How to Make Small Circles From Wood

Cutting curves in wood is a woodworking challenge that requires skill and the right tools. While many tools are capable of cutting curves, few do it consistently enough to produce a true circle. Using a compass, perfect circles of any size can be marked out, and with a little practice a band saw can produce perfectly round disks in most kinds of wood.

Wood
Compass
Band saw

Instructions

- 1
  Select the material for your circles. Wood up to 2 inches thick is easiest to cut with a clean vertical edge. Loosen the nut on your compass and adjust the pencil and center point to the size of circle you need. Position the point in the center of the material and twist the compass to draw a perfect circle.
- 2
  Position the material on the band saw table, against the blade of the saw. Use an Allen key to release the metal blade guide above the table. Allow it to drop down onto the material. Lift it back up slightly and tighten it with the Allen key to keep the blade steady for the best cut.
- 3
  Remove the circle material from beside the blade and start the saw. Allow the blade to come up to speed. Cut from the edge of your material, turning it as you go, so that the blade meets the circle on a curve. Continue cutting around the circle, turning the material continually as you go. Steer with the material, working to keep the blade vertical, rather than flexing it.
- 4
  Repeat this process for as many circles as you need. Sand the edges of your disks by hand with 150-grit sandpaper.

Installation of a Stair Handrail

Installation of Drawer Glides

Woodworking