[@selianboy8508]

Simply create a zero-clearance plate for your jigsaw... voila... no tear out! The rest of your gig then remains the same as the one you demoed. You will also get an exact point of reference (the zero-clearance gap) as to where your blade is going to cut, as a bonus... just cut a large enough diameter hole behind it so that you can see this and also so that you can easily slip your jigsaw into your jig. Other alternatives are to simply to use down-cut or up-cut blades - but this way your 'tear-out' side will need to never be visible. With a zero-clearance base for your jigsaw you have a very safe method and a perfectly clean cut.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Excellent tips!

[@ernelonso]

Beautiful ideas....

[@rudyswoodwork7236]

I like the band saw method and table saw

[@SpartanORGN]

One thing to point out with the table saw method, you did it the correct way by cutting it down as small as possible before spinning it on the blade. There is the video someone tried to do that without as much patience and the workpiece caught on the blade and pulled their hand straight into the blade. Luckily for them they had a saw stop, but I personally wouldn't want my hands anywhere near that thing I was doing anything that wasn't a straight cut.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah I would use a push paddle to protect the hands from that incident

[@nanoIQ]

Any plans for all the circle pieces you now have? :)

[@MWAWoodworks]

Hahaha maybe I'll invent a new game or something. Or just leave them in the corner of the shop (probably the latter) 😂

[@4n2earth22]

Bosh makes a killer up-down cut jig saw blade that has replaced almost every other wood cut blade I use. The teeth are configured so the upper teeth on the blade cut downward, and the lower teeth cut upward. They are not fast, but boy! are they clean. Check it out if you get a chance.

[@MWAWoodworks]

I'll have to check that out!

[@lifeisgood070]

What kind of 2sided tape?

[@davidcole333]

Norm Abram in his early episodes had a bandsaw jig for circles. He used it over the years to cut some pretty massive circles.

[@bentucker1377]

It’s my favorite way

[@markduggan3451]

Great information.

[@daveerickson5313]

You like your battery dewalt router?

[@MWAWoodworks]

Love it!

[@isaacpinielo]

I've tried that method using a jigsaw but all the time the blade was bending and not giving a clean circle. I'd like to try the router method.

[@bobcougar77]

Good stuff. I use the tablesaw. I was shown to just drive a small finish nail in the sled then clip it off with side nippers. Works like a charm. I will say the table saw method is DANGEROUS. Don't lose focus and for Christ's sake, rotate the workpiece towards the blade, not the other way around.

[@tyson822]

Anyone tey the sled method with a table saw mounted router? Typically table mounted routers are larger and could so more than 1/8” per pass and duat collection is a bit more effecrive. I may try it, just wondering if anyone has done it?

[@To-Lo77]

Another possibility is buying what you need from a big box store for anyone getting starters with very limited tools and don’t know how to use these tools, yet! But in a pinch, not a bad alternative 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@PatrickWilliamShaw]

When did you stop making choppers and start working with wood? 😂😂😂 Great stuff Bud.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Had to close down the chopper business. Inflation and all... 😂😂😂

[@PaganWizard]

There are two alternative ways to cut cleaner holes on the band saw. The first would be to try a different blade, you can go with a higher TPI, or a 1/4 or 1/8 inch blade, or both. Optionally, you could cut your circle a bit larger than needed, and sand down to your desired diameter. To get to your desired diameter, use a pencil to mark where your circle needs to be so that, when sanding time comes (YAY!!!) you know where to stop.

[@kermitfrog6350]

You can also spin the circle slowly a couple more times along the bansaw blade to clean up the saw kerf ridges...

[@LordPadriac]

I prefer to crank my table saw blade up all the way and toss the square circle blank from across the room like a frisbee making sure to get enough rotation on the blank to see it rotate all the way around when it hits the blade. The key is not use a normal blade but one of those chippers from the cheapo dado sets that only has two teeth on it. Those really do the trick. It's a secret I've lept for many years but now you can all use it in your own shops. You welcome.

[@MWAWoodworks]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 just get the right English on it and it will whip the finished circle right back at ya 🤣🤣😂

[@mark-stefaniw]

... and just like that, I've got another circle ...

[@askme2469]

This is awesome for a beginner, and also awesome because its not full of fluff and begging to subscribe and filler.

[@lapisredux]

just put a bench same height as bandsaw table in place to support and rotate workpiece and then you can cut huge circles with the bandsaw.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah that's true but typically that's a two man job done in a production shop not something a single person would attempt in a garage when there are much easier options available 👍

[@lianium]

I made an adjustable circle cutter for jigsaw . Link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XEfpdnfK-qaKM

[@MWAWoodworks]

Cool bro