How To Cut a Circle in Wood? Beginners Guide 2022

Are you somewhat new to woodworking? If you’re here then it’s likely you want to learn how to cut a circle in wood. If you’re looking for a fun hobby, or just want to learn new skills, woodworking is a great way to go! But if you’ve tried something seemingly simply like cutting perfect circles in wood, you’ve already discovered that not all wood working techniques are as simple to learn and easy to apply as they first appear.

Ok, so you want to learn how to cut a perfect circle in wood with a tool, like those shown in the picture above. But you do not know where to start? You can easily make a circle in wood with hand tools or power tools such as a drill. We want to introduce you to a few different ways to cut a circle out of wood and explain a few basic principles and tools along the way.

We’ve included some high-level step-by-step instructions with curated video tutorials to help get you started.  Cutting circles perfectly is not easy, but with enough practice, it becomes easier. In this post I’ll teach you how to cut circles using a variety of methods, including circle-cutting guides, circle-cutting videos, and some simple circle-cutting hacks.

Learn details about how to cut a circle in wood with our circle cutting beginner’s guide. Read on and start learning…

What is a Circle Cutter?

A circle cutter is a simple tool that is used to cut out a circle in wood or other materials. This is a great tool to have when cutting perfect circles in wood. It is certainly the most accurate way to cut circles out of wood.

The circle cutter is made up of a handle, a blade, and a stop. The blade is inserted into the handle and the stop is used to guide the blade. They are most often configured as a drill bit to be used with a portable or stationary drill, with the latter for more heavy duty use cases.

They are often called by other names such as:

• Round Shank Circle Cutter
• Drywall Circle Hole Drill Cutter Bit
• Round Hole Saw

The handle and sharp blade that help to make precise circles. This is an easy way to create a circular shape, or to make a pattern. You can use a circle cutter to make a lot of different things, such as a flower pot, a bowl, or a planter.

 

How To Cut a Circle In Wood By Hand Tools?

The art of carving wood, especially when working with more serious machinery like a jigsaw or a bandsaw, can be more complex than one might think. It’s a matter of learning the right tools and techniques. While many might find cutting a circle in wood to be a difficult process, it actually isn’t. Let’s start simple by cutting a circle in wood with a hand tool when you DON’T have a jigsaw or bandsaw.

Tools Required:

1. Compass like the one you used at school. Check your kids pencil case!
2. Pencil. Well, this seems kind of obvious, doesn’t it?
3. Wood Bench or other stable and cleared working surface. Something you’re comfortable marking and putting a small hole in. Don’t choose the wife’s dining room table unless you want a divorce!
4. Hand drill (if you’re committed to no power tools), power drill or even a dremel. You could even use a screwdriver if your wood is super thin and you’ve got super strong arms. For the record, I wouldn’t choose the screwdriver.
5. 1x Small screw
6. Small piece of flat wood, perhaps 24-36″ by 6-10″. We suggest starting with something easy like ply, pine, basswood or similar.
7. Hand saw like a Panel Saw (because no cool power tools like a coping saw or a bandsaw, right?)
8. Wood file. Metal one is a good choice.
9. Wood sanding block.
10. Wood Clamp like the one shown below:

 

Here are the steps to cut a circle of wood using hand tools:

Materials: You will need a circular saw, a compass, a pencil, and a wood lathe. If you don’t have a circular saw or want to do it another way, there are other ways to cut a circle in wood with hand tools. A miter saw, coping saw, or radial arm saw can be used to make a circle in wood.

There are a few different ways to cut a circle in wood by hand tools, but the most common is using a circular saw.

Step 1: Start by preparing your wood. You’ll want to ensure that the piece of wood you’re going to carve is flat. You should also make sure that the wood is dry and clean enough to draw on and cut.

Step 2: With your compass, draw a circle onto your wood at the set radius for the circle you want, this will be your cutting line. You want one edge of the line close to the edge of the wood. Why? This will make it easier to start cutting with the handsaw in a later step.

Step 3: Place your piece of wood on the edge or corner of your bench. Place the edge of your circle closest to the edge of the wood piece, over the edge of the bench. Now you’re going to screw the wood into the bench. Make sure the center of your circle is clearly marked and visible. Take your drill and place the screw in the centre mark, drill straight down and through into the bench. Kind of tight so the wood can’t move too much.

Step 4: Use your clamp to secure the other end of the wood to the bench. The idea is you don’t want the wood to move around in later cutting steps.

Step 5: Take your handsaw or panel saw and start sawing in such a way that we cut off a corner “just” crossing the line on the circle. Note: We’re not trying to actually cut in a curve here, it is a straight line in this step.

