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To rout an oval, mount a compatible router on an ellipse jig, set the jig for the intended long and short dimensions, secure the jig over the workpiece, check the cutter’s travel, and rout in light passes. The setting method, adjustment range, and router fit are specific to each jig, so follow that model’s instructions rather than applying one design’s measurements to another.
How an ellipse jig guides the router
An ellipse has a major axis—the longer dimension—and a minor axis—the shorter one. A jig guides the router through an oval path; adjusting the relationship between these axes changes how elongated the oval appears.
Jig designs vary. Some use perpendicular sliding tracks, others use paired grooves and sliders, and trammel-style designs guide an arm from a cross plate. Their setup measurements and router mounting patterns are not interchangeable.
Set up and rout the oval
- Choose a jig that covers the finished dimensions. Compare its published capacity with the intended major and minor axes. For example, Woodpeckers lists a major-axis range of 9 to 19 inches and ellipse sizes from 9 × 7 to 19 × 17 inches for its jig. It also describes 1/4-inch adjustments for parallel cuts. These are specifications of that product, not a general range for ellipse jigs. Trend’s instruction index lists its ELLIPSEJ/A and Mini Ellipse Jig manuals; the index does not state their capacities. Woodpeckers product information; Trend routing workshop instructions.
- Mark the workpiece center and axes. Lay out the center and identify the intended long and short dimensions. Set the jig using its own instructions. In the Canadian Woodworking homemade design, the slider attachment distances are half the finished oval’s length and width, measured from the inside edge of the bit; that calculation is specific to that jig. Canadian Woodworking’s elliptical router jig.
- Check router fit and set the cutter depth. Confirm that the router’s mounting pattern matches the jig and that the cutter is suitable for the material and required cut. WOOD magazine notes that some compact routers may not match jigs intended for larger routers; its demonstration sets depth with the router base on the workpiece. WOOD magazine’s ellipse-jig demonstration.
- Secure the workpiece and jig, then check the path. Use a securing method suited to the jig and work surface. With the cutter clear of the work, move the router through the full path and check that it reaches the intended outline without hitting an obstruction. Festool’s trammel guide describes aligning and securing its design on the center axes; other jigs may require different alignment and fastening. Festool’s ellipse-routing guide.
- Rout in light passes. Use a bit appropriate to the material, jig, and cut depth, and increase depth incrementally rather than trying to remove all the material at once. A Canadian Woodworking project uses a 3/8-inch bit as an example, while Festool’s worked trammel example uses a 12 mm cutter; neither diameter is a universal recommendation. The Canadian Woodworking author also describes removing much of the waste with a bandsaw after an initial pass before making finishing passes. That is one workflow, not a requirement for every setup.
Choose a commercial jig or build one
A ready-made jig is a practical option for repeated oval routing if its capacity and router mounting fit your setup. Check its instructions for the adjustment method and the way it is supported and secured. For a specific product comparison, Woodpeckers states its capacity and parallel-cut adjustment increments, while Trend provides manuals for its listed models; Trend’s instruction index does not give their size ranges.
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#1 Best Overall
Rockler Router Circle Cutting Jig, Easy Plunge Router Guide for Woodworking
- Router Circle Jig: The Rockler ellipse & circle cutting jig helps you easily create perfect circles, ellipses, and sweeping arcs with your mid-size or large plunge router. This circle jig for router has elliptical shapes over a wide range of dimensions and proportions.
- Fit With Most Routers: Our router sign making jig can be drilled to fit most routers with a 6” base. With your router jig and this handy, easy-to-use jig, you'll be able to make picture frames, mirrors, signs, tabletops and more in just a matter of minutes.
- Easy To Use: Setting up the wood cutting jig takes only a couple of minutes and is virtually math-free, & using the jig is just as easy. As you move the router through the cut, the rockler router jig's sliding dovetail mechanism keeps the router precisely on the cut line.
- 52” Cutting Diameter: The circle jig has a single pivot can be locked to make circles up to 52" diameter (Minimum circle diameter 9-1/4"). Our circle cutting jig for jigsaw is designed for use with just about any plunge router.
