cutting small circles in oak

[skeetstar]

Folks I need to make some oak circles a tad over 38mm diameter, around 10mm thick.

I don't have much machinery, so I am thinking that I could cut them as near as possible with a jig saw then finish down by hand.
I have a router but I don't think that making a jig for such a small dia would be easy to do.

I have hole saws but nothing that is the right size. I don't have a lathe.

Is the jigsaw route going to be the best way or are there some technique I could use that I do not know of?

Thanks all

 

[marcros]

how many do you need?

Can they be end grain or do they need to be side grain?

 

[skeetstar]

Rather not have end grain, side grain much preferable, will need 4 of them.

 

[marcros]

the easiest way would be to turn them. without a lathe that isnt an option. my next choice would probably be a coping saw. Your jigsaw may do the job- cut a little proud of the line and sand to it. If it doesnt work, at least it is only oak, and not a priceless timber- certainly worth a try.

If you google circle cutting jig, you could adapt it for use with a jigsaw or router but the pieces are probably too small.

 

[clk230]

Buy a length of 38mm dowel and cut as required ?

 

[Bodgers]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/starrett-38mm ... ApGM8P8HAQ

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[Paul Chapman]

The easiest way would be to make a circle cutting jig for your router, which involves making a false base from something like MDF. Very simple to do. Details here http://www.wealdentool.eu/rf_tips/rf_tips_04.html

Hope this helps.

Paul

 

[ColeyS1]

Coping saw

Coley

 

[Racers]

Hand tool coping saw, rasp/sandpaper
Power tool router collar and jig with a hole cut in it.
Stick the wood down with double sided tape if you are using the router.

Pete

 

[ED65]

Do you have a belt or disk sander?

 

[Beau]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/starrett-38mm-holesaw/45487?kpid=KINASEKPID&cm_mmc=GoogleLocal-_-Datafeed-_-Tools&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Tools-_-Shopping%20-%20Tools&gclid=Cj0KEQjwj7q6BRDcxfG4pNTQ2NoBEiQAzUpuW9ybsCEPwsS9hQWnq-F-ndZrU9upaspP2I1VevN9104aApGM8P8HAQ

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You would need one a touch bigger than that as size given is probably for the external diameter.

Coping saw and some tedious filing if you are short on tools. Might be possible to use a drill as a small lath as 38mm is pretty dinky and not going to much load on anything.

 

[skeetstar]

Thanks folks, ED, nope got no belt or disk sander. Reckon it will be the coping saw, gasp and sandpaper.
Thanks again.

 

[Stiggy]

Are you set on doing this yourself or would you be interested in getting a wood turner to do it?

 

[oakmitre]

This the best I can do in 11mm Oak, using my trimmer router and a guide bush / 3mm cutter.

It varies between 38.5 and 38.2 mm, and there are a few small plunge marks ( possibly due to clumsiness ) on the sides.

I bought this oak about 2 years ago and put it under my bed.

It does not give off any oaky smell at all when cut - not sure why - perhaps it is bone dry.

Anyway, this is of any help sent me a pm and I will cut some more for you and sent them.

Matt.

 

[RobinBHM]

This the best I can do in 11mm Oak, using my trimmer router and a guide bush / 3mm cutter.

It varies between 38.5 and 38.2 mm, and there are a few small plunge marks ( possibly due to clumsiness ) on the sides.

I bought this oak about 2 years ago and put it under my bed.

It does not give off any oaky smell at all when cut - not sure why - perhaps it is bone dry.

Anyway, this is of any help sent me a pm and I will cut some more for you and sent them.

Matt.

Nice clean router work, for something so small.

I think theres a reason it doesnt smell like oak

 

[ColeyS1]

What a bloody nice bloke !

Coley

 

[oakmitre]

"""I think theres a reason it doesnt smell like oak""""
-------------------
Yes - I cut some about a year ago and I could swear it smelled of oak.

But I was sanding some Parawood ( Rubber tree ) last week - and now I am struck by the similarity.

I do have more oak - but it is all 18mm plus thick - so.......perhaps my offer is not that useful lol.

The stuff is definitely hardwood though.

-Robin (thanks for the compliment) if you are interested in routing small stuff then consider using a 1/8 inch Chinese carbide end mill ( it must be an end mill not a drill bit ) in a 1/4 to 1/8 inch reduction collet.

I was not able to use it in this case because the depth is limited to about 6mm, but the surface finish you get with them is very good on thin plywood for example. They are really good for resin filled inlays etc.

I have attached a photo of a 1.8mm endmill.

 

[RobinBHM]

Thanks for the tip.....I would never have thought about a carbide end mill, but now have in mind for the future.

 

[skeetstar]

Oakmitre, that is a very generous offer, which I will gladly take up.

The holes I need to fill are 38.4mm, measured with my callipers, so the circle you cut would be a fine fit.

Will PM you and than you again.