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A bandsaw circle jig holds a workpiece on a pivot so you can rotate it through the blade to cut a circle. Set the pivot center one circle radius from the blade’s cutting edge, align the pivot with that edge, then lock the setup before cutting. The right jig and blade depend on your bandsaw, stock, and intended circle size.
How a bandsaw circle jig works
The jig fixes a pivot point at the center of the circle. Position that point the required radius from the blade, advance the workpiece to the blade, and rotate the blank around the pivot as the cut proceeds. Simple jigs use a pin, dowel, nail, or pointed screw; sled-style designs can add a table runner, adjustable pivot block, slot, and stops.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Woodhaven 7286 Band Saw Circle Jig, 3" to 45" Diameter | $235.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Woodhaven 7287 Circle Jig | $248.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Woodhaven 7288 Circle Jig | $285.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Milescraft 1219 Circle Guide Kit- Precision Router Circle Cutting Jig For Cutting/Routing Circles... | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Woodhaven 3270 Circle Cutting Jig, 4" to 108" Diameter | $186.39 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose a jig that fits your saw and work
A shop-built jig can be tailored to the bandsaw table and blank. A simple board with a fixed pivot suits a known radius if the workpiece is adequately supported. A sled with a runner and sliding pivot block allows adjustment, while machine-specific attachments must be installed according to the saw or jig maker’s instructions.
Compare the options against these practical requirements:
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- 3" TO 45" DIAMETER CAPACITY: Handles a wide range of circle sizes from small cabinet knobs up to large round tabletop blanks and speaker baffles.
- UNIQUE SLIDE-AND-CUT ACTION: The relief cut and circle cut are both made in a single operation, no workpiece repositioning needed for fast, accurate results.
- GREAT FOR ARCS TOO: The same smooth action that cuts perfect circles handles curved arc cuts with equal ease for decorative and structural woodworking.
- CLAMPS TO MOST 14" BAND SAW TABLES: Base clamps directly to most 14" band saw tables without drilling. Outboard support for the track is required for larger circles; you provide the outboard support. For larger saws, build a custom base.
- MADE IN THE USA WITH LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Heavy-duty construction built for accuracy and long life. Backed by Woodhaven's lifetime guarantee.
- Compatibility with the table, miter slot, and any mounting points.
- The minimum and maximum radius the jig can set.
- Whether the pivot adjusts and locks securely.
- Whether the blank is supported throughout the cut, especially when it is large or heavy.
- How much setup and storage space the jig needs.
Published capacities describe particular designs, not universal bandsaw limits. Woodcraft describes its sled as cutting circles up to 6 feet in diameter; Lee Valley lists its Circle-Cutting Jig with Support, item 86N5035, for circles up to 4 feet in diameter and calls for extra external support on the largest cuts. The Grizzly G1019 manual describes a model-specific attachment for circles up to 12 inches in diameter in stock up to 3 inches thick. These specifications do not establish that another saw, table, blade, or workpiece can safely handle the same size.
Set the pivot distance and align the jig
- Choose the finished circle size. Divide its diameter by two to get the radius. For example, a 12-inch circle needs its pivot center 6 inches from the blade’s cutting edge.
- Prepare the saw and jig. Follow the bandsaw manual for mounting or adjusting the attachment. The South Bend SB1040/SB1041 manual directs users to disconnect the saw from power before mounting the jig.
- Measure to the pivot center. Set the distance from the blade’s cutting edge to the center of the pivot—not to the edge of the pin or the edge of the jig. Carter’s instructions use the blade’s leading edge as the alignment reference.
- Align the pivot with the cutting edge. The pivot center and blade’s cutting edge must lie on the same centerline. If your jig references a miter slot or rail, check that the rail remains square to that reference as specified by its instructions.
- Center and secure the blank. Mark the circle center and place it on the pivot. Tighten the pivot and any jig locks so neither the blank nor the base can shift.
- Check clearance before starting. Some designs need an entry cut to the circle’s cut line. Oversized square blanks may need their corners trimmed so they clear clamps, stops, or other jig hardware.
