Circle cutting jig

[OCtoolguy]

I know that I recall this subject being discussed but I can't seem to find it. When I make the baskets that have become my favorite project, I end up with a lot of small pieces that are cut from the inside of the patterns. They are just the right size to make coasters out of. Or some other small round object. My question is, have any of your folks had the occasion to fabricate a circle cutting jig? I am going to make a wood table top for one of my saws and try to incorporate a way to do this. On my bandsaw, I have made a jig but the table on it has a miter guide slot. Anyway, if anybody had an idea, please post it or PM me with your ideas. Thanks.

 

[new2woodwrk]

With what tool would you want to cut this circle?

There are (and I have a few) many plans for this, from a table saw jig, to a router to a band saw etc.

 

[oldhudson]

I made and use one for my band saw. Conceptually, I'm fairly certain it would work on a scroll saw as well (scaled down of course). I can post a picture or two if your interested.  And I think I had made one for the scroll saw, back in the early 90's. Maybe I can make my way up into the joists to see if I can find that one.... Are you looking for one that's adjustable or for a fixed size?

[teachnlearn]

When I used a scroll saw in the 70s reference was a magazine and a few pattern books. The technique was trial and error. Since having more time I've been watching Youtube, and reading sites like this. I remember SDgood had a Youtube on circles and his take on it and looked it up. RJF

 

[Foxfold]

I'm always using plates, cups, mugs, bowls for making circles. I just pick something the size I need, draw around it and 'Voila' 

Edited April 19, 2019 by Foxfold

[teachnlearn]

1 minute ago, Foxfold said:

I'm always using plates, cups, mugs, bowls for making circles. I just pick something the size I need, draw around it an 'Voila' 

I did the same thing for years which stuck me in the circle of either finding a collection of things to fit a pattern or force the pattern to fit circles I had on hand. Bought a couple of quality compasses and that did it. With software that will create any size circle, I know I can create any circle to fit the pattern I'm designing. I still experiment with paper and cardboard to create models of what I want which I still go to compasses. Its a hands-on model design that I play with and look at to get a good idea of where I'm going with a complex project. RJF

[OCtoolguy]

Thanks to all who have taken the time to answer. After I posted this, I did a youtube search and found just what I was looking for. I have so many of these to cut that I just knew that to do it freehand would take way too long and I know I'd end up with circles that weren't really round. I'm just not that good yet. But, with a jig, I will be able to turn them out very quickly. Maybe someday I'll be able to cut a decent round circle but for right now, NOT! This video shows using a 1/4" bolt/rod for a pivot point. I'll make a pointed one so that I don't have to drill a hole through. But, with the right pattern, I could incorporate that hole into it. 

 

 

[baggetta]

Thanks for the video.  Great idea.

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Ray show us the project when you get done with it. You can do a couple things too like use a thin finishing nail for pivot point so that center hole is not so large. You can also use it so it does not poke through the piece and just pivot on the point so there is no thru hole but a small indent on the bottom.  Need to watch feed rate on a scrollsaw because unlike a bandsaw where the blade is constantly moving in a circle, a scroll saw moves up and down and the blade will have a tendency to flair out thus creating an imperfect circle. Wood grain could be a factor also. When doing freehand you compensate for this but when locked into a fixed position it can wander on you. Keep the gang informed. 

[kmmcrafts]

19 hours ago, Foxfold said:

I'm always using plates, cups, mugs, bowls for making circles. I just pick something the size I need, draw around it and 'Voila' 

 

19 hours ago, teachnlearn said:

I did the same thing for years which stuck me in the circle of either finding a collection of things to fit a pattern or force the pattern to fit circles I had on hand. Bought a couple of quality compasses and that did it. With software that will create any size circle, I know I can create any circle to fit the pattern I'm designing. I still experiment with paper and cardboard to create models of what I want which I still go to compasses. Its a hands-on model design that I play with and look at to get a good idea of where I'm going with a complex project. RJF

If I want to just draw a circle I use a compass.. found it in the school parking lot when dropping my kid off.. tried to find it's rightful owner with no luck.. so it's mine now.. been about 4 years and still using the pencil that was supplied in it.. guess I got a deal on this one.. but after having it.. I'd be lost without one now.. though I do my clock circles in inkscape these days.. but I started off printing side views of cars and then hand writing the name of the car at the bottom and drawing the spot with the clock with the compass, LOL... I'm getting better with inkscape these days.. 

