router compass vs bandsaw circle jig

[dance]

Hi

I would like to buy the router compass or built the bandsaw jig.

Does anyone have any tips or thoughts on what I should do?

My thoughts are that the router compass will give a better finish/edge, but that the bandsaw jig might be quicker, safer and quieter to use?

THANKS

 

[CHJ]

I have cut circular holes and circular discs with a home made router compass and I regularly cut circular blanks with a bandsaw.

The former gives you accurate adjustment of dimensions and a good finish of both holes and discs.

The latter, assuming the bandsaw is set up perfectly and the blade is in top notch a jig gives you a reasonable disc but not with the same confidence and consistency of the router jig.

If I want accuracy I use a router jig, if I want a near enough disc I use the bandsaw for quickness with or without a jig.

 

[Paul Chapman]

For cutting circles I would always use a router. Details here of how to make jigs for cutting small and large circles http://www.wealdentool.eu/rf_tips/rf_tips_04.html

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[dance]

Thank you both!

 

[dance]

Details here of how to make jigs for cutting small and large circles http://www.wealdentool.eu/rf_tips/rf_tips_04.html

This sounds good - but I don't know how to create the counter slots. The write-up refers to

two counter-slots (made with a guide bush guide)

but that presumes a knowledge I don't yet have.

 

[Paul Chapman]

Details here of how to make jigs for cutting small and large circles http://www.wealdentool.eu/rf_tips/rf_tips_04.html

This sounds good - but I don't know how to create the counter slots. The write-up refers to

two counter-slots (made with a guide bush guide)

but that presumes a knowledge I don't yet have.

You don't need to use a guide bush. The slots are cut by plunging the router right through. The counter-slots can be made by using a wider cutter or by making several passes with a narrow cutter if you don't have a wide one. You can position the cuts by using the fence on the router or by running the edge of the base along a straight edge.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[dance]

You don't need to use a guide bush. The slots are cut by plunging the router right through. The counter-slots can be made by using a wider cutter or by making several passes with a narrow cutter if you don't have a wide one. You can position the cuts by using the fence on the router or by running the edge of the base along a straight edge.

Ah I see - I have a router table - so I could easily make the slots on the table yeah?

 

[Paul Chapman]

You don't need to use a guide bush. The slots are cut by plunging the router right through. The counter-slots can be made by using a wider cutter or by making several passes with a narrow cutter if you don't have a wide one. You can position the cuts by using the fence on the router or by running the edge of the base along a straight edge.

Ah I see - I have a router table - so I could easily make the slots on the table yeah?

I wouldn't because you would have to lower the workpiece onto a revolving cutter. I would stick the workpiece onto a sacrificial piece of MDF with heavy-duty double sided tape and use the router hand-held, plunging it into the work.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Jacob]

How many, what material and what do you want to do with these discs?
If just a few I'd do them on the bandsaw around a pencil line and then tidy up with hand tools.