This project was built and designed by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a custom bandsaw jig that allows woodworkers to cut perfect circles without drilling into the workpiece—while minimizing tear-out and simplifying adjustments.
Designed for flexibility, this jig addresses common frustrations with traditional circle-cutting methods. It eliminates pinholes in finished pieces, offers tool-free adjustments, and provides a stable platform that improves accuracy and safety.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jodee’s channel:
Why This Jig Stands Out
Many circle-cutting jigs rely on a pivot pin that requires drilling into the bottom of the workpiece. While functional, this can leave unsightly holes, especially problematic on cutting boards or finished panels.
Jodee’s jig avoids that completely by using a removable fence system paired with double-sided tape. It offers smooth rotation without damaging the underside of the wood, and it maintains consistent support throughout the cut.
Traditional jigs can also be finicky to set up, with complex measuring arms or slide tracks that introduce errors. This design replaces those mechanisms with a simple, adjustable pivot knob mounted in a dovetail track. This change speeds up adjustments while improving cut precision.
Key Design Features
The jig rides in the bandsaw’s miter track using a custom-fit T-profile runner. This runner holds the jig steady as it moves forward, helping maintain an even arc and preventing rocking during rotation.
A dovetail slot in the jig’s top allows the pivot knob to slide forward or back. The knob itself is made from a drilled wooden dowel, secured with a screw that threads into the jig. It offers a firm hold while staying easy to reposition between cuts.
The cutting fence is shaped like a plywood doughnut that supports the workpiece throughout the entire rotation. It fits into a matching groove in the base, sliding smoothly while maintaining alignment. Double-sided tape holds the workpiece in place, keeping hands clear of the blade during operation.
A zero-clearance fence is attached to the top of the doughnut. This feature supports the wood fibers right at the blade, reducing tear-out and leaving crisp edges even in soft or brittle material.
Cutting Circles Without Compromise
To begin a cut, the user simply sets the pivot knob to the desired radius and secures it in the dovetail slot. Because the knob slides smoothly and holds firm, adjustments can be made quickly between sizes.
The workpiece, taped to the plywood fence, rotates around the pivot as the jig slides through the saw. The stable runner keeps the jig aligned, and the built-in stop at the back prevents it from advancing too far.
This system is especially effective when cutting multiple discs or rings of varying sizes. It saves time, reduces setup steps, and eliminates the need to drill or clamp each workpiece individually.
Smart Construction Details
The jig’s performance depends on a few key build details. The miter track runner must be fitted precisely—tight enough to avoid wobble but loose enough to slide freely.
Centering the dovetail slot on the jig ensures that the pivot point aligns with the front teeth of the bandsaw blade. This alignment is crucial for accurate cuts and consistent diameters.
The homemade pivot knob, crafted from a wood dowel with a centered hole, is a clever alternative to threaded metal hardware. It’s easy to make, grips well, and blends with the overall design.
Waxing the dovetail track helps the parts move smoothly, while adding stability and repeatability. The zero-clearance fence is also replaceable, allowing continued use even as the blade wears it down over time.
Application and Performance
This jig works especially well for projects requiring multiple circular parts—such as layered plywood rings, stacked wood sculptures, or segmented bowls. Jodee even shows how he uses it to create hourglass-shaped forms made from precise plywood layers.
The lack of tear-out makes the jig ideal for decorative projects like tabletops, signs, or serving boards where clean edges are critical. It also helps reduce post-cut sanding, saving time in the finishing stages.
While the jig works best for moderate-sized circles, Jodee notes that very large diameters may cause the base to rock slightly as it moves beyond the edge of the table. For these cases, adding a small outfeed support underneath the jig is a simple fix.
Tips and Observations
- A tight runner fit improves both safety and accuracy.
- The doughnut-style fence provides full support and smooth rotation.
- The pivot knob offers fast radius changes without tools.
- Zero-clearance edges reduce finishing time.
- Double-sided tape avoids clamps and keeps hands out of the blade’s path.
A Reliable Upgrade to Any Bandsaw
Jodee’s circle-cutting jig solves many of the headaches that come with traditional jigs. It’s compact, customizable, and easy to use—perfect for hobbyists and experienced woodworkers alike.
The clean design and smart joinery make this a worthwhile addition to any shop that uses a bandsaw for detailed projects. From cutting rounds to stacking rings, this jig gets the job done with consistency and confidence.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.