How to cut an even circle with only a circular saw. Cutting from plywood - main features of the work How to make a large diameter circle from plywood

Plywood, unlike others sheet materials, thanks to its dense and not loose structure, can be easily cut out and obtained from it into various decorative complex shapes. With a standard set of tools, everyone home handyman able to cut any desired material from this material, and even complex elements. However, in order for the blanks to have presentation and do not violate the intended decorative element, you need to take into account some nuances when working with plywood. How to cut smooth circle from plywood?

Many people cut parts out of plywood more than once, but mostly they had to make straight cutting lines. It is not often necessary to cut out round or wavy parts; few people dare to make a circle out of plywood. That's why this task at first glance it may seem impossible. For figure cutting you will need the following tools:

  • An ordinary jigsaw. A tool often used for DIY sawing of thin sheet materials. However, thick thicknesses are beyond his strength;
  • Jigsaw. Such power tools are divided into two types of devices: regular, in which the file is located vertically, and for artistic work, in which the working element is a steel blade, as can be seen in the photo. A regular jigsaw is suitable for working with thick plywood, but you won’t be able to use it to make an even circle of plywood. But curved elements, such as letters, can be cut out by an artistic jigsaw, which is equipped band saw. Thus, for high-quality execution For various types of work, the appropriate device is selected.
  • With more complex equipment, such as a router, a circle of plywood can be cut very smoothly. It is of course more difficult to control, but it can be used to cut a circle of plywood from sheets of sufficiently large thickness. The quality of work on such a machine is superior to other cutting methods, and the cut of the wheel is even.
  1. Templates for drawings should be placed on the workpiece sheet so that areas with damage and flaws then go to waste, and clean areas are located under the drawing, that is, they later become a finished product;
  2. Before cutting a circle from plywood with a jigsaw, you need to make sure that the material is completely dry. Since humidity increases the resistance of plywood, and as a result, either the veneer may delaminate or the tool may break;
  3. To ensure that the edges of the cut are free of notches and burrs, you need to cut it with a jigsaw along the grain of the veneer. With a hand jigsaw, on the contrary, you need to cut across the veneer fibers, although chips may form, but there is no risk that the file will deviate from the cutting line;
  4. As soon as it becomes noticeable that the cutting teeth have become dull, you immediately need to change the working blade or saw.

Curly cutting methods

When starting to cut out with a jigsaw, a sketch of the design is first applied to the sheet using carbon paper. The initial holes are drilled with a drill. A file or working element of a jigsaw is inserted into it and the free edge of the file is fixed using a clamp or screw. Next, cutting is done according to the template transferred to the plywood. Then they clean up necessary elements, and the workpiece is sanded around the edges sandpaper, or processed with a file. The video shows this process.

A furniture router is not suitable for cutting out complex shapes, but cutting a circle out of plywood evenly is very easy. A standard ruler is fixed in the center of the circle of this machine using a self-tapping screw. When the cutter begins to rotate along a given radius, a completely even circle is cut out. To correctly calculate the diameter of the circle, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the cutting cutter. You can correctly navigate this issue by first studying the instructions for the equipment.

How to make curly blanks using various instruments, and the machines described above, and if you don’t have anything at hand, how to cut a circle from plywood without a jigsaw.

Here simplest technology cutting a circle from a slab of plywood, having a few simple items available:

  • Taken wooden plank and two nails. The first nail is driven into the center of the intended circle through the bar. The second nail is driven into the bar so that its sharp edge extends five to ten millimeters beyond the bar;
  • The distance between the fixed nails will be the radius for the required circle;
  • By making rotational movements, a line is made on the plywood. By wrapping the bar many times, the furrow is made deeper and deeper.
  • The sharper the nail is chosen, the sooner the drawn line will receive a recess;
  • The bar is easily replaced with a cord; the following cutting steps remain unchanged.

The above method is one of the least effective, but also has a right to exist. And if you have a jigsaw, cutting out a circle with your own hands will not be difficult.

Often the question of how to cut even circles from plywood with a jigsaw confuses novice craftsmen. After all, doing this is much more difficult than a simple straight cut; no saw will help here.

Most often, a jigsaw helps to cope with the task of figure cutting. Jigsaws can be manual or electric. A manual jigsaw consists of a frame with blade clamps and a handle. The main disadvantages of a manual jigsaw: low mechanical strength of the blade and small size framework. As a result of this, the blade often breaks and it is impossible to cut at a large distance from the edges of the part. These jigsaws are usually used for processing wooden products. There are ordinary jigsaws, in which the saw is located vertically, and for artistic cutting, where the cutting element is a steel blade. Electric jigsaws usually used when working with thick material.

Key rules

To make the sawing process simple and fast, you must follow the basic key operating rules:

To ensure that the edges of the plywood are even, it is better to cut along the blade.

