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Router circle jigs are similar to regular woodworking jigs, except circle jigs provide exclusive support for creating precision-based circle cuts.
These products feature exclusive designs and robust constructs needed for effective woodworking and output. Some circle jigs contain metric scales, whereas others provide support for universal routers.
This article will review some of the top router circle jigs in the market and analyze a buying guide.
- Editor’s Choice: Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit
- Exclusive for Plunge Routers: Jasper 200J Model 200 Circle Cutting Jig
- Multi-Compatibility: POWERTEC 71212 Router Circle Jig
- Simple Operation: Rockler Circle Cutting Router Jig
- Budget Pick: Jasper 400J Model 400 Router Circle Cutting Jig
- Ideal for Small Circles: Milescraft 1210 Router Circle Cutting Jig
🔎Buying Guide
What is a router circle jig?
We are familiar with router jigs is and their intended use. They can be classified as per their forms, sizes, material make, brands, and desired output. It is safe to establish that without router jigs, precision woodworking would be an arduous task.
This is where router circle jigs come in – have you ever tried cutting a circle or similar output by freehand routing? Yes, almost impossible, right? Even if you manage to cut a circle, it won’t be a perfect one, lacking precision and compromising the output.
Router circle jigs help to cut a perfect circle with routers and suitable bits. The jigs are usually pre-drilled pivot holes and feature guides for different sizes of circular cuts.
Why do you need a router circle jig?
As we discussed above, router circle jigs help cut precise circles – a necessity in several woodworking projects. Router circle jig kits are equipped with mounting accessories and hardware like insert pins, guide bushing, screws of various sizes, drill bits, circle guides, and measurement scales.
Circle jigs are used for various operations and outputs; the following are some:
- Signs: Precise circular signs and round shapes are very attractive & in demand when it comes to woodworking practices. They can be used for a house plate, business signs, and gifting.
- Rabbets: Circle jigs are useful for making rabbet cuts needed for joining two wooden structures or designs. It finds wide applications for making round frames.
- Inlays: Round inlays are a broad requirement in woodworking and the commercial market; however, precise round inlays can be made only from high-quality router circle jigs.
- Other applications: These tools also find use in making speakers, tables, and centerpieces.
💡How do you operate a router circle jig?
Step 1: Attaching the router and jig
A router circle jig has a straightforward operation. Most circle jigs feature pre-drilled pivot holes in which insert pins and screws of an appropriate size are placed – these screws hold the routers in place with the jig. Different brands of circle jigs correspond to different pivot holes.
Step 2: Make your adjustments
After attaching the router and circle jig, you will need to make diameter adjustments as per your required output. Insert guide bushings into guide holes and pivot points for precise adjustment of the tool. Many circle jigs feature a metric scale for cross-checking the measurement settings.
Step 3: Fixing the base
Circle jig kits also include a T-screw and knob, which is placed in grooves of the jigs – this is attached to the centering pin of the jig’s base for an appropriate setup. Now the jig acts as a compass, and you are ready to proceed with the actual operation.
What to look for in a router circle jig?
➡️Compatibility
Most router circle jigs are marketed as universally compatible attachments; however, it is not always true. First, consider the brand and types of routers you own. Circle jig might be compatible with plunge routers, fixed routers, and trim routers. Check whether your potential circle jig has pivot holes that correspond with your routers. If all the checkpoints are cleared, proceed to the following screening steps.
➡️Versatility
A router circle jig should be versatile; that goes without saying, right? Circle jigs come in various types of constructs and sizes. Some are meant for small circles, while others are meant for larger circles. You can choose a small router circle jig that cuts circles in the diameter range 1-inch to 7-inches, or even select a large circle jig that cuts circles in the diameter range 10-inches to 53-inches. The ideal router circle jig should be beneficial for creating rabbets, circle inlays, table cuts, clocks, speakers, and more.
➡️Construct & Design
A router circle jig is usually constructed from acrylic, nylon polymer, plastic, and brass. The ideal circle jig should be sturdy to handle the router movements, durable to withstand customization of pivot holes for incompatible routers. Most router circle jigs come with additional design features like a metric scale and viewing window for double-checking measurement setup. The kit should also include appropriate guide bushings, pivot screws, and knobs that fit the compatible routers. Unique design features like a locking system, jig guide, and various size bits are a bonus.
