Here’s a simple bandsaw jig for circular work. One of my customers bakes wedding cakes. The platforms that he could buy were not strong enough for some of those heavy cakes. Every so often he would bring a couple of sheets of 1/4″ plywood and have me cut them in some different size circles. I first made the jig for him but it has turned out to be pretty handy for other circular work. There isn’t much to it, just a piece of plywood with a dado for an adjustable pin slide. The slide is held in place with a simple wedge. For larger work like the segment pictured, I replace the slide with a carriage.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Edited 11/24/2005 1:29 pm ET by hammer1
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That looks simple enough.
Can't tell from the pics, but what part of the blade is aligned with the centerline? The front of the teeth, middle, or rear of the blade. And, what do you do about blades that want to wander?
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
It's important that the point lines up with the leading edge of the teeth, Mike. I just don't have blade wandering problems unless the blade is dull. I've been very happy with Delta and Olson blades. The only blades I have problems with are 1/8" scrolling blades and that's probably more my fault for pushing the radius and putting side pressure on the blade. I cut 64 arch segments with a 3/16" Delta 6 pt. reg tooth in red oak, 64 segments in pine and the blade is still cutting like new. I think the consistency that the jig provides helps with longevity. When I cut the circles for the baker, I start by cutting the plywood into squares first.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
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