How to Make an Easy Router Circle Cutting Jig for Perfect Circles Every Time

Cutting perfect circles with a handheld router can be challenging, especially if you’ve struggled with uneven arcs or inconsistent radiuses. A router circle cutting jig is one of the simplest and most effective woodworking jigs you can add to your shop. In this build from Woodsongs by Russell, you’ll learn how to make a DIY router jig that delivers smooth, accurate, repeatable circles every time.

Whether you’re building tabletops, speaker boxes, trays, or decorative pieces, a woodworking circle jig will quickly become one of your go‑to shop tools.

Why Build a Router Circle Cutting Jig?

A well‑designed circle cutting jig gives you:

• Perfectly consistent radiuses for any project

• Smooth, clean arcs and curves without guesswork

• Repeatable cuts for multiple identical pieces

• Better control and safety compared to freehand routing

• A budget‑friendly alternative to store‑bought circle guides

If you’ve been searching for the best way to cut perfect circles in wood, this jig is the answer.

Materials You’ll Need

This DIY woodworking project uses simple materials you likely already have:

• ¼" or ½" plywood or MDF

• A straightedge or scrap board for the jig arm

• Screws for attaching the router base

• A small nail, screw, or dowel for the pivot point

• Drill and drill bits

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Pencil or marking knife

🛠️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Jig Base

Cut a piece of plywood or MDF long enough to reach the radius of the largest circle you plan to cut. This becomes the arm of your router jig for circles.

2. Attach the Router

Remove the factory baseplate from your router. Center the router on one end of the jig arm and secure it using screws through the existing baseplate holes. This ensures the router bit is perfectly aligned with your new router circle cutting jig.

3. Mark and Drill Pivot Holes

Measure from the center of the router bit down the length of the jig arm.

Mark pivot points at the radiuses you want to cut — for example:

• 6" radius

• 10" radius

• 12" radius

Drill a small hole at each mark. These holes will sit over a nail or screw in your workpiece, acting as the pivot for your circle cutting guide.

4. Set Up Your Workpiece

Place your board on a sacrificial surface. Drive a small nail or screw into the center point of the circle you want to cut. Place the jig’s pivot hole over the nail so the jig rotates freely.

5. Make the Cut

Lower the spinning router bit into the wood slowly. Rotate the jig around the pivot in a smooth, steady motion.

For deeper cuts, make multiple shallow passes to avoid burning or tear‑out — a common tip in beginner woodworking.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a sharp straight bit or spiral bit for the cleanest edges.

• Make light passes instead of cutting full depth at once.

• Clamp your workpiece securely to prevent shifting.

• Support the jig arm when cutting large circles to prevent flex.

These small adjustments help your homemade circle jig perform like a professional tool.

Why This Jig Works So Well

The beauty of this DIY router circle cutting jig is its simplicity. With just a scrap board and a few screws, you create a precise mechanical pivot that guides the router in a perfect arc. No complicated hardware, no expensive store‑bought jigs — just clean, accurate circles every time.

This is the kind of woodworking jig that instantly improves your results and expands what you can build.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been avoiding circular cuts because they feel intimidating, this jig will open up a whole new world of woodworking possibilities. From trays to tabletops to decorative pieces, you’ll be able to cut smooth, perfect circles with confidence using this simple jig for cutting circles with a router.