Band Saw Circle Cutting Jig: Types, Uses, and Selection Criteria

You need to cut circles on your band saw and you want to know about circle cutting jigs. A circle cutting jig is a device that attaches to the band saw table and allows you to cut circles of various sizes. You need to know the types, how they work, and how to choose or build one.

A band saw circle cutting jig is a device that pivots the workpiece around a fixed center point while the blade cuts a circle. The jig holds the workpiece at a precise distance from the center, producing a circle of a specific diameter.

Types of Circle Cutting Jigs

Commercial Circle Cutting Jigs

Jigs manufactured specifically for cutting circles on a band saw.

Examples: Delta circle cutting attachment, Kreg circle cutting jig, various aftermarket jigs. Features: Adjustable radius, mounting hardware, pivot pin. Cut range: Typically 2 to 20 inches diameter. Cost: 30 to 80 dollars.

Shop-Built Circle Cutting Jigs

Jigs built from wood or plywood in the shop.

Features: Custom dimensions, adjustable pivot point, simple construction. Cut range: Any size within the saw’s throat capacity. Cost: 5 to 15 dollars in materials.

Table-Mounted Pivot Jig

A jig that mounts to the band saw table with a pivot point at a fixed distance from the blade.

How it works: The workpiece has a hole drilled in the center. The workpiece is placed on the pivot pin, and the workpiece is rotated into the blade to cut a circle. Cut range: Determined by the distance from the pivot to the blade. Best for: Cutting multiple circles of the same size.

Sliding Pivot Jig

A jig with an adjustable pivot point that slides along a track.

How it works: The pivot pin slides along a track to adjust the radius. The workpiece is placed on the pivot pin and rotated into the blade. Cut range: Adjustable from minimum to maximum radius. Best for: Cutting circles of various sizes.

How a Circle Cutting Jig Works

1. Mount the jig to the band saw table.
2. Set the radius by adjusting the distance from the pivot pin to the blade.
3. Drill a center hole in the workpiece at the center of the circle.
4. Place the workpiece on the pivot pin.
5. Start the saw and let the blade reach full speed.
6. Rotate the workpiece slowly into the blade, pivoting around the center pin.
7. Continue rotating until the circle is complete.
8. Remove the workpiece from the jig.

What Sizes Can You Cut?

Minimum Circle Size

The minimum circle size is determined by the blade width. A narrow blade can cut tighter circles.

Blade Width	Minimum Circle Diameter
1/8 inch	1-1/2 inches
1/4 inch	2-1/2 inches
3/8 inch	4 inches
1/2 inch	6 inches

Maximum Circle Size

The maximum circle size is determined by the saw’s throat capacity and the jig’s maximum radius.

Throat limit: The maximum circle diameter is about twice the throat depth. A 14-inch saw can cut circles up to about 26 inches in diameter (if the jig allows).

Jig limit: Most jigs allow circles up to 20 inches in diameter. Shop-built jigs can be made for larger circles.

Building a Shop-Built Circle Cutting Jig

Materials

• 3/4-inch plywood (about 12 x 12 inches)
• 1/4-inch dowel or bolt for pivot pin
• Wood screws
• Measuring tape or ruler

Construction

1. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to about 12 x 12 inches.
2. Draw a line from the center of one edge straight across the plywood.
3. Drill holes along the line at 1-inch intervals. These are the pivot points.
4. Insert a short dowel or bolt into one of the holes. This is the pivot pin.
5. Mount the jig to the band saw table with the pivot line aligned with the blade.
6. The distance from the pivot pin to the blade is the radius of the circle.

Using the Shop-Built Jig

1. Select the pivot hole that gives the desired radius.
2. Insert the pivot pin.
3. Drill a center hole in the workpiece.
4. Place the workpiece on the pivot pin.
5. Start the saw and rotate the workpiece into the blade.

Choosing a Circle Cutting Jig

What to Look For

1. Compatibility: Does the jig fit your band saw table? Check the mounting requirements.
2. Cut range: What sizes can the jig cut? Check the minimum and maximum diameters.
3. Adjustability: Can the jig cut multiple sizes, or is it fixed at one radius?
4. Ease of use: Is the jig easy to set up and use?
5. Accuracy: Does the jig produce accurate circles?
6. Cost: Is the jig worth the cost for the amount of circle cutting you do?

Commercial vs Shop-Built

Commercial: More convenient, more accurate, better for regular use. Cost: 30 to 80 dollars. Shop-built: Less expensive, customizable, good for occasional use. Cost: 5 to 15 dollars in materials.

Tips for Better Circles

1. Use a narrow blade. A 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch blade cuts tighter circles more smoothly.
2. Use a sharp blade. A dull blade produces rough circles.
3. Feed slowly. Let the blade cut at its own pace. Do not force the workpiece.
4. Drill an accurate center hole. The center hole must be exactly at the center of the circle.
5. Use a backer board. Place a thin board under the workpiece to prevent tear-out on the bottom.

FAQ

What is a band saw circle cutting jig?

A device that attaches to the band saw table and pivots the workpiece around a fixed center point, allowing the blade to cut a circle of a specific diameter.

How do I cut circles on a band saw?

Use a circle cutting jig. Mount the jig to the table, set the radius, drill a center hole in the workpiece, place the workpiece on the pivot pin, start the saw, and rotate the workpiece into the blade.

What size circles can I cut on a band saw?

The minimum size depends on the blade width (about 1-1/2 inches with a 1/8 inch blade). The maximum size depends on the saw’s throat capacity and the jig’s maximum radius (typically up to 20 inches with a commercial jig, larger with a shop-built jig).

Can I build my own circle cutting jig?

Yes. A simple jig can be built from 3/4-inch plywood, a dowel, and screws for about 5 to 15 dollars in materials. Plans are available online.

References

• Fine Woodworking. “Circle Cutting Jig for the Band Saw.” Taunton Press.
• Popular Woodworking. “Building a Band Saw Circle Jig.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
• Kreg Tool. “Circle Cutting Jig Guide.” Kreg Tool Company.
• Woodcraft. “Band Saw Jigs and Accessories.” Woodcraft Supply.
• Olson Saw. “Band Saw Blade Guide for Curve Cutting.” Olson Saw Company.