How to Cut Circles and Curves With a Router (page 1 of 2)
More in Home Improvement
Here's How To Do It:
- Step 1: Cut the Plywood Into a Circle current page
- Step 2: Drill Holes in the Circle current page
- Step 3: Screw the Jig Into the Router Base current page
- Step 4: Drill Pivot Holes in the Arm of the Jig current page
- Step 5: Cut a Circle current page
- Step 6: Drill Holes in the Wood Block page 2
- Step 7: Sand the Dowels page 2
- Step 8: Apply Wood Glue page 2
- Step 9: Lay the Dowels on the Sides of Router page 2
- Step 10: Cut an Arch or Circle page 2
Step 1: Cut the Plywood Into a Circle
Take off the sub-base of the router to determine how big the circular end of the jig should be. Cut the end of the piece of 36" x 14" x 1/4" plywood into a circle the same size as the router's sub-base.
Step 2: Drill Holes in the Circle
Drill holes into the circular end of the jig to correspond with the holes in the sub-base. Use the sub-base to guide the drilling.
Step 3: Screw the Jig Into the Router Base
Screw the circular end of the jig into the router's base, aligning the circles on the sub-base with the holes drilled in the jig.
Step 4: Drill Pivot Holes in the Arm of the Jig
Drill small pivot holes into the arm of the jig, spaced 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Cut a Circle
To use the jig to cut a circle, draw a line on the work piece from its center to the end of the desired radius of the circle. Center the router atop the end point of the radius. Drive a nail through the appropriate hole in the jig that corresponds with the center of the work piece (image 1). Set the router to the proper depth, and make a slow pass through the work piece, using the nail as a pivot point (image 2). Make deep cuts in several passes, lowering the router bit slightly after each pass.
Advertisement
Find your DIY inspiration or just steal ideas from the best renovations and remodels done by the DIY Network pros.
COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT
Sign in
All fields are required.
Signing in
Please enter your email address and we will send your password
E-mail Address
Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.
Not a member?
Sign up with DIY Network to share tips with other do-it-yourselfers and comment and ask questions on projects.
It's free and easy.
