Having trouble making circle cuts

[BigSix 10+ year member]

I just recently built my first box.....although it was a badly built box(not properly sealed or straight cuts) it was quite a learning experience. I bought a POS black and decker jigsaw to make the baffle and speaker terminals and they were the worst circles i ever seen...... so now i decided to buy a router but unsure what kind i need... plunged?? fix base?? also what are some good brands and what kind of accesories do i need with it to make perfect circles????

any input is greatly appreciated!!!!!!

bigsix,

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[Supergumby5000 5,000+ posts]

might as wel get the plunge router over the fixed base, considering many routers can be locked in the "plunged" mode making it just like a fixed base.

I just bought a router as well, but havent had a change to play with it yet.

 

[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

plunge base, and a circle jig (you can make your own) i cut my circles with a jig saw, just go sloowly

 

[BigSix 10+ year member]

plunge base, and a circle jig (you can make your own) i cut my circles with a jig saw, just go sloowly

I think its impossible to make straight circles with the pos one i bought the jigsaw doesnt stay straight....

 

[m2002brian 10+ year member]

you shouldn't have to worry about going straight, You're making circles.

 

[iknownothin2006 10+ year member]

takes time my dude.....and whenever i make a box i got to lowes and they cut my circles out then i do the rest so advice for you make friends and wood shops

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

I cut a circle with a jig saw in less than 30 seconds. Just follow the line...

You just constantly have to track the line turning the back of the jig outwards as you go... It's very very easy.

I actually use a rotozip sometimes.

 

[BigSix 10+ year member]

you shouldn't have to worry about going straight, You're making circles.

What i meant by that as in a straight circle was straight cut from top to bottom ....the jigsaw is cutting circles but at a angle.....

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

What i meant by that as in a straight circle was straight cut from top to bottom ....the jigsaw is cutting circles but at a angle.....

You need a stronger/newer blade, and to stop moving it left and right.

 

[BigSix 10+ year member]

I cut a circle with a jig saw in less than 30 seconds. Just follow the line...
You just constantly have to track the line turning the back of the jig outwards as you go... It's very very easy.

I actually use a rotozip sometimes.

im sure i i had actually bought a decent jigsaw instead of black n decker then this would of been possible......anyone else ever use the same jigsaw and got good results????

 

[BigSix 10+ year member]

You need a stronger/newer blade, and to stop moving it left and right.

so the trick is to twist it from the back???

 

[Eddie Havok 10+ year member]

get a router and a jasper jig. best tool for circles IMO

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

so the trick is to twist it from the back???

Yep. Kick the rear of the jig outwards from your circle as you go forward. Never move the jigsaw in a left/right motion as this will bend the blade and angle cut. Make sure you apply plenty of force on the jigsaw. Keep it pushed down in to the surface you're cutting to prevent any left/right motion.

 

[mmouse57 10+ year member]

I sometimes use a $20 black and decker and can cut perfect circles i just follow the line //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[spltuscon 10+ year member]

If you want to do it right (and fast) get a decent plunge router and a Jasper circle jig (from parts express). Use a solid carbide upcutting bit (try mlcswoodworking.com for good prices). Best investment you'll ever make if you make multiple boxes and different diameter holes.