Woodworking is no easy business, especially when it comes to cutting near-perfect circles in wood. Sure, you can try out using a hole-saw or cutting bits with drill presses, but they usually max out at about 7 inches and don’t let one cut big circles.
For the purpose of cutting clean, big circles in wood, one has to have the proper tools and utilize the proper methods to get it done. In this article, we take a look at those exact tools that let you get done with your job with precision and ease.
Though there are literally thousands of such wood circle cutters in the market, who has time to go through them all and compare the varying features of them all.
But fret not, we have done the heavy lifting for you, and reviewed five of the Best Tool for Cutting Circles in Wood that are available in the market. So, let’s get down to the reviews and find out which products are worth your salt.
As mentioned, we are basically going to take a look at those products that can allow you to cut holes that are much larger than what is possible with a basic hole-saw or drill bits.
Furthermore, we are also going to focus on those products that let you get a perfect circle or at least one that is close to it.
Rockler Circle Cutting Router JigBest Jig for Cutting Circles in Wood
First up, we have the best of the lot, a product by Rockler. It is hard to presume that the readers would know about Rockler, especially if they aren’t in the business to differentiate one brand from another.
But, trust the connoisseurs; this is a remarkable brand that delivers products that are no less perfect than the circles that they cut.
Design
The thing that’s most noteworthy of this cutter is its design, which provides the utmost convenience to the user.
It has a robust phenolic core which, one can rest assured, is going to last for a long time. Two center pivot pins are included in addition to the tightening knobs that secure it in place.
The mounting hardware can be used to fit many routers. One can quickly mount routers by Bosch, Makita, Hitachi, DeWalt, or any other popular maker.
Performance
secure the pivot point to the center of the hole.Thereafter, slide the router to the proper radius, and make the cuts. The jig comes with a set of instructions as well which should make life easier for you.
Simply follow those, get the router going, and make the perfect circles that you’ve been longing to have. It is good to lower the router little by little, making several passes over it to get the best results.
- Amazing quality construction
- Can create circles that are between 10 and 52 inches in diameter
- Can adapt to most popular routers
- Comes with an instructional manual
- Easy to use
- Can damage wooden construction
Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router KitBest Tool for Cutting Circles in Wood
Next up, we have a top-notch product from Makita – Makita RT0701CX7 – which is considered by many to be a household name by now. If you don’t have a router, then it’s better to get a complete wood circle cutter kit, which is offered in this product.
Design
The router kit allows one to control the speed through the control dial so that it matches whatever application it is required for. For better precision settings, the rack and pinion have a depth adjustment system that makes it getting precise results in a cinch.
The design of the body is made ergonomically with increased comfort and control in mind. The cam lock system makes it convenient to make depth adjustments and installing/removing the base whenever necessary.
The template of the fixed base is made with industry standards for convenient usage. The heavy-duty motor is made of aluminum which increases durability and longevity.
Performance
Given the complete package that it provides, the performance of the Makita Router Kit is on par with the best products in the industry. The speed control dial provides 10,000 to 30,000 RPM that one can control based on the application.
The speed is maintained at a constant even under load and the soft start features ensure that there are no hiccups in operation. One is bound to get amazing handling and performance with this Makita kit.
As mentioned, it provides enough power for all the work that it is used for, delivering improved performance and efficiency.
- Super quality
- Has a powerful motor
- Ergonomic design
- Convenient to use
- Variable speed control dial
- Some users have had trouble with depth adjustment settings
Festool 490118 Circle Cutter AttachmentBest Attachment for Cutting Circles
Here, we have an excellent tool by a company known to provide impeccably constructed tools – Festool. Their reputation for innovation and quality precedes them. Sure, their products can be a little on the expensive side, but the value you get for your price is truly unparalleled.
There surely is a dearth of quality in this market, which is where Festool comes in to fill the gap with its circle cutter attachment.
Design
The attachment, as one would expect from Festool, is exceptionally built, with rugged features that are designed to provide precise cuts for many long years.
It is the ideal circle cutting attachment for Jigsaws, especially PS 300 and PSB 300. It comes with a centering mandrel that helps you align the attachment with the hole.
Performance
The cuts made by this attachment range in diameter from 4 to 28 inches. It also has a fast and efficient startup that provides for safety and convenience.
The centering mandrel ensures that one gets precise and near-perfect cuts. The attachment can easily be adjusted to use with the jigsaws.
