Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Oct 17, 2008 03:03am | #1

   There's lots of ways to do it.

   You could cut and glue up 360 individual pieces, each of which takes up one degree of the circle.

   Or you could use a single piece of MDF which covers the entire area.

   And there are (literally) an infinite number of other options.

   Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
1. 
   JayTran | Oct 17, 2008 03:44am | #4

   I realize there are many ways, I should have been a little more specific. Probably 6-8 pieces, I just thought I could use up some scrap mdf I have around. Thanks

2. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 17, 2008 03:13am | #2

   I am not sure I fully understand it's purpose but I assume you will be using a trammel for you router to make the cut and just want to support the work from underneath?

   If so, save yourself time and money and get one sheet of 4 by 8, 1 or 2 inch thick sheet of foam insulation at the local big box. The cheep stuff! Maybe some duct tape at the corners of your 'glue-up' to keep it from moving. BE SURE the tape is not going to interfere with the router base or trammel.

   Sorry if I got your indended use wrong! Have a great time! That foam will be all over the place so be warned!

1. 
   JayTran | Oct 17, 2008 03:41am | #3

   Yes that's how I plan to do it. I've heard of using that foam insulation but didn't want to have to store it or throw it out. Maybe I'll end up doing it your way. Thanks for your input.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 17, 2008 05:23am | #5

   Yes that's how I plan to do it. I've heard of using that foam insulation but didn't want to have to store it or throw it out.

   Why throw it out I have many with cuts in it.. I'll leave it to my kin when I die!

1. 
   JayTran | Oct 17, 2008 05:28am | #6

   My how lucky they are!! LOL

3. 
   ring | Oct 17, 2008 01:06pm | #7

   Jay,

   I'm not sure I understand your plan, and why you need the MDF at all. But FWIW, I've done many round tabletops using the following method:

   Mark the cut line and use a bandsaw or jigsaw to cut safely outside it by 1/8" or so. Set up your router with a 2" long straight bit that will trim to the line. Mount the router base to a makeshift trammel - thin plywood is fine - and working from the underside of the table screw the trammel to the center point with one slightly loose screw to allow it to rotate. Check the router bit's path before you turn it on and lower it. Turn on, plunge, and go around in one continuous motion.

   I think you'll find that trimming like this will give you a much smoother result than using the router to make the cut. Or if you insist on cutting with the router, take into account that you will afterwards want to take a second light pass all the way around to clean up anyway.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 18, 2008 12:17pm | #11

   David

   I have done the same with a old worm drive Skill Saw! Worked!

4. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 17, 2008 01:47pm | #8

   Just a suggestion -- don't try to cut the circle with a router bit. Just use the router to smooth the edge after it's cut.

   First cut it to within 1/16" or so of the final line with a jig saw ("saber saw" if you're as old as I am ;-) ) or band saw, and clean up the edge with the router. That way, you don't need to worry about supporting the cutoff since there won't be any -- just sawdust.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 17, 2008 03:34pm | #9

   And then a bandsaw with a fixture! Finish with the router.

2. 
   JayTran | Oct 18, 2008 01:38am | #10

   Thanks guys, I will rough cut it first then clean up with the router to final size.
   -Jay