Routers and Routing Tables - Cutting Small Circles?

Question

Hi. I am going to buy a router and a routing table. I want to cut a bunch (like 100's) of small circles (2 inches - 7 inches) for a project. Is it best to use the router and hold it, or do this on a routing table while the router is flipped upside down and coming up through the hole (I'm not good with the technical jargon!). I would love to do it on a routing table, but is this even possible to cut perfect cirlces?

Answer 1

Im a wood worker... both as a hobby and professionally.

You did not say how thick these circles are going to be, or what they are being cut out of, or, whether you need to add a shape to the outer edge.

There are several ways to 'cut circles'.
Drill press (or large drill) with a circle cutter, or hole saw. You can actually buy circle cutters that are adjustable. Ive used these, and they work very well.

Bandsaw - Ive cut very large diameter circles (up to 30 inches) using a bandsaw, with a pin. Place a hole about the size of your pin in the center of your product, and then simply spin it thru the blade.

Router - with or without a table - There are two methods for cutting circles on a router. First option, use a jig like I mentioned above for the bandsaw, or second, use a template. With the jig, you need only a straight cutter bit.... don't forget to measure FROM your cutter bit's edge to locate your pin. When using a template, then your router bit needs to have a guide on it (this is usually referred to as a bearing) You can adjust, if necessary, your work by using different size bearings, and cutters.

Ive actually cut a lot of round seats (like for stools) on an 'inverted' router. This is actually a good sized production machine, made for turning out pieces all day long, every day. Onsrud is a common name in woodworking factories, and Ive had good experience with the Onsrud machines Ive used in the past.

You may find it easier to use a hole saw for the smaller sizes, and a bandsaw or router, for the larger sizes.

Now -- what are you cutting these circles out of? This can greatly affect what method of cutting would be best to use. If you are cutting these circles out of wood, then you have to keep in mind the direction of woodgrain, when routing. When a router bit cuts 'against' the grain.... and at some point, on a circle, it will... the wood will often tear out in chunks. This isnt a problem when cutting plywood, or particleboard.
So, if you are going to be using wood... I would recommend cutting the circles on a bandsaw...the blade is going down thru the face of the wood, rather than against the wood grain.

Here are some links to look at:
http://www.rockler.com/search_results.cfm?filter=circle+cutter - some circle cutters for sheetmetal, wood, even picture matting, for frames.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17282 - this is a jig for cutting circles, and ovals, etc using a router. (You can actually make a jig similar to this out of plywood -- I have, for some extremely large curves, but the idea is the same.)
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=5315&SearchHandle=DADBDADFDADADDDGDADEDBDFDBDHGEDGCNDBGDGDGDCNDEDEDFDFCNDIDBDCGFCNDIGDDDDBDEDIDADJDGGCGBDIDADADADBDADADADADIGIGPGMGFCAHDGBHHDADADADEDADADADADADADADBDFDADADADBDADADADADADADADADADADADADBDADADADADIGIGPGMGFCAHDGBHHDADADADBDB&filter=hole%20saw - a typical holesaw package.

http://www.cronsrud.com/inverted.html - Onsrud website, just for some good reading, hehehe

Have Fun! (but be safe -- keep your fingers away from the cutters)

Answer 2

very small at 2" to be cutting out with a router.No chance free hand!! the hole saw is a good suggestion if you want a hole in the middle say for wheels. If you don't want the hole in the middle clamp your work to the drill table and make the cut. as for making a decorative edge two possibilities. with the router in the table and a follower it Will take three layers the bottom will be your stock to cut the next will be your template or pattern and the third will be your "handle" I would make the third layer quite large so that it overhangs the pattern by at least 10" all round this will give you control and also a safe area between you and the cutter. screw the second and third layer together permanently and allow for at least two screws that will extend through to the work piece to hold it to the pa tern and "handle" while you cut. not all the way through but at least half way through the work. Just grip the upper edge of the handle do not extend your fingers underneath. The second way would be to use the hole saw. clamp your material as though not using a center drill but SEt the center drill so that it enters the work a short way before the hole saw cuts through. this will give you a pilot and center to locate on your pattern. adapt your pattern so that it has a pin in the center to index the part when you fasten it to the work.

Answer 3

Answer 2 has the clue.

I'd invest in a modest priced drill press and hole saw blades. I suspect the cost difference will be nominal.

It will allow you better control, less waste, and actually, probably make the job move along at a faster pace.

With the router you're "FREE HANDING" all the time, and certainly coming up from under suggests you're guessing at where to make the hole. Of course you can craft a template/tool for the purpose, but I suggest the drill press/hole saw bits way to go.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

You can use a router but not mounted in the table. You can either use a circle cutting attachment or make a template.
You can buy or make your own circle cutting attachment

Answer 5

i am surprised that somebody hasn't suggested a rotozip tool to you. for less than the cost of a good router, you can buy one they come with attachments for circle cutting and straight cuts. it cuts with a bit that looks and is about the size of an 1/8" drill. you can find them at lowes, or the depot, or at better hardware stores. compare it to the router and circle cutting kit that you'll need and see if it will do the trick for you. unless you are making fancy edge cuts this should work. good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 6

You don't need a CNC machine to cut straight slots. A simple jig will accomplish the same task for a fraction the cost. The shank size on the router collet is not the same as the diameter of the bit. The bit diameter can be smaller, or larger than the shank.

Answer 7

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/py2kb
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 8

In case you didn't know, they make hole saws that range from 1/2" diameter all the way up to 8 or 9"...maybe more. So your most efficient way would be to buy the hole saw kit and mount it in a drill press and have at it.

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

<>You generally do not use a router for cutting off pieces. To cut your disks you would be better off with a jig saw.