  • You can only work with dry material, since humidity increases the resistance of the material, as a result of which the veneer may begin to delaminate;
  • it is necessary to change the cutting blade immediately after the first signs of dullness of the teeth appear;
  • It is better to work with a jigsaw along the fibers of the material, so the edges will be smoother;
  • with a hand jigsaw it is necessary to cut across the grain of the veneer.

To ensure safe work, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

  • securely fasten the sawing table and the file in the frame;
  • the jigsaw must have serviceable and well-fitted handles;
  • You should not press the jigsaw too hard, trying to “help” it, this will only lead to an acceleration of dulling of the working blade;
  • It is best to make straight and long cuts with a wide blade, so the cutting process will go faster;
  • You must always see the markings, so sawdust must be removed from the material being cut by hand, and under no circumstances should you blow it away, as it can get into your eyes.

Compliance with these simple rules will help a beginner learn how to cut circles with a jigsaw and make his work easier.

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Cutting instructions

Before starting work, you need to drill a hole in the plywood for the jigsaw blade.

To cut even circles with a jigsaw quickly and beautifully, you don’t have to be an expert in this field, but for a beginner it can be a very difficult task. In this matter, the main thing is patience and, of course, the presence of the necessary accompanying tools, such as the jigsaw itself, a file, a compass, a simple pencil and devices for polishing the surface.

The first thing to do is draw a circle on the surface of the material you will be working with. It would be best to use a compass or select a suitable circle and trace it. You need to trace with a pencil so that traces of it can be erased in the future.

If you need to cut a circle inside the surface, you should make a through starting hole. Next, you need to insert a jigsaw blade or file into this hole and secure the free end of the file with a clamp. It is recommended to cut while sitting. First of all, you need to secure the file in the jigsaw using a key, keeping in mind that the teeth of the file should be directed downward. You need to cut from top to bottom. The tool should be held straight to avoid nicks and bevels.

The main thing in this process is not to rush and cut smoothly without sudden movements.

It is necessary to take short breaks during the sawing process, as the file may overheat and break. Now the circle is ready. Now it is recommended to use a file to straighten the edges, erase the markings left by the pencil and polish the part. If necessary, it can be varnished.

Of course, it requires certain dexterity and skills, but everything comes with experience. Therefore, following the recommendations described above should help the novice master in mastering this interesting and exciting activity.


A jigsaw is a well-known hand-type tool designed for cutting patterns on various surfaces. In terms of its importance, it is as important as a drill or hammer drill.

A jigsaw is used for sawing various types of materials (wood, metal, etc.).

They can make straight and curved openings in wood of any species and other non-natural materials, as well as precise cuts of geometric shapes with complex trajectories. The tips and recommendations listed here will help you figure out how to cut a circle with a jigsaw.

Properties of metalworking tools

The jigsaw is intended for household and professional needs. Devices of the first type are characterized by low power and are designed for work in small volumes. The purpose of using special equipment is the professional orientation of the tool, its productivity and a long period of work.

Usually household appliances have a standard set of functions:

  • frequency of moves;
  • method of fixing a sheet for cutting;
  • pendulum type movement;
  • turning the saw.

A jigsaw is used for finishing surfaces, cutting out uneven edges, internal holes, and making furniture. The processed material is securely fixed to the base. Marks are made on it in advance, then the holes are sawed. Rotational vibrations of the shaft are converted into translational movements. The saw is fixed on the rod, its quality determines the life of the product. When choosing a device, preference should be given to round shapes and thickened stems.

The jigsaw has such positive qualities as:

  1. Cutting holes in any samples.
  2. A simple device allows you to quickly replace saws.
  3. Possibility to make round or rectangular cuts.
  4. Ease of use.
  5. Does not require special knowledge or skills.
  6. The presence of a significant number of saws with different step limits of action and tooth shapes makes it possible to carry out various types work in conditions of one device.
  7. Reliable fixation of the cut sample allows any distance from the edge of the product.
  8. Device universal action allows you to cut to any depth.
  9. During the work, the material is practically not damaged.

Disadvantages:

  1. The shortened movement of the blade ensures slower operation of the device.
  2. Possibility of injury.
  3. Possibility of cord failure.
  4. Checking the battery charge level.

The jigsaw has a built-in protection system, pneumatics and an electric drive.

The new products being released are equipped with improved functions: reducing the number of vibrations, improving productivity indicators, and equipping the device with convenient functions. Depending on the method of fixing the cutting part, saws are:

  • with holes;
  • with a cross-shaped element;
  • with a smooth base.

A jigsaw can in some way replace a router, hand saw, circular saw, chain saw, corner sander. The tool is necessary in any household; it allows you to carry out wood carving.

The current supplied to the device from the network gives an impulse to the motor, setting it in motion. Together with the gearbox, it transmits the impulse to the gear, which secures the rod. The circular action of the shaft is modified into the movement of the working element of a reciprocating nature, moving up and down. The saws are fixed using screws or clamping mechanisms. Such fasteners help to change the canvas in a short time.