Step 6: Open your clamp, rotate the wood and repeat the cut on the next corner of the circle. Repeat the clamping, sawing, rotating and reclamping process for as long as you can. Essentially you are “whittling away” the curve in the wood circle with repeated small cuts via the handsaw. As you progress, you’ll notice the cuts getting smaller and smaller and the shape starts to look more like the wood circle drawn with the compass. Keep going for as long as you can with the saw.

Step 7: Take your wood file and start filing the wooden edges on the circle into a more curved shape. Again, you’ll need to continuously rotate the wood by removing the clamp, rotating and reclamping. Keep going until you think the rounded edges are ready for smoother sanding.

Step 8: Take your wood sanding block and start sanding down to refine the curve of the circle. This is the stage where you’re really getting close to the finished wood circle product.

Step 9: Unscrew the centre of the wood circle and enjoy your finished product.

After you’ve finished cutting the circle, it’s time to see what you’ve created. You should make sure that the circle is as perfect as you can get it by hand. Your mileage will vary with tools and patience.

An example of this process is shown in the video tutorial below courtesy of the highly talented “Rustic David”:

How to Cut a Circle in Wood Without Power Tools?

As you can see from the step-by-step process we outlined above, cutting a circle out of wood without power tools is surprisingly difficult and onerous.

How to Cut a Circle in Wood With a Jigsaw?

There are many kinds of cutting tools used to carve out the inside of a piece of wood to create a round, hollow shape. Jig saws are perhaps the most familiar example of this type of tool. The basic idea behind a jigsaw is that it is made up of a stationary blade and a spinning, sharpened blade.

Jigsaws are useful for cutting circular shapes in wood. But they can also be used to make more complex shapes, such as circles with a hole in the center.

Step-by-step instructions on cutting a perfect circle in wood with a jigsaw:

1. Make sure that you have a sturdy piece of wood to work with. If you don’t, you can use a piece of plywood or a thick piece of wood.
2. Start by drawing a circle on the wood. Make sure that the line you draw is round. Use a compass to draw the line. You can use a pencil, or a marker to mark the inside of the circle.
3. Set the blade of the jigsaw to the proper size for your project. The size of the blade is typically specified in inches. Most jigsaws come with a range of blades, and you’ll have to select the one that is best suited for the project you are working on.
4. Next, make sure that the blade is sharp. Most jigsaws come with a sharpener. Simply remove the blade and sharpen it with the sharpener.
5. Now, set the blade to the appropriate depth. Jigsaws come with a depth adjustment. The most common depth setting is 1/4 inch.
6. You’ll have to make sure that the blade is set to the correct depth. Otherwise, the blade will cut into the wood and ruin your work. You should also be sure that you are not moving the blade around too much.
7. Only if the blade is set to the correct depth, you’ll be able to make a perfect circle.
8. Next, start the saw and carefully push the blade through the wood. Begin to cut with the inside of the circle, and slowly move the blade along the line that you have drawn on the wood. Continue to move the blade along the line, and cut the shape that you have drawn.
9. Once you’ve finished one part, move on to the next. It may take you a couple of hours, but it’s worth it.

Now, the circle is finished, and it’s time to clean up the shape that you have cut out. You can use a chisel, a hand plane, metal file, sanding block or a sharp knife (slooooow). It will help to give the wood a nice shine.

How to Cut a Circle in Wood with a Dremel?

A dremel is a handy tool that can be used to cut out circles in wood. You can use a dremel to cut circles with a hole in the center. The dremel is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used for a lot of different tasks, such as cutting, shaping, grinding, and polishing.

We will show you how to use a dremel to cut a perfect circle in wood. This is a very simple way to cut a circle in wood. You will need a small dremel, a drill, and a grit sandpaper. It will be a great project for kids and adults alike to create their own unique piece of art or circle.

NB: Always remember to wear safety glasses when using a dremel or any other power tool. Eyes are precious and hard to replace.

Step-by-step instructions on how to cut circle in wood with a Dremel:

1. First, you will need to find a piece of wood that is about the size of your circle.
2. Then, you will need to drill a hole in the center of the wood.
3. Make sure that you have a good quality dremel tool. It is important that the dremel has a good cutting blade so that you can make clean, accurate cuts.
4. Now, you will need to set up the dremel. Turn on the dremel tool and set the bit to the desired diameter.
5. Carefully lower the dremel tool onto the wood circle and hold down the trigger.
6. Keep the trigger held down and turn the dremel tool around the circle. Be sure to move the tool in a circular motion and keep a steady pace.
7. When the dremel tool has completed its rotation, release the trigger and carefully remove the wood circle.
8. Use a hammer and chisel to remove the wood circle.
9. If desired, use a sandpaper disk or sanding block to smooth any rough edges on the wood circle. A bevelled edge is also a nice look for specific use cases.
10. Remove the screws that hold the wood circle in place.
11. Finally, you need to check your expected circle

 

How to Cut a Circle in Wood With a Router?

