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

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Blackwing Pencils

If you've listened to Shop Talk Live, you've heard them talk more about these pencils than you could possibly imagine.

Buy at Amazon

Rockler Deluxe Panel Clamp

These clamps can handle glue-ups between 10 in. and 36 in. wide, and boards up to 3 in. thick. Sliding feet attach to the lower bars with magnets, letting you position them quickly for stability on any surface. The spring-loaded jaws adjust easily, dropping into notches along the bars. And the powerful clamp handles clear the benchtop.

Buy at Amazon

Dividers

Incredibly useful for laying out, setting equal distances, and comparing measurements, these are an essential tool for any furniture maker.

Buy at Amazon