Cutting circles with the router

**BarryBurgess** · 19th September 2005, 06:10 PM

I usually cut circles using the method similar to the one described in the September triton newsletter. I desided this weekend to try the circle cutting option(jig) that comes with the router First I found it a pain to remove the router from the table and refit the plunger spring. Second the triton jig only allowed circles up to 250mm so I cut a strip of hardwood to fit in and extend the range to a 600mm diameter. I was starting to make the circles for the Bil Pentz's cyclone with a frame similar to the one from Stev in Tokyo so more semi circles to cut.
I found that cutting from above was much easier than cutting in thr Router table - far less pressure was required. It was far quicker to change the diameter and do final tweeks. I did not do any rough cuts just cut swuares on the WC
If I only had a single circle to cut I would do it in the router table but for more I would use the router jig.

**doug the slug** · 19th September 2005, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by BarryBurgess

If I only had a single circle to cut I would do it in the router table but for more I would use the router jig.

Hi Barry, i find the circle cutting jig to be good value and i will use it for even one circle. however i find the same piece of kit with the fence attached for edgework etc is not a good tool as it distorts whan you tighten the fence clamps. Hence i use the triton for tablework and circle cutting and my old makita for everything else

**alspine** · 23rd September 2005, 09:29 AM

hi barry

after reading your thread i was wondering if you would be able to send me a pic of what you have done.
i cut circles on a regular bases this includes cutting a circle in side a circle. you can see what i mean by visiting my web site at www.alspine.com.au there you will see that i have made some wishing wells the small ones are the design i use now. so i am interested to see who you over come this problem. i simply made a gig that attaches to the slide board on my router table and then i can adjust the size of the circle simply by moving the slide back and forth.
intersted in your reponse.

regads
al

**Gumby** · 23rd September 2005, 09:37 AM

Back again Al ?

I thought you were giving us a wide berth :confused:

**alspine** · 23rd September 2005, 09:42 AM

unbelivable as it may seem but some times i actualy find some intelegent threads on this site although it doesn't happen often some times they are there.

**Gumby** · 23rd September 2005, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by alspine

unbelivable as it may seem but some times i actualy find some intelegent threads on this site although it doesn't happen often some times they are there.

Well then, this time you'll have to more careful before shooting off at everybody won't you. There may be some intelegent (sic) posters here after all

**Sprog** · 23rd September 2005, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by doug the slug

however i find the same piece of kit with the fence attached for edgework etc is not a good tool as it distorts when you tighten the fence clamps.

Hi Doug,

I am curious as to how you manage to distort the fence plate or fence. It is 2mm thick and the corrugations on the plate give it rigidity. I find it to be very firm and do not experience the same, so was wondering what the difference was.

**doug the slug** · 23rd September 2005, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Sprog

Hi Doug,

I am curious as to how you manage to distort the fence plate or fence. It is 2mm thick and the corrugations on the plate give it rigidity. I find it to be very firm and do not experience the same, so was wondering what the difference was.

with the router attached to the base/circle jig attach the fence, watch the circle jig cup along its length as you tighten the fence clamps

**Sprog** · 23rd September 2005, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by doug the slug

with the router attached to the base/circle jig attach the fence, watch the circle jig cup along its length as you tighten the fence clamps

Hi Doug,
Just went to the shed and fitted the fence to the plate, you are right there is some deflection.
On the short side of the plate (end closest to the collet) there was some deflection but was so small I could not measure it.
On the long side of the plate the deflection was .1mm (.004") which although it is visible I do not think it is excessive or anything worry about.

**doug the slug** · 23rd September 2005, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by Sprog

Hi Doug,
Just went to the shed and fitted the fence to the plate, you are right there is some deflection.
On the short side of the plate (end closest to the collet) there was some deflection but was so small I could not measure it.
On the long side of the plate the deflection was .1mm (.004") which although it is visible I do not think it is excessive or anything worry about.

Hi Sprog,

maybe i tighten the fence clampstighter than you do cos i get a lot more defelection than that. generally i agree that it makes little difference to the actual accuracy of the work as you check the setup before the cut. however it was sufficient to make me rethink the mortising jig i'm making. now im making it for the old makita, whose fence is far more stable. i guess i expected more from an accessory supplied with such a quality router at a high price

**BarryBurgess** · 23rd September 2005, 10:21 PM

Alspine I am not near my workshop at the moment so I will post a picture this weekend. It is very simple
Barry

**Auld Bassoon** · 24th September 2005, 09:08 PM

Hi all,

Maybe I'm missing the point here, but cutting circles is much easier on the bandsaw than with a router...

Even free hand...

Cheers!

**doug the slug** · 24th September 2005, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Auld Bassoon

Hi all,

Maybe I'm missing the point here, but cutting circles is much easier on the bandsaw than with a router...

Even free hand...

Cheers!

Maybe so auld bassoon, but not EVERYONE can have EVERYTHING in their workshop, some of us have space and financial constraints.

further, this is a triton forum and to the best of my knowledge Triton havent brought out a bandsaw yet

**Auld Bassoon** · 24th September 2005, 09:30 PM

And why not eh? Just attach a short B/s blade to the router collet, and the other end on a handy roller, throw in a guide or two, and there you have it

**BarryBurgess** · 24th September 2005, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by Auld Bassoon

Hi all,

Maybe I'm missing the point here, but cutting circles is much easier on the bandsaw than with a router...

Even free hand...

Cheers!

With your band saw how do you conter sink a circle into a piece of MDF or sheeting??
Or how do I cut a circle within a circle??
I am making Bill Pentz's cyclone blower and could not do it with a bandsaw -can you??

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