Best way to cut 18" hole??

Sawbones

whats the best way to cut a 18" hole for my MED BGE table?

Little Steven

Sawbones,

What are ya cutting?

Steve

Sawbones

Steve

I have my table top built I just need to cut the hole out for the BGE.
The top is made of 1" thick cypress boards.
I'm going to use a sawsall or jig saw just not sure the best way to draw it out?

61chev

Find the center then cut a 9" string with a pencil draw you circle and saw with a jig saw

61chev

Find the center then cut a 9" string with a pencil draw you circle and saw with a jig saw

Fishbonz

i used my router with a homemade jig

Carolina Q

Prob'ly too late, but put a push pin or nail at the center of the circle. Take a piece of wire and wrap it around the pin. Attach the other end to the saw at whatever radius you're going for. No line to follow. Perfect circle.

FL XL Egger

I use a short piece of 1 X 2 scrap, first drill 2 holes 9 inches apart to fit a finishing nail, now drill one of the small holes to fit a pencil. At this point tap a finishing nail through the small hole into the center of hole in the table top. Insert pencil in larger hole rotate and draw.

GaryBushey

I use a custom jig with my router and straight cutting bit. I can attach a screw in my centerpoint, adjust the jig for the length I need and have at it.

Snork

For what its worth, I would use a router and a rotary trim bit to cut the hole, then use a round over bit to finish the edge. I have used a home made jig that attaches to the router to cut various size circles, it is much easier and cleaner that a jig saw.