The 6 Best Router Circle Jigs
Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit
- Small circle Jig cuts circles from 1. 5″ To 12″ In diameter
- Large circle Jig cuts circles from 10″ To 52″ In diameter
- Best used with a plunge router
Milescraft 1219 is manufactured by Milescraft®, an American tool manufacturing company. The company is engaged in the development and marketing of various tools & equipment for woodworking and drilling.
⚙️Construct & Design
The kit consists of a small circle router jig and a large circle router jig constructed from stiff fiber or plastic with an attractive design. The kit also comes with a circle guide head for both the small and large circle router jigs, allowing convenient and secure holding in place while working. A 13-inch offset base in the kit adds stability to the overall woodworking operations and is used to add finishing edges to your work.
⚙️Versatility
Milescraft 1219 is a very versatile product, the small and large circle router jigs feature a built-in imperial scale and metric scale for precise settings. You can check the settings and measurements from the read-out window on the scales. The jigs present a patented Turnlock technology with them – this enables comfortable attachment of guide bushings and routers to the jig without needing a fixture or tool.
Where to buy
Jasper 200J Model 200 Circle Cutting Jig
- Cuts 256 different circles from 2-1/4 to 18-3/16-inches in diameter
- Mounts directly to the base of 19 different models of plunge routers
- Easily read scale is calibrated for a 1/4-inch router bit
Jasper Precision Tools have been operating for over 30 years; the company develops and markets different types of precision jigs, router bits, and woodworking kits.
⚙️Construct & Design
The Jasper 200J circle cutting jig is made from hard brass material and features an exclusive design that works well with more than 19 different plunge router models. The jig has various precision-drilled pivot holes – the pivot holes hold pins for cutting a particular dimension circle. The circle jig features an inch scale for multiple bits.
⚙️Versatility
As per the manufacturer’s claims, you can cut circles of 256 different sizes – the size ranges from 2-1/4 inches to 18-3/16 inches in diameter. The tool is auto-calibrated for a 1/4-inch router bit which means you do not have to calibrate it manually. When you are making a wheel cut, be sure to subtract 1/2 inch from your measurement for precise cuts.
Where to buy
POWERTEC 71212 Router Circle Jig
- Easy to Install and Use
- Constructed of melamine-coated 7-layer plywood for long-lasting durability
- Allows you to rout perfectly crafted circles with diameters ranging from 10″ all the way to 53
POWERTEC Tools is the manufacturer behind the POWERTEC 71212 circle jig. The company has been active for more than 40 years and markets power tools, hand tools, woodworking accessories, machine parts, hardware, and more.
⚙️Construct & Design
POWERTEC 71212 features a rugged design; it is made from melamine-coated 7-layer plywood. This construct gives the product stability and reduces the overall weight. The circle jig is designed as a unique router compass with pre-drilled precision holes for mounting to routers. The circle jig kit also includes insert pins, a 5/16-18 tee-bolt pivot pin, a 4-point 5/16-18 knob & washer, and screws of various sizes.
⚙️Versatility
The circle jig can be combined with various accessories in the kit like different size screws, pins, and pivot pins to rout circles from 10 inches to 53 inches in diameter. You can utilize the jig to work on table design, clocks, round frames, signs, and cartwheels. The tool’s simple design and operation are beneficial for woodworkers and DIYers alike.
Where to buy
Rockler Circle Cutting Router Jig
- Cut circles from 10″ to 52″ in diameter
- Tough, long-lasting phenolic core
- Includes Two Center Pivot Pins, T-bolt with 4-star tightening knob
Rocker Woodworking has a long history of more than 50 years – today, it operates under the parent company Rockler Companies Inc. The company deals in several kinds of products under various sectors like woodworking, hardware, resins, and power tools.
⚙️Construct & Design
The circle cutting router jig from Rockler features a solid phenolic core design known for durability and long shelf-life. The jig kit also consists of mounting hardware and accessories like a T-bolt with four star tightening knob, screws of various sizes, insert pins, and two pivot center pins.
⚙️Versatility
You can cut circles of various diameters ranging from 10 inches to 52 inches. The two pivot pins in the kit are useful for routing perfectly-arced circles. You can use the pins for soft-woods or drilled center holes. You can also insert the pivot pins in the jig’s recessed groove and slide it up and down the length to find a suitable & precise center point or diameter for your output.
