Many commercial jigs for routing circles and ellipses are expensive and complex. But the Router Buddy System from Practical Technologies takes a simple approach, and the system is stout and accurate. The basic system allows you to rout circles from 2 in. dia. to 18-3/8 in. dia. For larger work, you can buy the large circle jig accessory to rout circles from 8 in. dia. to 60 in. dia. Another handy accessory is the ellipse jig, which cuts ellipses with up to a 12-in. differential between minor and major diameters.

The basic kit and the accessories were easy to set up and performed quite well, putting this jig on my short list of must-have router accessories. The kit includes a full-size fence and base plate that accepts Porter-Cable style template bushings, as well as a base plate centering jig. The basic Router Buddy retails for $70. The large circle jig and ellipse axis plate accessories cost $70 and $60, respectively. For information or to order, visit www.practical-technologies.com.

Photo: Thomas McKenna

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