A router bit is a small, handheld tool that is used to create a circle or other shape in wood. This is done by rotating the bit around a stationary guide rail. Router bits are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used with a variety of woodworking tools.

They are especially useful for creating circles or other shapes out of wood, which can be used to create custom furniture or other objects. It has a set of several different-sized, all of which are slightly different in size and shape.

In this listicle, we’ll teach you how to cut a circle in wood with a router. You’ll need to know the best way to set up the router, and how to use it.

Draw the circle:

First of all, you’ll need to decide how big you want the circle to be. You’ll also need to decide where you want to place the circle in the wood.

Mark the center of the circle with a pencil and create a circle. If you want to make sure that the circle is accurate, you can use a compass or specialized circle cutter (diagram shown earlier in this article, above). Note: The circle cutter will make a groove in the wood which you may find easier to follow with the router. I prefer the pencil and compass method as I’m not great with guiding the router and have ended up with a cut circle with additional groove marks on the inside from the circle cutter where I didn’t follow it well.

Cut the circle:

Once you’ve decided on the size and location, you can start cutting the circle out. You’ll need to set up the router, and then use it to cut a circle in wood.

Position the router bit above the wood, making sure the bit is properly centered in the router base. Close the router blade so that the bit is touching the wood.

Reverse the router motor to its lowest speed and hold the router in place. Move the router bit up and down the wood, making sure the bit is moving in a curve following the marked line.

Make the circle round:

Once you’ve cut a circle in wood, you’ll need to make the circle round. You can do this by hand, or using a router.

Repeat steps 3-4 until the circle is complete. When you’ve completed the circle, stop the router and remove the bit.

Finish the circle:

Once you’ve finished the circle, it’s time to give it a nice finish. You can do this by sanding it and perhaps staining or painting.

Well done, you’ve learned another method of how to cut a circle in wood. More? Read on.

Router circle jig

The router circle jig is a tool for cutting circles of various sizes and angles. It is also known as the router jig. It is commonly used in woodworking, but can be used to make circles of other materials such as metal or plastic. It consists of a stationary router bit that is attached to a router body, and a movable workpiece that is attached to the bit.

 

How to Cut a Perfect Circle Using a Router Circle Jig?

A router circle jig is a tool for all those who want to make beautiful and elegant circles with their router. It allows you to cut circles of any size and shape from a router bit. You can use it to cut decorative circles, patterns and shapes for a wide variety of projects.

If you have been looking for a good way to cut perfect circles using your router, this tutorial will help you. It is simple and easy to follow, and it is very useful for making designs, tiles, and more.

We hope that you find the tutorial shown above as useful as we did. It’s one of the better ones available on Youtube. We’ve given you step-by-step instructions on how to cut the perfect circle using a router circle jig below, so you can easily follow the written instructions if you prefer this over the video.

Here is what you will need:

• Safety gloves
• Pencil
• Plywood
• Drill
• Router circle jig
• Router compatible with your chosen circle jig

Step-by-step instructions on how to cut perfect circles in wood using a router circle jig:

Start drawing circle on plywood with a pencil. You can use the a compass, or you can use a circle cutter. Next, you will need to decide where you want to place the circle in the wood. You can use the a compass to make sure that the circle is centered.

Mark the center of the circle with a pencil and create a circle. If you want to make sure that the circle is accurate, you can use a circle cutter.

Step 1: Choose a circular bit

First of all, you need to choose a circular bit. The best bits for cutting circles are the plunge router bits. These are the best for cutting circles.

Step 2: Prepare the circle jig

Next, you need to prepare the circle jig. This is a simple jig that is made for the purpose of cutting circles. You can make one using plywood.

You will need a drill, a circular bit, and a router jig. The jig is the main part of the tool. The circular bit is used to cut the circle.

Step 3: Cut the circle

Once you’ve decided on the size and location, you can start cutting the circle out. You’ll need to set up the router, and then use it to cut a circle in wood. Set your router to the required depth. Next, set the fence to the required width. Now, clamp the jig to the fence.

Position the router bit above the wood, making sure the bit is properly centered in the router base. Close the router blade so that the bit is touching the wood. Now, use the handwheel to make the cuts.

