Thread: Best method of circle cutting

I would make up circle jig for the band saw and use a fine tooth blade. Taping along the underside of the pathway will minimise tar out.

Thanks Bob. The smallest bandsaw blade I have is a 1/2” with 3tpi bimetal blade, and that is not smooth enough.

Originally Posted by Dengue

Thanks Bob. The smallest bandsaw blade I have is a 1/2” with 3tpi bimetal blade, and that is not smooth enough.

Yeah the lowest TPI I would go for is 6 TPI

G'Day Joe, I recently purchased a Milescraft Router Jig the same as in this post.

Product Review - Milescraft Router Circle Cutting Guide Kit

Cheers, peter

Thanks Crowie, some great information there. What sort of router bit do you recommend so there is no tear out on the vertical surface of the 300mm diameter plate I cut?

The kit comes with a router bit, from memory 1/4" shanks by 1/4" straight bit

I think that you are on the right track, Dengy.

A spiral bit is almost always better than a straight cut router bit. In my view, the secret is to keep the router passes very light. Get too agressive and you will risk tear out, chatter or burning.

If you have a spare piece of timber practice on that first, with a circle you are always going to get 2 lots of end grain to deal with regardless of how cranky the grain might be. When using the router on the spare piece try flipping the piece over if you get tear out in one direction, this will allow you to see if running in the other direction will give you a better result