Cutting an accurate circle in wood can be as simple as drawing one with this tip for creating a jig saw compass.

  • Trace the shoe of the saw onto a thin piece of board, and then draw a beam that runs perpendicular to the saw blade (we used a framing square), with the beam as long as the radius of the circle you want to cut.
  • Cut out the jig you’ve drawn, and attach it to the base of the jig saw with small machine screws.
  • Measure from the blade of the saw back down the beam, and drill a hole at your radius distance.
  • Attach this pivot point to the wood you’re cutting with a small screw and you’re ready to cut your circle.
Editorial Contributors
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Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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