Precision Circle Cutting Jig

Cutting a perfect circle freehand is just about impossible. You'll get much better results using a classic jig that allows you to rotate the workpiece on a nail or dowel-a "pivot pin." There's a new twist on this jig: The pivot pin is housed in a sliding runner. To make a circle of any radius, you simply adjust the runner's position. This video shows how the jig works and all the steps in building one.

[@gypsyphil]

You know what I really like about your videos ? I really appreciate the the clarity of your speech, the speed of your your speech and how you explain your procedures with clarity and simplicity, I am 61 and partially deaf in one ear and I understand you perfectly well and I always learn so much from your presentations. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Thank you for being so thorough with your explanation. I followed it right up to the end!

[@steveho9884]

i made the slot for pivot point on router table. and i made everything with mitersaw and scrollsaw. and good job.

[@ibidesign]

You actually make this sort of thing fun to watch, even while instructing. Great job!

[@ziggydog24]

Thanks for a really good tutorial. Will be making one tomorrow. Really appreciate your time, thanks again.

[@gipsymoth2]

You are a great instructor! Please keep up the great videos. Love your enthusiasm.

[@EMTdrummer]

Good quality video. Only problem with this jig is that you can only do small circles as the clamp will limit the outer edge of your wood circle. thanks

[@elico900]

I did like your advice, okay. Thank You

[@valborchardt3596]

Thanks mike. Have just seen this

[@evfred]

very good will have a shot at as well. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@17837]

An *outstanding* presentation !

[@rinogodbout4855]

Excellent and simple!

[@TeracomConsulting]

Excellent teaching style and instructions. Subscribed.

[@edwardgant8393]

nice jig thanks enjoyed the video

[@superturrim]

I'm pretty new to this, but had a thought while watching. Is there any big disadvantage to cutting dado only halfway across, not quite to the bandsaw blade? There would be a limit to how small you could make a circle (1 inch maybe), depending on where the dado stopped. But you also wouldn't need the zero clearance piece because the blade would be snugly in the slot of the plywood, with no dado undermining it. You might want to cut the dado with a router if the cut stopped partway through right?

[@evdorsey]

Going to do this! First application: giant (5") checkers for grandchildren's checkerboard! Thanks.

[@curtisfairbanks1806]

nice video, would be nice to combine circle jig with your band saw fence! ence

[@4vinos]

Great vid. Where can I get an apron similar to yours? What is the purpose of the "zero" gage? You just place it on the end of your main sliding hardwood jig.

[@robira1313]

What keeps the center pin from sliding while cutting? It doesn't seem to be secured to not slide. ? Otherwise, great video. You're a great teacher.

[@THSurvivalGear]

That was a pretty cool video and I really liked how you used a t-track as an extension for your guide pins for larger panels etc. The only problem is I dont speak Polish. hahaha. You've got a really nice workshop though... I would like to know more about your planer

[@d.i.d]

Base must be bigger, that's all. I think I'll do the same jig tommorow for myself ;)

[@ShaukatHakim]

thumbs up...

[@BarryStaes]

14:22 lol @ "have to use my built in glue spreader here" XD

[@mikepruett1745]

i have a 14' saw and do bowl blanks that are 6in sometimes if i do the plywood base i loose height and thats my max height

[@stoney1rj]

Can this be used on cutting blanks from logs for turning? ?

[@GeraldJensen]

I would think a better solution would be to make a slot in the part with the pivot pin so it could slide in/out and lock down with a knob undernneath.

[@robira1313]

Never mind my previous entry. I should've watched the whole video first! I see the clamp now.

[@GeraldJensen]

How would you cut a 30" circle? The part with the pivot pin needs to be clamped down, but with a larger workpiece, you'd have no room to clamp.

[@Tamaralpace]

I made this jig very similar to this. I'm trying to cut 5.5" circles to use 3" lazy Susan brackets so they can turn.. However my circles keep on coming out slightly oblong making it wobble when u spin it. I made sure the blade is tightened as much as possible and the front of the blade is center in the pin. Any other suggestions?

[@cdouglas1942]

when I had this happen I concluded my blade was not sharp. Usually when cutting on bandsaw you can steer the wood to compensate for imperfect blade. Here, wood is fixed and blade goes where it wants.

[@4486igi]

Pincenter should be more backwards, bottom of teeth or maybe more. That small circle needs 6mm or less wide band. Sorry but here in civilized world we don´t have quarter " button in keyboard. Have fun with Trump

[@cesguzman1971]

en español?

[@4vinos]

Oh, now I know why there is a zero clearance plate.

[@d.i.d]

Ok, here it is, my answer for this great jig. What you think guys? /watch?v=BKWQ0s3MKPU

[@johnstarkie9948]

It’s not a circle, it’s a ring. It has a hole in the middle.

[@NiceTubeAccount]

but the question is how to make perfect circle without expensive tools

[@chrisgriffith1573]

String tied to a swivel pin and knife. Good luck, might take a lot longer.