Are you researching about how to crosscut and cut a perfect circle in woodworking? This tutorial answers the question and gives DIY tips for curious woodworkers like you.
Crosscutting Basics
Crosscutting—cutting across the wood grain—is harder compared to cutting along the grain since you have to cut through more fibers. For this, you will need a saw with teeth smaller and more numerous than those of a regular saw, such as a cross cut saw.
How to Crosscut Wood
Secure the wood on two sawhorses or tables using clamps. Mark the cutting spot. Extend the edge of the board where the cut will be made about 10 centimeters or half an inch beyond the sawhorses.
You will begin cutting the board by standing in front of it and positioning your saw on top of the cutting mark. Grasp the saw with your stronger hand and use the other to hold down the board. Your saw should make a 45-degree angle with the wood.
Bring the saw back and forth across the cut while keeping the saw blade against the wood. Avoid pushing down excessively because this might bend the saw or make it get stuck. If your saw is sharp enough, it will bite through the wood on its own.
Use most of the blade length to maximize the use of the saw teeth. If you see sawdust falling, you’re cutting the wood successfully. Slow down when you are almost done cutting the wood off so you don’t injure yourself.
A circular saw and a jig saw can make crosscuts as well, but they tend to create rough cuts. If you have many cuts to do or you don’t need precise cuts, consider using these. Don’t use a band saw, however, as the blade may drift.
How to Cut a Perfect Circle in Wood
There are two tools that can help cut a circle in wood: a power saw and a hole saw. You will also need something that can help draw the circle such as a protractor, drafting compass, or an object with a circular outline.
Guide the power saw along the circle. You need to do this slowly to preserve its shape. Make sure that the blade is going through the correct spot.
A hole saw is specifically designed to create circular cuts in wood. However, take note that it creates a pilot hole at the middle of the circle, so it’s not recommended if you want to get a solid circular piece.
Draw the circle on the wood and mark its center. Position the pilot bit of the saw above the dot in the middle.
Activate the drill and lower it gradually until it touches the wood. If it gets stuck, turn it off, lift it a little, and drill down again.
When you’re halfway through, flip the board over and drill through the other side. This will help prevent the hole from acquiring jagged edges.
When you’re done, sand the edges of the hole or the circle piece to improve its roundness.
To summarize, you need the right tools for making crosscuts and circles on wood, and you need to be careful in how you make the cut. Handle easy-to-use tools first so you can practice your cutting skills.
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