Cutting Circles
A good method for cutting perfect circles on a band saw: Take a strip of plywood or chipboard about a foot wide and several feet long. Divide it lengthwise with a line. Lay it on the band-saw table and cut a slot from one edge to the center line. Along the line from the slot, mark off the radii of the circles you wish to cut and drill pilot holes. Countersink these holes on the back of the board and insert a wood screw in any hole. Mark the screw, remove it and grind it so only a point protrudes. Now you can put the screw in the appropriate hole, clamp the board to the band-saw table, and pivot the blank you wish to cut on the protruding point. You can finish the edge of the circle with a similar setup on a disc or belt sander.
Larry Green, Bethel, Conn.
Fine Woodworking Magazine, Spring 1977 No. 6
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
3M Blue Tape
Hedgehog featherboards
Starrett 12-in. combination square
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