How To Use a Radius-Cutting Jig

The jig cuts perfect radii with a router using a swinging arm.

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Time
Under Half Day
Price Range
$100 - $250
Difficulty
Hard

In this Project you will:

Cut the Base
Attach the Router Arm to the Base
Cut the Radius

Step 1: Cut the Base

Use a plywood backboard as the base of the unit. This will be the piece the radius is cut into. The plunge router is set into one end of a swinging arm. The other end of the arm is attached to a board. That end is the pivot point for the swinging arm. Several holes are cut into the arm one inch apart, allowing the user to use the jig for several different radii. Cut a piece of 1 x 4 the same length as the base.
Two boards cut at an angle act as stops on either side of the arm. Attach them to the piece of 1 x 4. Use a band saw to cut the arm from 1/4" plywood. Make sure the head of the arm is the appropriate size for the base of the router.

Step 2: Attach the Router Arm to the Base

Use a Forstner bit to cut the hole for the router bit in the head of the arm. Drill holes 1" apart into the base of the arm.
Attach the arm to the center of the piece of 1 x 4 with a bolt and washer. The arm should be secure, but not permanent. Loosen the bolt to make a different size radius using another hole in the arm.