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Rules for working with a jigsaw

To understand how to properly saw a circle in wood, it is important to study the features. This carpentry tool helps to cut out ovals, wavy patterns, figures with uneven outlines, non-standard carved boxes, shelves with end-to-end patterns. To ensure that interaction with a jigsaw is organized and safe, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

In order for work with a jigsaw to proceed quickly and safely, do not forget to fix the product before work.

  1. To avoid inconvenience, special stands should be prepared during work. A slot is made up to the middle of the support, somewhat reminiscent of a lock hole.
  2. The stand is fixed with clamps or screws to the workbench.
  3. At the time of work, you need to sit down, position the file strictly vertically relative to the floor and perpendicular to the surface.
  4. The workpiece is placed in the middle of the stand, holding it with your left hand; you can saw the plywood with your right hand. The location of the cuts should be in the middle part of the support hole.
  5. The tool does not tolerate strong pressure: just a small touch and gradual movement up and down, and it will begin to work effectively.

Attributes:

  • pencil;
  • drill;
  • drill;
  • jigsaw

Questions often arise about how to cut a circle with a jigsaw, since many craftsmen only deal with straight cuts of the material. But cutting out varying degrees of curvilinearity seems difficult only at first glance.

For cutting you will need:

  • jigsaw;
  • plywood or other material;
  • special purpose files depending on the material;
  • marker;
  • sample;
  • work surface;
  • clamp.

There are various ways. You can cut a circle with either a manual or mechanical jigsaw. Hand tools is a simpler device than an electric one. It is not suitable for thick layers of material or for long cuts. Jigsaws are divided into ordinary and artistic. The difference between them is in the location of the file: in a regular file, the file is located vertically, but in an artistic one, the role of the file is played by a steel blade. A regular jigsaw can be used to cut through thick plywood to make a headboard or other furniture. Artistic ones can cut out complex elements, letters, puzzle pieces.

Cutting blades are varied for each type of jigsaw, and they need to be selected according to the material with which you are working.

How to cut out of plywood with a jigsaw?

Before cutting a circle out of plywood, there are a few things to remember: general advice to work with this material. Sawing can only be done on dry material. Wet plywood has increased resistance, and when cutting, the veneer will begin to peel, which will lead to damage to the file or even the entire tool in the case of electric models. At the first sign that the teeth are not sharp enough or that some part of the blade is bent, the file should be replaced.

When sawing plywood with a jigsaw, you should, if possible, place the main cutting lines along the veneer fibers.

This will promote clean cut edges. When working with a hand jigsaw, it is easier to cut across the grain. This will not protect against chips, but there will be less chance that the file will get pinched or it will move along the chip away from the intended line.

Before cutting out the circle, you need to transfer its contours to the plywood. In this case, you need to try to ensure that areas with defects, chips, stains and knots fall outside the cut contour. You can transfer the outline to plywood by tracing it through carbon paper, cutting out a paper outline for tracing, or simply drawing a circle of the required radius with a compass. If necessary, a starting hole in the plywood is made using a thin drill.

To cut a circle with a jigsaw, a blade is inserted into the hole. Free end hand model is secured back in place using a clamp or mounting screw. The workpiece is pressed against the workbench with clamps, and the cut is made according to the transferred line. When the circle is closed, the central element is separated from the sheet and the edges are processed with sandpaper or a file.

Before cutting with a jigsaw with an electric motor, you need to install a narrow file on it. There is a special improvement for this tool called a circle cutter, it is installed in the center and work begins. When working, do not put pressure on the tool; this does not contribute to faster movement. As a result of the pressure, the jigsaw blade and even its fasteners can bend and break. If the circle that needs to be cut has a small radius, it is better to do the work in several approaches, since sharp turns can break and bend the blade.

A jigsaw is a very useful power tool. Using the right saw, a little experience and confidence, and most importantly correct body position, you can do anything with it. You can do many things that cannot be done with other instruments. The machine is used for cutting straight lines, curves, profiles and circle trimming. Great for cutting wood, metal and plastic.

The master showed how to cut a perfect circle with a jigsaw. He made a device out of wood. Its design is simple, and the device itself is easy to manufacture. To get an idea of ​​this, see this image.

Material used:

12 mm plywood sheet. Wooden strip. Nails.

How to do

First of all, measure the size of the jigsaw machine's base plate. The next step is cutting plywood sheet in an L shape as shown in the image.

After cutting the sheet of plywood to the exact size, the next step is to cut a strip of wood to attach the sheet with nails. This strip is used to hold the jigsaw in its position.

Make sure that there should not be any type of opening between the strip and the base plate of the jigsaw.

The next step is to drill small holes on the sheet. The distance between these holes is, for example, 1° cm. These holes are used for cutting different diameters circle.

After that I painted it so that it looked good. It is now ready to be used for cutting perfect circle clamp

Advantages:

It's very easy to do.

Easy to use.

Less costs.

Used for cutting round discs of various diameters.

For better understanding, watch the video below.