Choose a blade for the radius
Blade width limits how tightly the saw can turn through a curve: a blade that is too wide for the intended radius may not follow the cut cleanly. Match the blade to the radius, stock, saw, and manufacturer guidance rather than relying on a universal blade recommendation. Fine Woodworking also emphasizes that the blade’s tooth edge must align with the pivot centerline.
Rank #2
- 3" TO 69" DIAMETER CAPACITY: Extended range handles circles up to 69" across, suitable for large tabletops, round cabinet backs, decorative panels, and speaker baffles.
- UNIQUE SLIDE-AND-CUT ACTION: Completes both the relief cut and the circle cut in a single operation without repositioning the workpiece.
- GREAT FOR ARCS TOO: The slide-and-cut system handles precise arc cuts with the same ease as full circles, versatile for any curved profile work.
- CLAMPS TO MOST 14" BAND SAW TABLES: Base clamps directly to most 14" band saw tables without drilling. Outboard support for the track is required; you provide this. For larger saws, build a custom base to match your table.
- MADE IN THE USA WITH LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Heavy-duty parts for accuracy and long service life. Backed by Woodhaven's lifetime guarantee.
Recommendations in project instructions are specific to those designs. Woodcraft’s article, updated May 1, 2026, says its described sled and blade pairing handles circles over 5 inches in diameter with a 1/2-inch blade, and suggests a 3–4 TPI hook-style blade; it also notes carbide teeth as an option for a smoother cut. Those figures are not a blade chart for every bandsaw or material.
Cut the circle with steady support
- Confirm the pivot is seated, the locks are tight, and the blank cannot slip.
- Set the blade guides close to the workpiece where the saw manual allows, and make sure the blank is supported so its weight cannot tip or pull the jig.
- Advance the jig and blank into the blade, then rotate the workpiece around the fixed pivot while feeding steadily through the cut.
- Slow near the end of the cut. Let the blade stop before lifting the finished circle.
Large or heavy blanks need particular attention to support. Lee Valley’s product listing calls for additional external support on the largest circles. Follow the manuals for your specific saw and attachment; the Grizzly G1019 manual also directs users to ensure the bandsaw is adjusted correctly and observe safety precautions.
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Rank #3
- 3" TO 93" DIAMETER CAPACITY: Maximum range model; cuts circles up to 93" across for very large tabletops, round floor panels, and oversized decorative workpieces.
- UNIQUE SLIDE-AND-CUT ACTION: Both the relief cut and the circle cut are completed in a single pass without repositioning the workpiece, the fastest way to cut large circles on a band saw.
- GREAT FOR ARCS TOO: The same precision and ease that cuts full circles handles any curved arc profile with equal control.
- CLAMPS TO MOST 14" BAND SAW TABLES: Base clamps directly to most 14" band saw tables without drilling. Outboard support for the track required; you provide this. For larger band saws, build a custom base to suit your table dimensions.
- MADE IN THE USA WITH LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Heavy-duty parts for accuracy and long service life. Backed by Woodhaven's lifetime guarantee.
What affects the result
Correct pivot geometry is essential, but it does not guarantee a particular tolerance or surface finish. Blade condition and drift, stock, table size, jig stability, and workpiece support can all affect the cut. The cited product and project specifications are not independent comparative accuracy tests, and they do not establish a universal tolerance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PRECISE CIRCLE CUTTING: Create perfect circles from 4" to 108" in diameter with ease
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: Fits most routers with a base plate opening of 6" or less
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made in the USA from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance
- EASY ADJUSTMENTS: Quick-set indexing arm and micro-adjustable pivot point for accurate sizing
- INCLUDES: Circle jig, pivot pin, router bit guard, and detailed instructions for immediate use
Rank #4
- 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
Sources and model-specific instructions
- Woodcraft: Bandsaw Circle-Cutting Jig
- Carter Products: AccuRight Circle Jig Instructions
- Lee Valley Tools: Circle-Cutting Jig with Support
- Grizzly Industrial: G1019 14-inch Bandsaw Manual
- South Bend Lathe Co.: SB1040/SB1041 Bandsaw Manual
- American Woodturner: Curve-Segmented Plates
- Fine Woodworking: Circle-Cutting Bandsaw Jig
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.
