A bandsaw-table jig can remove the four corners of square spindle stock, turning it into an octagonal blank before it goes between centers on the lathe. That preparation is intended for narrow work such as chess pieces and dowels; the available description does not provide enough detail to reproduce the jig or confirm its capacity.
What the jig does
WOOD Magazine describes a guide that clamps to the bandsaw table and knocks off the four corners of square spindle stock. The result is an octagon, which can then be mounted between centers for turning. The article frames this as easier on the workpiece and the woodworker, but gives no measurements or comparative test to quantify that benefit. WOOD Magazine’s article, published July 23, 2018, credits Franklin Zia and Arthur Mendel of Richmond, California.
Why prepare a square blank before turning?
Starting with an octagonal blank removes the square’s projecting corners before the piece is mounted on the lathe. WOOD Magazine presents this as a preparation method for narrow spindle work, including chess pieces and dowels. A related International Association of Penturners tutorial listing, created February 27, 2022, says pre-rounding is especially relevant for large or asymmetrical stock. Its listing does not expose the full downloadable instructions, so it does not establish a specific jig design or operating method.
What is known about the setup—and what is not
The documented arrangement is a guide clamped to a bandsaw table, used to cut the corners from square stock. The available description does not specify materials, dimensions, jig geometry, adjustment method, clamping details, stock capacity, blade choice, or cutting sequence. Those details cannot be inferred safely from the jig’s stated purpose. Consult the complete plan and images before attempting to build or use this particular design.
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The description establishes that the operation takes place at a bandsaw, but it does not provide a safety procedure. Follow authoritative guidance for your bandsaw and use a setup appropriate to the machine and workpiece; do not treat the brief description as verification of a hold-down, fence, or other safety arrangement.
Rounding jig versus center finder
A rounding jig cuts the corners off stock. A center finder performs a different job: Infinity Cutting Tools’ Center Finding Jig marks centers on square, round, octagonal, and hexagonal stock. It can help with layout, but it does not turn square stock into an octagon.
Rank #2
- Motor: 3/4 HP, 110V, single-phase, 11A
- Swing over bed: 14"
- Swing over tool rest base: 9"
- Distance between centers: 37"
- Distance between centers with copy device: 32"
Is this approach right for your blank?
The described jig is a relevant option when preparing square spindle stock for narrow turning between centers. The sources do not state a maximum blank size or establish that this particular guide fits every bandsaw, so check the full plan against your machine and stock before relying on it. The alternative is to begin turning from square stock; the cited description favors corner removal as preparation but does not compare the two approaches with test data.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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