The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A router-mounted trammel or circle-cutting jig makes a consistent circle by turning the router around a fixed center point: the distance from the pivot to the bit sets the cut radius. For a clean result, set that radius with the bit installed, secure the pivot, support the work, and remove material in controlled passes.
How a router circle guide works
A trammel or circle guide holds the router at a fixed distance from a pivot. As the router swings around that point, the bit follows a circular path. The pivot-to-bit distance determines the radius; double that distance for the circle’s diameter.
Decide whether you need an opening or a separate disk. For an opening, the circle traced by the bit is the opening’s edge. To make a disk, cut around its outside edge while keeping the workpiece supported and the disk restrained through the final pass. The jig’s layout and the router’s position determine whether a given radius refers to the inside or outside edge, so account for the bit’s cutting radius when sizing the finished part.
Tools and setup
- A router compatible with the trammel or circle-cutting jig
- A suitable, sharp bit with a shank and diameter supported by the router and guide
- A stable workpiece and a sacrificial backing board for a through-cut
- A pivoting trammel or circle guide
- Clamps positioned outside the router’s full travel path
- A tape measure or rule, pencil, and a drill for the pivot hole
Check the router and bit manufacturers’ instructions for permitted bit use, installation, and operating guidance. Commercial guides differ in their diameter ranges, cutters, and router interfaces; confirm that the guide, router, and bit work together before laying out the cut.
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#1 Best Overall
- 10"–58" Large Circle Cutting Range: Built for larger woodworking projects, this router circle jig cuts precise circles and arcs from 10" to 58" in diameter. The oversized base and extension rod provide the extra reach needed for large tabletops, signs, furniture panels, speaker projects, and other oversized circular cuts.
- Broad Router Compatibility with Oversized Base: The large multi-hole base is designed to fit a wide range of handheld and compact routers across popular brands and models. Multiple mounting-hole patterns accommodate different router bases and screw spacing, giving you greater flexibility when matching the jig to your router.
- Circle Cutting, Grooving & Straight-Line Routing: More than a circle cutting jig, this versatile router guide can also be paired with the positioner for grooving and straight-line routing. One setup handles circular, curved, and linear routing tasks for furniture making, cabinetry, and DIY woodworking projects.
- One-Piece Die-Cast Aluminum Construction: The rigid aluminum base helps minimize flex and unwanted movement while routing. Combined with the extension rod and stable mounting system, it helps keep the router on the intended cutting path for cleaner edges and more consistent results.
- Quick Setup & Compatibility Check: Align the multi-hole base with your router's existing mounting holes, tighten the screws evenly, adjust the extension rod to your desired cutting diameter, and start routing. Because router base designs vary by model, check your router base size and mounting-hole spacing before ordering.
Make and set up a homemade trammel
WOOD Magazine’s how-to, updated July 7, 2023, describes making a trammel from 1/4-inch hardboard or plywood and attaching it in place of the router subbase. The exact attachment depends on the router; use a secure, compatible mounting arrangement rather than assuming every base has the same hole pattern.
- Mark the circle center. Lay out the center on the workpiece and drill a pilot hole for the trammel’s pivot. Make the hole only as large as needed to hold the pivot securely.
- Lay out the router mounting holes. Use the router subbase as a template to transfer its mounting-hole positions to the hardboard or plywood, then make the holes and attach the trammel in place of the subbase.
- Set the radius with the bit installed. Install the intended bit, then mark the required distance from the pivot point to the bit’s cutting edge. Measuring before the bit is installed can produce the wrong radius.
- Secure the pivot and check rotation. Place the pivot in the center hole and make sure the trammel turns smoothly without rocking or shifting. Rotate the router through the full circle with the tool off to confirm that the base, handles, clamps, and cord will clear the work and supports.
Cut the circle in controlled passes
- Secure and support the work. Clamp the workpiece firmly. For a through-cut, raise it on riser blocks so the bit can pass through without striking the bench, then place a sacrificial spoil board beneath it for the final cut. Keep every clamp outside the router’s path.
- Set a shallow depth. Start with a pass suited to the bit, material, and router. In its example, WOOD Magazine specifies a 1/4-inch initial pass followed by passes 1/8 inch deeper. Those figures are not universal settings: follow the tool and bit instructions and adjust for the actual setup.
- Make the first circle. Start the router as instructed by its manufacturer, hold it securely, and guide it around the pivot at a controlled pace. Keep the pivot seated and the router base flat; do not force the bit through the material.
- Deepen the cut in stages. Turn off the router, adjust the depth, and repeat the circle until the cut reaches the required depth. Check that the jig still rotates freely and that the work remains secure between passes.
- Finish the through-cut carefully. Leave the backing board in place for the final pass to help reduce underside splintering. Support and restrain the center or disk so it cannot shift or fall when the cut breaks through.
Reduce tear-out without losing control
Sharp tooling, a firmly supported workpiece, and shallow, steady passes help limit tear-out. For tear-out-prone areas with a straight bit, WOOD Magazine advises climb-cutting in 1/8-inch increments. Climb-cutting means feeding the bit in the direction of its rotation rather than the usual opposing feed; the bit can grab and pull the router forward, so this is not a casual substitute for normal routing. Use that technique only if your router and bit instructions permit it and you can maintain secure control. If you are unsure, use a conventional feed direction and suitable shallow passes instead.
Rank #2
- Compatible with 10+ Compact Router Models: Direct bolt-on fit for Makita RT0701C, Makita 3709, DeWalt DWP611, Bosch PR20EVS Colt, Milwaukee 18V Router, RYOBI PCL424, RIDGID R2401, WORKPRO 6.5 Amp, AVID POWER 6.5 Amp 1.25HP, and THINKWORK 6.5 Amp 1.2HP. No adapter or drilling required—the base plate uses your router's existing mounting holes for a stable, aligned setup.
