How to Cut Circles with a Jigsaw: Best Beginner’s Guide

Are you wanting to make flawless wooden circles with a jigsaw? If so, you have come to the ideal spot! In this introductory guide, I will show you how to cut circles with a jigsaw and provide you with helpful hints and techniques to guarantee that your cuts are exact and precise.

To cut circles in wood with a jigsaw, you’ll need to start by choosing the right blade for the material you’ll be cutting. Next, you need to properly prepare your workpiece and set up your jigsaw. In this step-by-step guide, you will find all the information to achieve precise and accurate cuts every time.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge to master cutting circles with a jigsaw. I delve into all the basics of jigsaws and blades, provide detailed instructions on prepping the workpiece and safely establishing the jigsaw for circle making, explore various cutting techniques and identify common pitfalls to avoid. For novices and experts alike, I provide all the necessary safety tips to guarantee accuracy and safety while making accurate circles using a jigsaw!

Disclosure: At zero cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon associate. Products featured are selected based on quality, performance, and reputation, regardless of affiliate relationships.

Understanding the Jigsaw

Before attempting how to cut circles with a jigsaw, it’s important to familiarize oneself with its components and capabilities. This versatile and commonly used power tool can be employed for various cutting jobs.

The jigsaw comprises of several components, such as the motor, blade, shoe, and handle. The motor is responsible for driving the blade’s motion and the shoe keeps the tool steady as it is being operated. The handle grants the user a secure hold so that they can maneuver it precisely. These tools can be powered either by electricity, batteries, or compressed air with adjustable speed options in certain models.

It is imperative to remember that not all jigsaws are equal. There is an abundance of styles accessible in the market, each with their particular attributes and capabilities. Corded jigsaws have hefty power and are ideal for laborious undertakings, while cordless jigsaws are compact and well-suited for less extensive operations. Some jigsaws come equipped with orbital settings that enable the blade to rotate in a circular motion, making them suitable for round cuts.
See the differences in my article The Great Debate: Corded Vs Cordless Jigsaw – Which One To Buy?

It is vitally important to select the right blade when using a jigsaw. To suit the type of material and the desired outcome, there are blades with varying shapes and sizes; for instance, blades with fewer teeth per inch create rougher cuts while those with more teeth per inch make more precise ones.

Grasping the components of a jigsaw, various models offered in stores, and the various sorts of blades used with it, can set you on the way to being an accomplished user and achieving flawlessly round cuts. You can read a more in-depth article about the jigsaw here to grow your knowledge of this great tool.

In the next section, I’ll explore the required steps for cutting circles impeccably with a jigsaw.

How to cut circles with a jigsaw – step by step

Choosing the Right Blade

Selection of the suitable blade is critical when sawing circles with a jigsaw. There are numerous varieties of blades at one’s disposal, and each is intended to slice through exact fabrics and thicknesses.

Different blade types that are suitable for cutting circles include high-carbon steel, bi-metal and tungsten-carbide. High-carbon steel blades are cost effective and perfect for cutting circles in wood or plastic.

Bi-metal blades are an excellent choice as they possess more durability and can smoothly handle denser materials like metals or tiles. The strongest, albeit most expensive option is the tungsten-carbide blade – perfect for slicing through tough substances such as fiberglass or cement board.

When selecting a blade, it is important to take into account the material being cut and its thickness. For thicker materials, blades with larger teeth should be used, while thinner materials call for blades with smaller teeth. Additionally, pay attention to the number of teeth per inch (TPI) which dictates the speed and quality of the cut. Higher TPI blades give smoother results but they cut slower.

An important factor to ponder when sawing circles with a jigsaw is the longevity of the blade. If the material being cut is hard or thick, then the blade can lose its edge quickly. To maximize the lifespan of a jigsaw blade, the right accessory for that specific material should be used and an appropriate cutting method needs to be employed. Additionally, lubricating it with oil or wax can reduce abrasion and amplify its life expectancy.

Choosing the correct blade when using a jigsaw to cut circles in wood is essential. Carefully consider the material being cut, the number of teeth per inch on the blade, and how long it will last when selecting your blade.

To help you finding the best jigsaw blade, I suggest you should read this article: Choosing the perfect jigsaw blades in 3 simple steps | FREE DOWNLOAD

Preparing the Workpiece

Before utilizing a jigsaw to make circular cuts, the workpiece should be correctly prepped to guarantee precise and flawless results and prevent any harm from occurring during the process.

Secure the project with clamps or other holding tools to an even surface to prevent uneven cuts and protect the material while cutting circles.

Secure your workpiece, then mark its center point with a ruler. To draw the outline of the circle, you can either use a compass or make your own jig. Cut a square of plywood and drill a circular hole in its middle, then attach a pencil to the hole via screw. Put the jig on the material while aligning the pencil to it; thereafter rotate it to draw the outline of the circle.

Once the perimeter is outlined, it’s vital to make sure that the item to be cut is horizontal and even so that the saw blade will not curve or snap off while cutting. Check the surface’s evenness with a level or ruler and if need be, use wedges to make it perfectly flat.

Secure the workpiece firmly, mark the center of the circle, and make sure it lies flat – these are essential for achieving precise and tidy cuts with a jigsaw. In the next part in this beginner’s series, I’ll discuss how to set up your jigsaw and make the cut.

Setting up the Jigsaw

Once the workpiece is ready, the next step is to equip the jigsaw to start slicing circles. There are two methods to achieve this with a jigsaw: cutting by hand or employing a circle jig.

Hand-cutting works best for small and simple circles, whereas a circle jig provides superior results when dealing with more sizeable or intricate shapes.