- What’s Included? This Rockler router circle and ellipse jig includes jig arm, jig base, two dovetail keys, and two locking pivots. Pre-drilled for Makita 1100; Milwaukee 5615-5624; DeWalt 616-618; Bosch MRC23 Series; Ridgid 2930 Combo Kit; Hitachi M12VC (fixed and kit); Porter Cable 690 series, 890 series, 7529, 97529 and 8529 routers
A shop-built jig can use perpendicular grooves with fitted sliders attached to a router arm, or a cross plate with T-grooves and a guided arm. These approaches require accurate fits and adequate support. Their construction dimensions depend on the design and the oval being made. Festool’s example uses a guide-rail adapter and T-groove cutter to prepare its cross-plate guides; those components apply to that method, not to every ellipse jig. Its worked example routs an ellipse measuring 1500 × 800 mm, an example size rather than a standard recommendation. Canadian Woodworking’s shop-built jig; Festool’s trammel example.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Best Value
Milescraft 1219 Circle Guide Kit- Precision Router Circle Cutting Jig For Cutting/Routing Circles From 1.5” Up To 52” with Offset Base
- 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
Rank #4
2-in-1 Router Jig for Slotting & Positioning, Heavy-Duty Aluminum Adjustable Bracket for Invisible Fasteners & Edge Grooving, Compatible with Most Routers (0-2 Inch Capacity)
- "【Bullet Point 1: Dual-Function Precision Router Jig】 Unlock professional-grade joinery and edge work with one versatile tool. This 2-in-1 woodworking trimmer slotting auxiliary positioning bracket functions as both a precise slotting jig for invisible fasteners and a stable positioning bracket for decorative grooving. Perfect for creating clean slots and dados in hardwood, plywood, and composites, elevating your cabinet and furniture projects."
- "【Bullet Point 2: Micro-Adjustable Clamp for Rock-Solid Stability】 Achieve flawless, repeatable accuracy on every cut. The jig features a precision micro-adjustable clamping mechanism with a 0-2 inch capacity, securely gripping material of any thickness. Combined with the heavy-duty, reinforced aluminum alloy base, it eliminates workpiece movement and vibration, ensuring razor-sharp, perfectly straight slots every time."
- "【Bullet Point 3: Industrial-Grade, Durable Construction】 Built for the demands of the workshop. Manufactured from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and reinforced composites, this router guide is designed to withstand rigorous daily use. Its heavy-duty components maintain precise tolerances for long-term reliability, making it a professional-grade woodworking assistant that won't let you down."
- "【Bullet Point 4: Universal Router Compatibility & Secure Locking】 Transform your router into a dedicated slot-cutting machine. Designed with a 65mm inner diameter to accommodate most standard routers. The secure locking system firmly attaches your tool, eliminating any play or vibration during operation for consistent, smooth, and precise grooving and slotting results."
- "【Bullet Point 5: Essential Tool for Cabinet & Furniture Makers】 Optimized for the needs of serious woodworkers. This specialized cabinet maker's tool is ideal for furniture construction and cabinet installation, where exact joinery is critical. Its compact design offers easy shop-to-jobsite portability, providing workshop-level accuracy for tasks like invisible screw fastener installation and decorative edge detailing, all with one sturdy, adjustable router bracket."
Rank #3
Elliptic Inlay Router Jig Template Tool Oval Key Inlay Decorative Templates for Woodworking Router
- Constructed with clear hardened acrylic 1/4" thickness,Use with router inlay kits or other similar kits.
- These woodworking inlay templates are easy to use and possess a clear，guide you to create the Star cut and corresponding inlay quickly and easily, covering imperfections and preventing cracks on tabletops and cabinets.
- 8 Sizes can make Butterfly mosaic template of corresponding specifications according to your needs.
- The single piece design is easy to collect and space saving, giving you more room to operate and fault tolerance for maximum durability when working with etch marks.
- High-quality service is my commitment, and your satisfaction is my pursuit. If you have any dissatisfaction with our products, please contact us in time.
Rank #2
Rockler Ellipse & Circle Cutting Jig for Compact Routers
- For Compact Routers
- Router Circle Jig: The Rockler ellipse & circle cutting jig helps you easily create perfect circles, ellipses, and sweeping arcs with your mid-size or large plunge router. No math or advanced drafting skills needed for using this circle jig for the router.
- Ideal for Cutting out Shapes: Ideal for cutting out the shape of small signs, tabletops and frames. The router circle jig for woodworking can cut ellipses from as small as 6'' x 11'' to as large as 19'' x 24'', and circles from 6'' to 24'' in diameter.
- Easy To Use: Setting up the wood cutting jig takes only a couple of minutes and is virtually math-free, & using the jig is just as easy. As you move the router through the cut, the sliding dovetail mechanism keeps the router precisely on the cut line.
- Compatible With Many Plunge Routers: Our circle jig is used with a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver compact plunge router and this router circle cutting jig is compatible with Bosch, Dewalt, and PC Compact plunge routers for woodworking.
Check before making the cut
- Confirm the jig’s stated size range covers both axes of the intended oval.
- Verify that the router mounting pattern fits and that the cutter suits the material and cut.
- Follow the exact jig and router manuals for setting, securing, and safe operation; setup and safety requirements vary by equipment.
- Move the assembly through its full path with the cutter clear before routing, and make incremental passes.
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.