[spirithorse]

Hi, Ray,

As long as the center hole is acceptable as shown in the video you posted, you can use
a winged hole saw cutter such as this one https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-2-in-to-7-in-Adjustable-Hole-Saw-Cutter-49-56-0320/205744284

or the typical hole saw cutter such as this https://www.homedepot.com/p/eazypower-6-in-Hole-Saw-with-Mandrel-for-Cornhole-Boards-30125/207054988

Good luck and God Bless! Spirithorse

[OCtoolguy]

 

 

 

4 hours ago, spirithorse said:

Hi, Ray,

As long as the center hole is acceptable as shown in the video you posted, you can use
a winged hole saw cutter such as this one https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-2-in-to-7-in-Adjustable-Hole-Saw-Cutter-49-56-0320/205744284

or the typical hole saw cutter such as this https://www.homedepot.com/p/eazypower-6-in-Hole-Saw-with-Mandrel-for-Cornhole-Boards-30125/207054988

Good luck and God Bless! Spirithorse

Thanks Spirithorse. What I have in mind though is something with no center hole. I'm thinking coasters or something along that line. BUT, if I can come up with a pattern that is pleasing to the eye and fun to cut, I can deal with a center hole in some way. I like that flycutter from H/D. After looking at both of these, I got to wondering if anybody has ever come up with a retractable center/pilot. I think it might be handy to have something with a sharp point on it and a spring behind it so that it retracts as you cut the circles.

 

 

[fredfret]

Any "dimple" can be on the back and use cork backers .

 

[Rockytime]

If the center point were just a dimple like from a automatic center punch and the pivot locator on the circle cutter were just a shallow point you would have to hold the material you are cutting down with one finger and control the cutting with the other hand.

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Rockytime said:

If the center point were just a dimple like from a automatic center punch and the pivot locator on the circle cutter were just a shallow point you would have to hold the material you are cutting down with one finger and control the cutting with the other hand.

True but I don't think that would be a huge problem. I'm thinking of a bit more of a pivot point though. Something a bit sharper and with a spring that is tuned just right for that use.

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

15 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

True but I don't think that would be a huge problem. I'm thinking of a bit more of a pivot point though. Something a bit sharper and with a spring that is tuned just right for that use.

 

What do you need a spring for?? Do not over think it. A finish nail as I said will give you a dimple to pivot on. A cork bottom will work to hide it if you are in need to hide it. or you can celebrate the hole and accent with a dowel of choice. If you want to save the work making the circle cutter you can use a holesaw and a drill press and tune the pilot bit where it just penetrates the wood but does not go all the way through. You can do this on a router table and have no holes and use a pattern flush trimming bit with a bearing as a guide. Double stick tape to a pattern and you are good to go. You can use a disc sander with a jig to hold the piece as you rotate it. In the woodworking world there are many ways to do things. You can use a tablesaw and make circles. To me unless you are making a ton of these coasters free hand on the scrollsaw is the way to go.  

[OCtoolguy]

2 minutes ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

What do you need a spring for?? Do not over think it. A finish nail as I said will give you a dimple to pivot on. A cork bottom will work to hide it if you are in need to hide it. or you can celebrate the hole and accent with a dowel of choice. If you want to save the work making the circle cutter you can use a holesaw and a drill press and tune the pilot bit where it just penetrates the wood but does not go all the way through. You can do this on a router table and have no holes and use a pattern flush trimming bit with a bearing as a guide. Double stick tape to a pattern and you are good to go. You can use a disc sander with a jig to hold the piece as you rotate it. In the woodworking world there are many ways to do things. You can use a tablesaw and make circles. To me unless you are making a ton of these coasters free hand on the scrollsaw is the way to go.  

No that's not what I was referring to John. I was talking about a retracting center pin on those hole cutters/saws mentioned above. Furthermore, haven't you ever just wanted to make something? I want to make a circle cutting jig just for the fun of it. I realize there are a ton of different ways to do this but since we are using scroll saws, I thought, "why not"?

 

 

Edited April 21, 2019 by octoolguy

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

1 minute ago, octoolguy said:

No that's not what I was referring to John. I was talking about a retracting center pin on those hole cutters/saws mentioned above.

 

In the electrical field they have holesaws that have a spring activated devise to expel the plug from the hole saw but the bit drill through the material. The hole saw needs a pivot point to spin on or it will wander. 

[OCtoolguy]

1 minute ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

In the electrical field they have holesaws that have a spring activated devise to expel the plug from the hole saw but the bit drill through the material. The hole saw needs a pivot point to spin on or it will wander. 

