Cutting a Perfect Wooden Circle with a Simple Jig

There are a few different ways to cut a wooden circle, using a router, a bandsaw, or even a table saw. Each method has its place depending on your tools and the level of precision you’re after, but today I want to walk through a simple, reliable approach that I’ve used for years.

 

Typically, the first step in a project like this is gluing boards together to create a solid panel. Once the glue-up is complete and flattened, you can move on to cutting your circle using your method of choice. For this project, though, I went in a slightly different direction.

Because I was going for a more rustic look and wanted to leave a bit of space between the boards, I skipped the glue entirely. Instead, I joined the boards together using two wooden battens, screwing through the battens into the boards to hold everything in place. It keeps the structure solid while preserving that open, natural feel.

With the panel assembled, I cut it down to a square on the table saw. From there, I made a quick jig for the bandsaw. Nothing fancy, just something functional. I extended the bed of the bandsaw to better support the weight and size of the workpiece

To set up the jig, I measured half the diameter of the circle I wanted (the radius), marked that distance from the blade, and drilled a hole through the jig at that point. Then I drove a screw up from the bottom, leaving just enough of it exposed to act as a pivot point.

Next, I found the center of my square and drilled a small pilot hole. That hole drops right onto the screw in the jig, allowing the board to rotate smoothly.

Once everything was set, I turned on the bandsaw and slowly rotated the workpiece, letting the blade do the cutting. The result is a clean, consistent circle with minimal effort.

I’ve used this method on tabletops for years, and it’s always been reliable. This time around, I used it to shape a rustic cherry top that’s going to serve as a landing pad for a bee fountain.

And yes, bees need water. If you don’t provide a source, they’ll find one on their own. That could mean your neighbor’s pool, a dripping hose spigot, or even an outdoor shower. Not exactly ideal if you’re trying to enjoy your space without a few hundred bees buzzing around.

My hope is that this dedicated bee fountain will give them a place to gather that’s a little further from the house and a lot closer to where I actually want them.

That’s it for this one, see you in the next project.