Circle

Okay folks, lets have a go at that circle with a router.

#1 Get a #6 finish nail and cut the head off it.
Making of a circle 001.jpg


#2 Take this headless nail and chuck it up in your drill.
Making of a circle 002.jpg

#3 Measure, then mark the spot that will serve as the center point of your circle (the radius). I am measuring to 4 1/2" from that cutting edge of the router bit that will be cutting the circle rather than the other side of the bit that would be cutting the hole. In this case we are making a 9" circle.
Making of a circle 003.jpg

#4 Drill the hole and insert a nail so as to be able to mark the drilled hole on the top side of the plate. I mention this for those who have more than a few holes drilled in the plate.
Making of a circle 004.jpg

#5 Insert a nail in through the top side of the plate and put it's point into an indentation made in the center of a piece of 1/4" plywood.
Making of a circle 005.jpg
The plywood needs be secured so as not to move. The strips which raise the plywood off the work surface need be secured too. Visual clarity can be seen in # 9.

#6 Start the cut and rotate counterclockwise. Be sure the nail is driven securely into the piece you are cutting. Try being aware of the twisting of the cords, the depth of cut and other things that may cause a problem. Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Making of a circle 006.jpg

#7 Continuing the cut, just a little bit deeper.
Making of a circle 007.jpg

#8 Plunge deeper still.
Making of a circle 008.jpg

#9 Here is a look at the finished circle, cut and still secured. Notice the center nail hole would be set into the center 3/4" plywood strip as well as the 1/4" circle. Notice the screws are set away from where the router bit path is. Here we have a 9" circle and a 10" hole.
Making of a circle 009.jpg

#10 This is a photo of the 9"x1/4" circle fitting into a previously cut 9" hole.Making of a circle 010.jpg

So far so good?
Shaz :)
 
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