Project Information
This circle cutting jig is from ShopNotes volume 19 issue 113
The aluminum bar used in this jig was bought from Homedepot. It is 1/4" thick and 1" wide. They sell it in 36" and 96" length.
few modifications were done to the original jig:
-The size of jig was changed to accomodate my bandsaw
-The size of the adjustable radius bar to accomodate up to 60" in diameter (by flipping the bar 180 degree)
-The use of screw insert
-The hold down to attach it to the bandsaw. I added one in the back of the jig as well to help with larger circles.
The first step in building this jig was to cut a piece of plywood that fits your bandsaw.
I decided to use some plastic laminate on the top that I glued on with contact cement.
I did not have a large enough piece so I used 2 smaller pieces. I also did not have a laminate trim bit so I have a visible line in the midle
I Used a flush trim bit to get rid off the excess laminate and a roundover bit to get rid off the sharp edges.
Bottom dado on the bottom for the sliding mitter.
Groove 1" wide centered on the line perpendicular to the blade to hold the bar that sets the radius.
Holes drilled and tapped 1.5" on center.
Small nail used as the pivot.
Slot to allow the bar to slide and set the radius of the circle you want to cut.
Stop block with screw to fine tune the pivot and blade perpendicularity. I used a length of threaded rod with an electric cap on it.
Block to secure the jig to the bandsaw so it does not move during the circle cut.
Hold down on the back to make more stable when cutting larger circles. I used some of the aluminum bar I roughly bended.
Now I can cut great circles .
Comment /remarks, critics always welcomed.
The aluminum bar used in this jig was bought from Homedepot. It is 1/4" thick and 1" wide. They sell it in 36" and 96" length.
few modifications were done to the original jig:
-The size of jig was changed to accomodate my bandsaw
-The size of the adjustable radius bar to accomodate up to 60" in diameter (by flipping the bar 180 degree)
-The use of screw insert
-The hold down to attach it to the bandsaw. I added one in the back of the jig as well to help with larger circles.
The first step in building this jig was to cut a piece of plywood that fits your bandsaw.
I decided to use some plastic laminate on the top that I glued on with contact cement.
I did not have a large enough piece so I used 2 smaller pieces. I also did not have a laminate trim bit so I have a visible line in the midle
I Used a flush trim bit to get rid off the excess laminate and a roundover bit to get rid off the sharp edges.
Bottom dado on the bottom for the sliding mitter.
Groove 1" wide centered on the line perpendicular to the blade to hold the bar that sets the radius.
Holes drilled and tapped 1.5" on center.
Small nail used as the pivot.
Slot to allow the bar to slide and set the radius of the circle you want to cut.
Stop block with screw to fine tune the pivot and blade perpendicularity. I used a length of threaded rod with an electric cap on it.
Block to secure the jig to the bandsaw so it does not move during the circle cut.
Hold down on the back to make more stable when cutting larger circles. I used some of the aluminum bar I roughly bended.
Now I can cut great circles .
Comment /remarks, critics always welcomed.