Cutting Circles on the Tablesaw
by
Philip Margraff
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Round tabletops, lazy-Susan shelves and other large circles can be cut on the tablesaw with a simple jig. Cut a dado in the underside of a 3/4-in. high-density particleboard base and glue in a hardwood key, sized for a sliding fit in the saw's lefthand miter slot. Wax the jig bottom and key to reduce friction. Measuring from the blade, accurately locate and paste sheets of 1/4-in. graph paper to the jig top to aid in layout.
To use, first cut the circle blank somewhat oversize and locate its center. Next mark the radius of the finished circle on the graph paper and pin the center of the circle blank at this mark. Make sure the blank will rotate freely but is firmly pinned to the jig. Start by lopping off the corners of the blank. Hold the blank and jig firmly while sliding them past the blade. If hand-holding the work appears unsafe, mount a hold-down clamp on the base to lock the blank while cutting. Continue cutting off the corners of the blank until it is almost round. Then, with the work just touching the blade, rotate the blank to trim off all the high spots. The smoothest circles are produced using high-quality, sharp carbide blades.
Fine Woodworking Magazine, October 1980 No. 24
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