Reverse the router motor to its lowest speed and hold the router in place. Move the router bit up and down the wood, making sure the bit is moving in a straight line.

Step 4: Make the circle round

Once you’ve made the circle, you can make it round. This is the third part of the jig.

To make the circle round, you will need to clamp the circle to the jig. Now, you can use the router to cut the wood.

Step 5: Remove the circle

Once you’ve made the circle round, you can remove the circle from the jig.

Finally, you can use the jig to cut out more circles.

Tips:

• Use a solid piece of wood for the base plate. You can use any size and shape that you want.
• If you want to make a circle that is a little bit larger than the base plate, you can use a bigger circular bit.
• Make sure that you use the correct bit size.
• Use a bit that is the same size as the diameter of the circle.
• Make sure that the circle jig is the same size as the base plate.
• Make sure that the circle jig is centered in the base plate.

How to cut a circle in wood with a drill?

If you have a drill with a chuck/bit, use it to drill a hole in the center of the circle you want to cut. If you don’t have a chuck, use a drill bit that is a few inches larger in diameter than the circle you want to cut. Center the drill bit in the circle and use a chuck or your hands to hold the drill bit in place.

When you’re cutting circles in wood, you need to be very careful. If you don’t cut the circle exactly right, the piece of wood could split and fall apart. You’ll need to make sure that you drill the holes at the correct angle, and that you’re drilling the holes at the correct depth.

To cut a circular hole in a piece of wood using a drill, use the following steps:

If you’re new to the world of DIY, you might not be familiar with a drill (possible, but unlikely). A drill is an electric motor powered tool that you use to drill holes into things like wood.

1. It’s essential: There are two types of drills. There’s a drill bit that you attach to the end of the drill. The drill bit is what you use to create holes in the wood. The other type of drill is a cordless drill. This is the kind of drill you use if you’re cutting circles in wood.

2. Safety first: Before you start using a drill, make sure you read the instructions. You should also wear eye protection and make sure you’re not standing too close to the workpiece.

3. Keep your hands away from the workpiece: You should keep your hands away from the workpiece. This is especially important when you’re drilling into hardwood, as it can be dangerous in some scenarios. Note: Hardwood can require ALOT of effort to drill. I suggest starting with a softer wood to practice.

4. Use the right size bit: When you’re cutting a circle in wood with a drill, you’ll need to use a drill bit that’s the right size. You can measure the diameter of the hole you want to create by placing the drill bit at the top of the hole and measuring the distance from the drill bit to the bottom of the hole.

5. Start small: You can use a drill to create a hole that’s about 1 cm wide, or 1 inch. If you want to create a larger hole, you’ll need to use a different tool.

6. Drill slowly: Turn the drill on and slowly start moving the bit around the circle. If you’re using a cordless drill, you can use the trigger to make the drill rotate. However, if you’re using a drill bit, you’ll need to make sure you use the clutch and slow down the speed of the motor.

7. Hold the drill steady: Drill a small hole into the wood. If you want to create a hole that’s about 1 cm wide, you can hold the drill in one hand. However, if you want to create a larger hole, you’ll need to hold the drill in both hands.

Change the drill bit to a larger one. Hold the drill bit at a 90-degree angle to the wood and turn the drill on. When the bit has gone all the way around, stop and hold the drill in place.

8. Drill the holes: After you’ve drilled the holes, you’ll need to put glue into the holes before you drill them again. This will stop the wood from splitting.

9. Finish the wood: Once you’ve finished drilling, you’ll need to put the wood back together. You can use wood glue to do this. Once the wood is back together, you can use a router to cut the circle.

10. Sand the wood: After you’ve finished cutting the wood, you’ll need to sand the edges. You can use a sanding block, or you can use a power sander if you have one available. You may find setting the circle in a vice for this will make it much easier as you sand around the edge.

How to cut perfect circles in wood?

It is a common question, and the answer is easy. Use the right tools and do it right, and you’ll get a perfect circle. Well, practice makes perfect. And perhaps also ask if your project really needs a perfect circle? Or is close enough good enough?

There are numerous ways to create a perfect circle in wood. With the right tool, you can quickly and efficiently make a hole through the center of any piece of wood. As you can see from the examples we walked through above, popular tools include a circular saw, handsaw (if you insist on no power tools!) router, jigsaw, table saw, router circle jib, drywall circle cutting tool and bandsaw. It’s important to have the right tool for the job and for the material you want to work on.

Below, we’ll show you the most popular ways to cut circles and holes in wood. Let’s take a look at how to cut a perfect circle in wood with a table saw and bandsaw.