- Cuts Circles from 5.5" to 30": The adjustable radius guide creates accurate circles and arcs for speaker boxes, tabletops, cabinet cutouts, signs, and trim work. Pair it with a compatible positioner for grooving and straight-line routing, expanding the jig beyond circle cutting.
- Quick Setup & Easy Portability: Designed for quick installation and removal on compatible compact trim routers. Align the base plate, tighten the screws, set your cutting radius, and you're ready to route. Its lightweight, detachable design makes it easy to store or carry from the workshop to the job site.
- One-Piece Die-Cast Aluminum Construction: The rigid aluminum body helps minimize flex while routing, keeping the router on the intended radius for cleaner edges and more consistent circle diameters.
- Check Compatibility Before Ordering: If your router is listed above, it is designed for direct mounting. For other models, confirm that the diagonal mounting-hole spacing on your router base is between 2.36" and 3.94" (6–10 cm) before ordering.
Choose a shop-made trammel or commercial circle jig
A homemade trammel can be tailored to a particular router and radius. A commercial Circle Cutting Jig or circle guide may provide built-in adjustment and a published working range, but those figures are product-specific—not evidence that one approach is more accurate than another. For example, UJK lists a 40–1,251 mm diameter range, supplies a 6 mm spiral carbide cutter, and requires a guide-bush adapter suited to the router. Jasper’s model 200 and model 300 have different diameter ranges and bit sizes; check each model’s specifications before choosing.
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Diameter range | Confirm that the guide reaches the circle size you need; listed ranges differ by product. |
| Router interface | Check whether the guide attaches to the router base directly or needs a compatible guide-bush adapter. |
| Bit size and type | Verify that the cutter’s diameter, shank, and type suit both the router and the guide. |
| Pivot arrangement | Determine how the center is located and whether the workpiece can accept the required pivot hole. |
| Cut type and depth | Check whether the setup suits an opening or an outside disk cut, and whether it accommodates the material thickness and required cutting depth. |
Specifications and availability can change. The product details above are those listed on the cited pages as accessed October 4, 2026; confirm the current manufacturer or retailer listing before buying.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【4-IN-1 ROUTER JIG FOR CIRCLES, ARCS & GROOVES】Multi-function circle cutting jig handles circles, curved arcs, straight grooves, and juice grooves — all in one compact tool. Replace multiple jigs and guides with this single woodworking workhorse
- 【PREMIUM ALUMINUM ALLOY CONSTRUCTION】Built with thick, precision-machined aluminum alloy for maximum stability. The rigid base plate prevents flexing during cuts, ensuring clean, smooth edges without tear-out on any wood type
- 【COMPATIBLE WITH DEWALT BOSCH Makita TRIM ROUTERS】Fits compact and trim routers including DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, and more. Universal mounting pattern matches standard router base holes for fast, hassle-free setup
- 【ADJUSTABLE 3.5" TO 15" CUTTING DIAMETER】Easily adjust the cutting radius from 3.5 inches up to 15 inches with the precision slide rail. Laser-etched inch markings allow quick, accurate sizing for any round project — small or large
- 【IDEAL FOR DIY & PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKERS】Whether you're building a cutting board, making a round tabletop, or installing speaker enclosures, this router guide delivers professional-grade accuracy. A must-have addition to any woodworking tool collection
Rank #4
- 【Precise Adaptation】In fact, other common router jig on the market are not compatible with Dewalt compact routers, and our Router Circle Cutting Jig tool was developed specifically to solve this problem, perfectly adapting to models DEWALT DCW600B 20V Max XR, DEWALT DWP611, DEWALTDWP611PK, DEWALT DNP612. ▲Attention: This tool does not work with other brands of routers other than those mentioned above.
- 【Provides Perfect Cutting】A professional woodworking aid specifically designed for compact routers, suitable for precise cutting of circles, arcs, grooves, straight lines, and various other tasks. It ensures perfect alignment and maximum stability for both circular cuts and milling grooves.
- 【Versatile and Flexible】Precise circular cutting from 6 inches to 31 inches (Approximately 16 cm to 78 cm). The adjustable radius guide cuts precise arcs, suitable for woodworking, tabletops, and decorative strip processing. It can also be used with a positioner for grooving and straight cutting.
- 【Easy Installation】Its lightweight and compact design locks in seconds and provides a secure pivot point for silky smooth, precise milling. Ideal for construction sites, cabinetry, and fine woodworking. This guide plate is mainly suitable for fixed base compact routers, and is not suitable for plunge base models.
- 【Reinforced Material】Made of advanced one-piece aluminum alloy die-casting technology, t has excellent rigidity and minimal bending, enabling cleaner and more precise cutting.
Rank #3
- LARGE CUTTING RANGE: Small circle router guide jig cuts circles from 1. 5" To 12" In diameter; Large circle Jig cuts circles from 10" To 52" In diameter
- EASY TO USE: Both the small and large circle jigs have built in metric and imperial scales, with an easy readout window for setting the diameter of both your inside and outside cuts
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Both the small and large circle jigs quickly and easily attach to the included turn-n-lock circle guide head
- WOODWORKING TOOLS: Bonus 13" Offset base provides added stability when finishing the edges on your work piece using your router, oversized handle knob is easy to grip providing superior control of your router
- PREMIUM MILESCRAFT TOOLS: Equipped with the patented turn-n-lock technology allowing for fast tool-free guide Bushing and router attachment exchanges
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