- Great quality
- Easy to adjust
- Durable
- Designed to work with jigsaws
- Ergonomic
- Limited to a diameter of 28 inches
Woodhaven 3260 Circle JigBest Cutting Width
The penultimate circle cutter on our list is a Woodhaven product. Woodhaven is an old company that has its roots in traditional woodcutting, made precise with the use of state-of-the-art woodcutting technology.
This circle cutting jig is one of their most used and highly espoused products that delivers precise cuts and is durable enough to last for a lifetime.
Design
One of the selling points of this circle cutter is the construction that has a premium feel to it and is even guaranteed against material or workmanship defects.
One gets a 24-inch double-track rail that can cut circle diameters between ¾ to 62 inches. Do note that the router is not included in this package.
To streamline and simplify the process of cutting circles, it can quickly be attached or detached so that you can be router-free to perform other tasks.
A pencil holder for drawing circles, a tape scale, and a cursor with indexes are also provided which simplifies the process of taking measurements.
Performance
Woodhaven circle jig is not only ergonomic and easy to use but also gives you the option to cut circles of a wider diameter than most circle cutters, which is always a welcome addition.
It is easy to get used to the Woodhaven circle jig, and one can rest easy knowing that one won’t need a circle cutter jig after this one.
- Huge diameter cutting width
- Quick attach feature
- Has a pencil holder
- Lifetime guarantee against defects
- Free shipping
- No router included
DEWALT DWP611 1.25 HP Max Torque Variable Speed Compact RouterBest Compact Router for Cutting Circles
Last, but definitely not least, on our list is a cutting jig – DEWALT DWP611, a jig by one of the most proficient companies in the market.
With this product, Dewalt has brought its range of compact router kits to a whole new level. But don’t go by the ‘compact’ in its name, it is still a powerful product decked with features.
Design
This Dewalt router has full steel construction and gets quickly attached to the base of the compact router. The edge guide ensures precision that is necessary for the work. When you’re changing operations, you can control its speed with the controls.
Performance
There is no compromise whatsoever on the performance front. Its 1.25hp motor generates enough power to meet even the hardest application requirements. It starts softly and the speed is maintained through its electronic feedback system.
With its fixed base, one can get precise positioning, and getting clean cuts is a breeze. Overall, this tool is meant to impress and you won’t be disappointed in its circle cutting abilities.
- Powerful motor
- Variable speed control feature
- Full steel construction
- Quick attach feature
- Fixed base offers precise cuts
- Doesn’t come in a case for storage
Best Tool for Cutting Circles in Wood Buyer’s Guide/FAQs
Now that we have come to the end of the product review, let’s take a look at some of the commonly asked questions that come up when one is looking to purchase such tools.
Furthermore, these should also aid you in knowing about their proper functionality and usage.
What tools can cut circles in wood?
What materials can I cut with circle cutting tools?
Some of them are designed for metals such as steel as well but their operation and usage remain the same.
How to cut a circle in wood?
You may have to cut in multiple rounds and make sure that the router is not over-worked. The fixed bases of routers can help in getting precise cuts.
Can I cut a circle without a router?
But the advantage with a router is its precision and diameter width which, although is possible with jigsaws also to some extent, is not so with drill bits.
Final Thoughts
The process of woodcutting requires such deftness and skill that it is not comparable to any other trade. But fortunately, there are enough wood circle cutting tools that make the process not just easier, but also more precise.
Whether you are using routers or jig attachments, as long as you know that the tool you’re using is good for the material that you’re cutting, it should do the job. There are many tools that can cut most materials like plastic, wood, and metal, but there are some that are designed just for wood.
When purchasing one such tool, the thing to look out for is the overall design and the performance. The design is what will assist you in ease of operations and ergonomic usage.
Performance, which is of prime importance, has to be seen in terms of the precision of the cuts, the speed at which one can cut, and the maximum range of cut circles that it can offer.
We hope that through this review, you now have sufficient information to know which are the most relied upon tools that are available in the market to cut circles in wood.
Depending on your needs and your budget, you can easily choose from amongst the products that we have narrowed down and become a prolific and professional woodworker. Do let us know which tools you end up choosing and how they turn out for you. Until next time.
Did you like our Best Tool for Cutting Circles in Wood review? Please comment! This review is not the only interesting we have here, please also check – Best Nibbler Drill Attachment Review!