To make a freehand cut with a jigsaw, begin by selecting and inserting the appropriate blade suited for the material. Make sure to use one equipped with fine teeth for cleaner results. Then, adjust the roller guide to the desired height for cutting through the material’s thickness; it should stick out from the base plate enough to pass through, leaving some room to spare.

To use a jigsaw circle jig to assemble the jigsaw, affix the jig to the base of the jigsaw and reset the cutting radius to your desired measurement. The pivot point of this handy tool revolves around the heart of the circle, providing accurate cuts.

To get the most precise cut, accurately align the jigsaw blade following the outlined circumference. Make sure that the teeth are pointing downward so that material doesn’t unintentionally rip or tear during cutting circles.

It is essential to adjust the speed of the jigsaw depending on the material being cut. Utilizing a slower pace with softer items helps counteract melting or deforming, while more rigid materials necessitate a quicker rate to avoid overheating and blunting the blade.

Completing the jigsaw properly is essential for creating precise, clean circle cuts. Select the suitable cutting technique, regulate the blade and speed, as well as utilize a circle cutting jig for more accurate results.

Cutting Techniques

Having arranged the jigsaw correctly, it’s now time to begin cutting the circle. Depending on its dimensions and details, a selection of techniques can be used to complete this task.

For circles of small sizes, the best method is to use a freehand cutting technique. Begin with the jigsaw and guide its blade carefully along the circumference of the marked circle, making sure to keep it upright against the material. Move it in a steady and continual motion without applying too much pressure or moving too rapidly as this can result in an uneven cut.

For more expansive or intricate circles, the circle cutting guide for jigsaws is the ideal tool. You can buy one that suits your jigsaw or you can DIY this jig. You can see how to make a circle cutting jig for jigsaws in this article.

Secure the jig to the bottom of your jigsaw, and then pivot it around the circle’s center point while you guide the blade along its marked edge.

Maintain a perpendicular angle between the blade and workpiece as you smoothly move the jigsaw in a continuous motion. To get optimal results, turn the workpiece as necessary to keep the jig steady around the circumference.

To achieve a perfect cut while cutting circles, it is crucial to handle the jigsaw correctly. Using both hands, firmly and securely grip the jigsaw and follow the edge of your marked circle. Make sure to maintain the blade perpendicular to the material and avoid any jerking or twisting in order to prevent a crooked cut.

Glide the jigsaw steadily along, being mindful not to pause during mid-cut; otherwise, you can end up with an unpolished and unequal cut.

To sum up, choosing an appropriate technique for cutting circles depends on the size and intricacy of the shape. To be precise, keep the jigsaw level and run it correctly along its path. For best results, move it steadily at all times.

Now you know how to cut a small circle with a jigsaw, you might wnt to know how to make straight cuts. You can find all that information in my article How to Cut Straight with a Jigsaw (3 Easy Ways)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating circles with a jigsaw can prove to be a hazard-strewn endeavor, and even experienced woodcarvers can make errors. Here are some regular missteps to dodge when sawing out circles using a jigsaw:

Starting the cut at the wrong angle: To avoid mistakes, ensure the jigsaw’s blade is at a right angle to the material before initiating the cut.

Forcing the blade: The excessive pressure on the blade can lead to its bending or breakage, resulting in a botched cut and potentially damaging the jigsaw. Refrain from pushing too hard and guide it through a steady and consistent movement instead.

Not supporting the workpiece: Securely fastening the material is essential to avoiding crooked or uneven cuts; without support, the workpiece may move or vibrate. Always ensure that it is firmly secured to eliminate any chance of movement.

Twisting the jigsaw: Grasping the jigsaw firmly with both hands, move it slowly and steadily along the marked circle’s edge. Vigorous twisting of the jigsaw may cause the blade to bend or snap, leading to an uneven cut.

To sidestep frequent blunders, ensure that you use the right process for cutting circles with a jigsaw. Commence the cut at the precise angle, let the blade carry out its job, bolster the workpiece and avert turning the jigsaw. If any difficulties arise, attempt to tackle them by altering the blade, speed or chopping approach.

Safety Tips

To ensure maximum safety when employing a jigsaw for cutting circles, employ these tips:

Wear protective gear: It is essential to protect your eyes, ears and lungs when using a jigsaw. Wearing gloves can reduce the risk of cuts and provide a better grip.

Check the power cord: Before employing the jigsaw, inspect the power cable for any impairment or deterioration. In case the cord is broken, get it serviced or substituted prior to use.

Check the blade: Ensure the blade is set up correctly and firmly secured. Inspect the blade for any signs of wear or damage, and swap it out if needed.

Secure the workpiece: Secure the workpiece firmly before proceeding to make any cuts. Doing this will prevent it from slipping and help avoid a dangerous situation.

Use a suitable surface: Secure the workpiece on a firm and level surface before slicing. Refrain from placing it on an unsteady or delicate area that could easily be marred.

Keep fingers clear: Keep your digits at a safe distance from the cutting edge. Firmly secure the jigsaw in both hands and use an appropriate grip to retain control.

Adhering to these safety measures can stop mishaps and traumas from occurring during the process of cutting circles using a jigsaw. It is important to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant while utilizing the saw. Most importantly, prioritize safety above all else.

How to cut circles with a jigsaw – Conclusion

In conclusion, with the correct tools and approach, cutting accurate circles with a jigsaw doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Following the steps we’ve provided in this guide, you’ll be able to make exact and accurate cuts time after time. To learn even more strategies and tactics, see more at my guide “7 Essential Techniques for Accurate Jigsaw Cuts (Quick Guide).” Keep in mind that safety always comes first, so make sure you wear protective gear when operating power tools. Have a great time cutting!