Use a Table Saw to Cut a Perfect Circle
Table saws are used to make straight cuts in wood, but with a little patience, you can use the saw to cut perfect circles as well.
Carving a circle out of wood is usually done with a jigsaw and requires a very steady hand. A router is a more accurate way to cut a circle , but it takes some time to set up the fixture. If you want to drill a hole in the top of the table saw, you can start cutting circles with it right away.
The video above shows the steps for making a 2×4 round table.
First determine the radius of the table or wheel and mark this length from the saw blade on the table. Then, drill a hole in the top of the table saw with a 1/4 ” carbide bit. Make sure you are drilling on the non-motor side of the saw and check for other obstructions underneath.
Lower the blade fully onto the table saw. Then drill a hole in the center of the wood you want to cut and insert a 1/4 ” bolt into it. Thread the end of the bolt through the hole you just drilled on the table. The wood should now rotate freely around the bolt across the table saw.
Raise the saw blade 1/8-inch and start cutting by turning on the saw and pivoting the tree with the pusher. Raise the blade slowly after each pass until the circle is cut.
If you don’t want to drill a hole in the saw, you can attach a wood jig to the table and drill a hole in it instead. Always wear safety glasses when working with a table saw!
Check out the link below for complete instructions on how to create a table. Here’s anothervideo he filmed detailing how to carve a circle using the same technique.
Cut out a circle with a table saw | GREEN ENERGY