That's very true but why couldn't the center drill bit retract into the mandrel as the saw progresses through the material. Or that flycutter for that matter. Or am I missing something? I understand what you are saying about wandering but I would think that as the hole saw goes deeper into the material, it will guide itself. Maybe not but just saying.

 

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

2 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

That's very true but why couldn't the center drill bit retract into the mandrel as the saw progresses through the material. Or that flycutter for that matter. Or am I missing something? I understand what you are saying about wandering but I would think that as the hole saw goes deeper into the material, it will guide itself. Maybe not but just saying.

 

Well Ray I know of nothing like that. You ask if I ever made something for the sake of making it. I do this all the time. I make tons of jigs to suit the project I am working on. You posted a video of a scrollsaw circle cutting jig. I would make one of those if you want. The idea of a retractable pin is beyond my reasoning. You will always have a hole of some sort with those holesaws so if the bit retracts means nothing. The hole is there already. To do what you are asking you would need 2 holesaws of the same size. Drill all the blanks with one that just starts the hole and then either take the bit out and drill the rest of the way or switch to one without a bit. 

[kmmcrafts]

Okay I suppose I understand the fact you just want to make something. But I just wanted to say.... not all drink coasters are round.  I make mine square so I don’t need a jig  

[JimErn]

8 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Okay I suppose I understand the fact you just want to make something. But I just wanted to say.... not all drink coasters are round.  I make mine square so I don’t need a jig  

Same thought I had, octagonal, shaped like the state, etc

Might be a lot easier to just buy precut BB circles from woodpeckers on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Cutouts-Unfinished-Crafting-Circles/dp/B07FNYP24G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=round+wood+blanks&qid=1555850310&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Of course then you don't get to make the jig, so I guess it is a toss up

[Roberta Moreton]

19 hours ago, octoolguy said:

Thanks Spirithorse. What I have in mind though is something with no center hole. I'm thinking coasters or something along that line. BUT, if I can come up with a pattern that is pleasing to the eye and fun to cut, I can deal with a center hole in some way. I like that flycutter from H/D. After looking at both of these, I got to wondering if anybody has ever come up with a retractable center/pilot. I think it might be handy to have something with a sharp point on it and a spring behind it so that it retracts as you cut the circles.

 

 

Grapes, clusters of grapes. Cork on the bottom. 

[OCtoolguy]

16 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Well Ray I know of nothing like that. You ask if I ever made something for the sake of making it. I do this all the time. I make tons of jigs to suit the project I am working on. You posted a video of a scrollsaw circle cutting jig. I would make one of those if you want. The idea of a retractable pin is beyond my reasoning. You will always have a hole of some sort with those holesaws so if the bit retracts means nothing. The hole is there already. To do what you are asking you would need 2 holesaws of the same size. Drill all the blanks with one that just starts the hole and then either take the bit out and drill the rest of the way or switch to one without a bit. 

My thinking was for what I'm thinking of making are coasters. The center section of the cutout is what I would be saving. So, if the center bit would retract, it would leave only a dimple in the center with the rest being the center cutout. I'm having a hard time to put it into words. I have scraps that would allow me to end up with almost a 4 inch diameter coaster so if I had a hole saw of 4 inch with a center bit that would retract, it would keep the saw on center to the point where the spring was overpowered and it would retract up into the mandrel allowing the saw to continue in the kerf that it had created. The result would be a 4 inch round piece that had only a dimple in the center and it could be covered over with cork or incorporated into a pattern of some sort. Clear as mud?

 

[JimErn]

2 hours ago, octoolguy said:

My thinking was for what I'm thinking of making are coasters. The center section of the cutout is what I would be saving. So, if the center bit would retract, it would leave only a dimple in the center with the rest being the center cutout. I'm having a hard time to put it into words. I have scraps that would allow me to end up with almost a 4 inch diameter coaster so if I had a hole saw of 4 inch with a center bit that would retract, it would keep the saw on center to the point where the spring was overpowered and it would retract up into the mandrel allowing the saw to continue in the kerf that it had created. The result would be a 4 inch round piece that had only a dimple in the center and it could be covered over with cork or incorporated into a pattern of some sort. Clear as mud?

 

I understand what you are wanting, never seen anything like it.

why not accept the hole, and fill with a dowel of contrasting color, or after you drill/cut the circle, use a forester bit to cut a 1" hole deep enough for Steve Goods "made by me" disks

Maybe, if you put one of those winged hole saw cutters in a drill press, clamp the wood really good, you could use it to cut the circle after cutting off the center drill bit