Cut a perfect circle using a table saw:

Video Tutorial courtesy of Chris Marshall at the famous Woodworkers Journal. I have a subscription and highly recommend it to anyone keen on everything wood.

We’ve summarized the general steps followed by this table saw video and other similar tutorials below:

Step 1: Cut the piece of wood: Measure and cut a piece of wood that is going to form your base for a perfect circle.

Step 2: Use a compass: Measure out the diameter of the circle. Use a compass to measure the circle. Trace around the circle with a pencil or pen.

Step 3: Set up your saw: Place your circular saw on a workbench and make sure the blade is set to cut the wood straight across.

Step 4: Make a cut: Make a cut across the wood at a 45 degree angle. Make sure the blade is aligned with the cutting line. Make sure the blade is set for a perfect circle.

Step 5: Start the cut: Make a smooth and even cut across the wood. The cut should be straight and start at the top of the circle.

Step 6: Finish the cut: After the cut is complete, check to make sure there are no cuts or dings.

Step 7: Repeat the process: Repeat steps 1-4 until you have completed the circle. Once you’ve completed the first cut, you can repeat the process to create the second, third, and fourth circles.

Cut a perfect circle using bandsaw:

We like the simplicity of the bandsaw setup and the way Wes Hamstra explains it. Can recommend following Wes on Instagram for frequent woodworking tips.

Step 1: Find a piece of wood: You need a piece of wood that is roughly 2″x4″.

Step 2: Measure the circle: Measure the circle you want to cut out of your wood. You can use a compass, but this isn’t always accurate. Use a ruler and measure out the circumference of your circle.

Step 3: Draw a line around the circle: Now draw a line around the circle on your wood. This is where you will make your cuts.

Step 4: Cut along the line: Using your bandsaw, cut along the line you drew around the circle. You can use a jigsaw, circular saw, or other tool. Be careful not to go over the line or you’ll get a rough edge instead of a smooth one.

Step 5: Sand the edges: Once you’ve finished cutting, sand the edges to smooth them out.

What is a semi-circle in wood?

A semi-circle is a shape formed by connecting two lines (straight lines) that are tangent to one another at the point of contact. It is also called an angle of contact or angle of contact. Semi-circles can be found in many shapes and sizes. For example, the semi-circle is a common feature of many flowers.

A semi-circle is a shape that is made up of two arcs that are connected at the center. A semi-circle can be created by drawing two arcs that are connected at the center. The arcs can be drawn using a compass or a ruler. It is used in a variety of different ways, but the most common use is to make a drawer face.

How to cut a semi-circle in wood?

Cutting a semi-circle in wood is one of the simplest ways to create a beautiful design in your woodwork. It’s an easy way to create a focal point in your work. You can use it to create a beautiful feature in your work.

How to cut a semi-circle in wood: To create a semi-circle in wood, you’ll need to first cut a square. Then, using a saw, cut the square in half, so that you have two wood squares to create wood semi-circles.

Draw the center of semi-circle: First, you’ll need to draw a line to represent the center of the semi-circle. We again recommend using the simple compass and pencil method described at the beginning of this article. Set the radius size of the semi-circle with your compass within the square boundaries and trace out the line with the compass.

Cut the semi-circle: After you’ve cut the square, you can use a circular saw or a jigsaw to cut the semi-circle curve. Make sure the semi-circle is the correct size before you cut it. The circular saw is easier to use, but the jigsaw will allow you to make cuts that are more precise.

An alternative method involves using a Coping Saw to directly cut the semi-circle shape in the wood as shown in the diagram below.

Wood circles for your next project?

Wood circles are a specific type of woodworking project that we all come across from time to time. Creating wooden wheels on wood toys is an old classic. Wood is the perfect material for this type of project because it’s relatively easy to carve into any shape you wish. And wood is somewhat forgiving of mistakes as you can recover many errors before it’s too late. Wood is also very durable, and it can be painted or stained to match the colors of your chosen project.

If you’re looking for a fun project to do with your woodworking skills, consider carving a simple toy for your child. You can create a toy train, a pirate ship, or even a simple dollhouse.

Final Thought

In conclusion, we have discussed the different ways how to cut a circle in wood. We have also given you some tips and videos on how to use various wood cutter tools efficiently.

There are many ways to cut a circle in wood, we discussed the most simple and easy methods we can think of. Plus a couple of more complicated ones. The overall process is very easy and you can easily cut a circle with any size you want. The real skill comes with time, patience and practice.

If you are interested in cutting a circle in wood, then you must read the article to know about the different methods. I hope you like this article with our hand-selected and curated video tutorials.