Circle Jig for Cutting Rounds with a Circular Saw

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circle jig how to cut round tabletops
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Simple to make circle jig for cutting round tabletops with a circular saw.  Great video and step by step plans to help you build it from Ana-White.com

Want to cut a circle in wood, cut don't have all the fancy tools?  

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to quickly make a circle jig for cutting rounds using a circular saw or jigsaw.

Yes, you heard that right - you can cut a circle using a circular saw.

 

Video Tutorial for Making a Circle Jig

First, take a few minutes and watch me make a circle jig in this tutorial video.  Watch me cut the circle out quickly with the circle jig.

 

Free Patterns for Octagon Table Apron

Do you want to make an octagon apron for under the tabletop, to create a thicker looking tabletop?  I put together patterns for standard sizes as well as the formula for any size in this post here.

 

How to Make Your Own Circle Jig

Making the circle jig is super easy and you can make it out of scrap wood.  Here's the free tutorial:

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Circle Jig for Cutting Rounds with a Circular Saw

Dimensions
circle cutting jig
Dimensions can be altered depending on circle size

Preparation

Cut List
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood, about 12" wide x 48" long (can use different sized plywood pieces)
  • 1 - 1x2 @ matches width of plywood (12")
Cutting Instructions

NOTE: Make sure your circular saw can cut a depth of your tabletop plus the 1/4" added with the jig.

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
General Instructions

For pocket hole joinery, avoid placing screws where they will be cut into later.

A larger jig will help with the guard on the circular saw.

Be careful when cutting, it may make sense to clamp the jig as you cut it to keep the jig from rotating while you are cutting.

Instructions

Step 1

Attach the 1x2 to the 1/4" plywood with glue and fasteners.  Leave a 1-1/2" overhang past the 1x2.

Step 2

Trim the 1-1/2" down to match your circular saw foot by cutting, using the 1x2 as a guide.

Step 3

Find the center point of the 1/4" plywood widthwise.  Then measure down the desired radius of the tabletop and drill hole to match the shaft size of your screw.

Step 4

Attach the jig centered on the tabletop with a screw - I use a 1-1/4" kreg screws.  

Cut obvious excess off with a circular saw.

Then begin cutting using the circle jig, rotating and cutting, repeating until there is nothing left to remove.