How do I cut a 7.5 in circle out of 1/4 inch plywood?
Question:What are some tool options for say a drill press
Answers:
They do make circle cutters that can be used in a drill press. Depending on your need and necessary precision, this device may not be as successful as other suggestions (skill saw, scroll saw, band saw) because of the tendancy to egg-out the center hole. See link.
Good Luck :-)
use a math compass very easy that way
with a jig saw
Drill a small hole to start a jig saw in, and cut along the circle. A jig saw is an electric hand tool that uses a very narrow blade so you can cut arcs and circles with ease.
Drill press is for drilling and boring holes a lot smaller than 7.5". Use a compass, or make on with a wooden ruler - Make an index point at on end of the ruler that will be the center of the hole, then measure the radius of the hole you want to cut out and make a small hole there. Fix the index point with a small nail or brad, then use a pencil in the radius hole to draw the circle. Cut it out on a band saw or use a scroll saw.
If you do not have a jig saw, a coping saw will do the job without electricity.
draw the circle in the plywood. Start in a corner so you don't waste a big piece and you don't have to drill a hole to start either. cut out the circle with a sawzall or a jigsaw.
Use a saber saw. Some call them jig saw. You can do it by hand with a 'keyhole saw', but stick with using power.
A carpenters or tinners compass will open that much easily.
Find center of hole then use the compass to draw your circle.
Drill a hole near the edge of the circle, to start the saber blade. Cut the hole out.
You can start the saw without first drilling the hole, but you kinda need to be good at the trades to do it. It's tricky.
The only option available for a drill press is an adjustable circle cutter.
I would use my sabre saw ( Jig saw) and get a guide for it. Attach the guide to the saw foot and secure it. Take the other end and put a screw in it right into the wood. Now you'll notice you can go in a complete circle with the saw ( it turns at the screw). Measure from the screw to the distance you need and move the saw and secure it to this point. Drill a pilot hole to start the saw and cut the circle to the size measured going completely around in a circular fashion. Once complete remove the guide from the circle and you're done..
They best way to do this would be to use a compass, draw the circle and then carefully cut it out with a jig-saw.
The other way is to look for a hole saw that is 7.5 inches in diameter, attach it to your drill press and have a blast. You may have trouble finding one though. Look for hole saws that are designed for installing recessed lighting, thats probably the only way you'll find one large enough.
Just tap a small nail into the wood, attach a string to it, measure out 7.5" put a soft point pencil on your string and draw your circle, if you do this on an edge you can then just take your jig saw and cut out your circle--otherwise you will need to drill a small hole to get your blade into, then use a file to smooth your edges and a piece of sand paper. good luck
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