Cutting Circles

[cflansbaum]

Hello all...

As a relative newcomer to woodworking, I have yet to do any substantial project involving large circles, however a coupon I gave my wife last Christmas for "one woodworking project" is being redeemed for a 3 level circular table for her office.

I've been looking at a number of ways to cut circles, via a bandsaw jig, using a motorized lift in my router table (which I don't have), the router buddy from infinity tools, or building some type of jig for my festool router.

I've previously looked a little at the MFS and found it interesting, but haven't considered purchasing it yet.  However I do see that one can cut circles with it, so this may suit my needs.  The manual is of little help, but jerry's guide does give more info, however I'm still a little unclear as to how easy, secure, flexible it is to cut circles with it (as well as any additional items I would need).

So what do you guys use to cut circles?

Thanks

Carl

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've got a few questions for you, what size circles are talking about, what Festool router to you have and do you have a any other need for the MFS?

 

[Paul Franklin]

Carl

The MFS would be great for cutting circles, and many other things, but I would consider (If I was you) to make a wooden template, and save the money to buy another Festool product.
I own one and it is great, but does not get used enough.

Regards
Paul

 

[Paul Franklin]

Carl

I notice that you are in the NW, I am in Everett WA, You would be welcome to come and use mine if you want to.

Just send me an email.

Regards

Paul

 

[cflansbaum]

thanks guys

Brice -- Probably the largest one would be about 18"; I have the OF 1400 EQ.  p.s. I'm originally from pittsburgh so I enjoy seeing the pic with your posts...

Paul - thanks!  I'm up in bellingham so not too far away, I may take you up on your offer!

c.

 

[Brice Burrell]

  I like Paul's idea about making your own jig, could be 1/4" ply, MDF or make a nice one from acrylic.

  Two other Festool options. Jigsaw and OF1010 (for those of you that have these tools)with the circle cutting attachments.

  Carl, here is a bigger shot looking over downtown Pittsburgh, I was doing a job on Grandview Ave, Mt. Washington.

 

[cflansbaum]

excellent pic -- brings back memories...

I was just out for a run and remembered my original idea:  I have the Guide Rail adapter and was thinking I could make an insert (with a pivot point) for where it rides in the track.  This should give be the ability to do a circle with a radius of about 10".  One could also then just get longer bars to do bigger circles (as long as flex doesn't become an issue (although you could also do something to offset this as well).

This would seem to be simple, and very flexible -- thoughts?

Carl

 

[James Metcalf]

Ned Young has a great write up Jan 27 07 called (Notes on the MFS) with pictures and talks about using it for circles.

 

[cflansbaum]

excellent -- I thought I had seen something on the site relative to this, but couldn't find it through my searching...

c.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Notes on the MFS

 

[Overtime]

Here are the two Router options mentioned

First is a home made jig - low cost, easy to make in an hour or so.  This one is made of 1/4" hardboard. Large hole was made with hole saw.  The base plate from the OF 1400 Router was removed and used as a template to drill and counter sink for the mounting holes. Then the router (without it's own base plate) is used on this with the same screws. Drill a hole or holes along the center of the jig for a pivot point and presto ! any size circle.

  And the other will give you one of many reasons to buy the OF 1010 Router. This is the circle attachment accessory  #483922 that will let you make circles of up to 22-24 " ( I think ) But it will not fit the 1400.

 

[Tezzer]

A bit more fiddly to set up, but i use my table saw (Jet Super Saw) Perfect circles every time

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Everyone,
Wow, this is a timely post for me, as I'm in the planning phases for a round pedestal table (check this discussion).

Since I own the OF1400, and the table I am building will be about 36", I like Overtime's idea of using the hardboard.  It's one of those situations where, once I build the jig for a particular project, I'm pretty sure I'll find many more uses for it!  (I don't own the MFS, so I can't comment on its usage in this area.)

Thanks to Overtime for taking the time to document this jig.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Matthew Schenker]

A bit more fiddly to set up, but i use my table saw (Jet Super Saw) Perfect circles every time

Hmmm...this gets me thinking.  I don't have a Super Saw.  But perhaps there's a way I could cut a circle with my jointer?

Matthew

 

[Brice Burrell]

Patrick,
I've cut up to about 30" with the circle attachment for the 1010. You have to put the circle attachment in the slot so only one thumb screw grabs the rod. As small as 6" or so. And I'm with you, just one more reason to get the 1010.

 

[Tezzer]

Hmmm...this gets me thinking.  I don't have a Super Saw.  But perhaps there's a way I could cut a circle with my jointer?

Matthew

\
Hmmmm, not sure what to make of this comment 8)

 

[Eli]

Hmmm...this gets me thinking.  I don't have a Super Saw.  But perhaps there's a way I could cut a circle with my jointer?

Matthew

\
Hmmmm, not sure what to make of this comment 8)

Sounds dangerous? Nobody has mentioned a jigsaw to make a pattern. Follow with a router/pattern routing bit. Not saying it's a better option, just another.

 

[cflansbaum]

well even though I'm a little sad that I won't get to spend $300+ for a new router or a MFS, I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my solution!

as I mentioned before I thought I might be able to use the guide rail adapter for the OF1400 as a circle jig.  This afternoon I took a look at the bottom of this item and realized it was going too be really easy to try my idea.

A quick trip to my local hardware store and I bought a 6mm x 50mm Fluted knob and a nylon spacer.  I then replaced one of the knobs in the Guide rail adapter with this.  (Pic 1 & 2)

I drilled a 15/64 hole in a scrap piece of 1/2" ply and tried it it out with a 1/2" bit strait bit I had in my router.
(pic 3 & 4)

Results from this (pic 5) PERFECT!

I then switched out and used a 1/4" strait bit to cut a larger diameter circle - a couple of increasingly deeper cuts and voila! (pic #6)

Seems like I'll be able to cut a wide range of circle diameters with this setup. Buy replacing the knob closer to the router I could have cut an even smaller circle and by extending out the router I could have done an even larger one.  Also I probably could get even longer rods and do really large circles if I wanted to (Matthew this may be an option for you)

thanks all for your feedback...

Carl

 

[Brice Burrell]

Great solution!

 

[James Metcalf]

Another plus to this set up will the ability to make fine adjustments to the diameter. Neat!