Where to buy
Jasper 400J Model 400 Router Circle Cutting Jig
- 120 different size cutouts in 1/16-inch increments
- Made from 3/8-inch thick cast acrylic
- From 1 inch to 7 1/2 inches in 1/16 inch increment
The Jasper 400J model is manufactured by the Jasper Precision Tools company, which also develops custom router jigs, power tools, jig kits and more.
⚙️Construct & Design
The Jasper 400J circle jig features a cast acrylic construct and is 3/8-inch in thickness. The circle jig includes pre-drilled holes that are useful to mount with pins for routing different circle sizes. A guide is present on the jig’s body. Jasper 400J is suitable with several types & brands of routers and as a sub-base for plunge routers.
⚙️Versatility
The circle jig can fit 47 different routers, including the DeWalt DW611, Porter-Cable PC450PK, Ryobi RE180PL, and more. You can make 120 types of circle cuts in the incrementing range of 1/16-inches. The router jig is suitable for making small and medium-sized cuts in the range of 1-inch to 7-1/2-inches in diameter.
Where to buy
Milescraft 1210 Router Circle Cutting Jig
- Cut small circles from 1. 5” in diameter to 12” in diameter
- Quickly and easily attaches to the included turn-n-lock circle guide head
- Cut small circles from 1. 5 inch in diameter to 12 inch in diameter
Milescraft® is the manufacturing company of the Milescraft 1210 SmallCircleCompass brand. The company also develops and markets various cutting tools, measurement tools, precision tools and power tools.
⚙️Construct & Design
The small circle jig is made from durable polycarbonate material featuring a built-in imperial and metric scale. You can utilize the scale for setting precision before operations; the reading is accessible on a read-out window. The circle cutting kit also comes with a circle guide head, a 1/4″ straight router bit, a 3/32″ Brad Point drill bit, and a 5/8″ long nose metal bushing.
⚙️Versatility
The Milescraft 1210 SmallCircleCompass is useful for routing circles from 1.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. The product is equipped with the patented Turnlock technology, which allows for quick attachment between the router and jig.
Where to buy
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Material | Circle Diameter | Pre-Drilled Holes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit | Metal, Glass-Filled Nylon, Durable Polycarbonate | 1.5″ to 12″ & 10″ to 52″ | Yes |
| Jasper 200J Model 200 Circle Cutting Jig | Brass | 2-1/4″ to 18-3/16″ | Yes |
| POWERTEC 71212 Router Circle Jig | Melamine-Coated 7-Layer Plywood | 10″ to 53″ | Yes |
| Rockler Circle Cutting Router Jig | Phenolic | 10″ to 52″ | Yes |
| Jasper 400J Model 400 Router Circle Cutting Jig | Thick Cast Acrylic | 7″ to 18-3/16″ | Yes |
| Milescraft 1210 Router Circle Cutting Jig | Metal, Glass-Filled Nylon, Durable Polycarbonate | 1. 5” to 12” | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a router circle jig?
Every woodworker or DIYer looking to create precise and perfect circles needs a suitable router circle jig. Routing circles find wide use in commercial as well as non-commercial products.
Are router circle jigs necessary?
If you are looking to create high-quality outputs that constitute circular cuts of various diameters, then yes, router circle jigs are necessary. It is almost impossible to develop error-free, and high-quality circle cuts in woodworking by freehand routing.
What are the advantages of router circle jigs?
Apart from the fact that router circle jigs are needed to create precise circular cuts and ensure quality, these tools reduce woodworking operation time, prevent the need for reference lines, and are a cost-saving mechanism.
Will I need to buy a separate router if my circle jig is not compatible?
The first thing you should do before buying a circle jig is going through an informative buyer’s guide like the one in this article. Ensure that the potential circle jig is compatible with the routers you own. If a circle jig is not compatible with your router, you can customize it by creating pivot holes in it – however, make sure that the jig can withstand the pressure.
Verdict
This article consists of detailed reviews of reputed router circle jigs – these products are equipped with various types of features and additions, making them one of the most utilized tools in their niche.
We have understood the importance of router circle jigs and how they contribute to the superior quality of exclusive designs like clocks, speakers, circle inlays and more. Moreover, our buying guide follows a simple structure that will help every user.
Still cannot decide on a router circle jig for your work? How about considering one of our top picks?
Brayden Silva
Hand-made furniture, remodeling projects, and consulting on all your home needs! I've been a carpenter for over 10 years and I'm still loving it. I learn a new skill every day and can talk your ear off about it! I love to make things. I've been doing it my whole life. Check out my blog for some of my latest projects!
