How to Cut a Circle in Wood: 8 Methods Recommended

Making clean, accurate circles in wood is a common task in woodworking, DIY builds, furniture projects, and creative hobbies. Whether you're making clocks, coasters, speaker openings, signs, or decorative pieces, the method you choose can affect both the quality and ease of your work. Some techniques are simple and beginner-friendly, while others require specific tools and more skill.

In this guide, you'll find eight effective ways to cut circles in wood—from basic hand tools to advanced laser cutters. Each method has its own strengths, helping you pick the right approach for your project, tools, and skill level.

Part 1: Eight methods to cut a circle in wood

Before we get into the details of each method, let's talk about what makes them different. Each one has its own level of accuracy, how easy it is to use, how much it costs, and whether it's a fit for certain projects and skill levels.

Method 1: Laser cutting

Laser cutting is a very up-to-date and exact way to cut perfect circles. The beam follows the digital design closely, making it great for very accurate work.

With a laser cutter, you can make tiny circles for jewelry or big discs for décor with the same accuracy. Because there's no blade touching the wood, you get less vibration and cleaner edges.

Method 2: CNC Router

A CNC router makes circles by following a programmed path. It's very precise and can reliably cut through tough wood. Though powerful, using one means knowing about toolpaths, choosing the right bits, and setting speeds. They're great for shops that often make big wooden parts.

Method 3: Router + circle jig

Using a router with a circle jig is a simple way to cut big circles pretty precisely. Woodworkers like this method because the router bit makes clean edges, and the jig keeps the circle uniform. If you set it up properly, you can cut various sizes; for example, holes for speakers or even full-sized table tops.

Method 4: Hole saw

Need to cut some small circles in wood? A hole saw is a cheap and easy way to do it. Just attach it to your drill. It's great if you need to make a bunch of the same small cuts, like for coasters or small crafts, or even just holes in thin wood. You might need to sand the edges a little, but hole saws are fast and simple to use, even if you're just starting out.

Method 5: Jigsaw

A jigsaw makes cutting circles easy - just follow a drawn line. It might not be super precise, but almost anyone can do it. Jigsaws work well for quick cuts, casual projects, or big circles when you don't need perfect accuracy.

Method 6: Band saw

You can cut circles with a band saw, either freehand or using a circle jig. This works if you need to cut mid-sized circles and curves. It's good for thicker wood, but you'll need a steady hand to keep the shape consistent.

Method 7: Scroll saw

Scroll saws are great for cutting small, detailed circles. The thin blade is easy to move around, so you get smooth edges, even with tight curves. Crafters, toy makers, and artists who create ornaments or complex round shapes really like them.

Method 8: Lathe turning

Lathes work by spinning wood so you can cut it into shapes. It's awesome for making stuff like super even discs, bowls, and anything round you can dream up out of wood. Just a heads-up, getting started can be tricky and is often easier if you already know your way around woodworking.

Part 2: Why laser cutting is the most recommended method?

If you want to cut circles in wood, laser cutting is the way to go. It's accurate, gives clean results, and is easy to use. You don't need much woodworking background, and the quality is better than older methods.

With laser cutting, you can:

• Make perfect circles every time.
• Cut detailed or small circles without them breaking.
• Keep the same size across many pieces.
• Use it on many materials, like softwood, hardwood, plywood, MDF, and bamboo.
• Forget about splintering and blade marks.
• Do both cutting and engraving in one go.

Laser cutting is great if you care about getting things done right, being exact, and repeating results. It's perfect for DIYers, small shops, online sellers, and makers.

Why LX2 Is the Best for Cutting Circles in Wood

The LX2 has features that make cutting circles easy, quick, and exact:

1. High Speed

With speeds up to 1000mm/s and rapid acceleration, projects get done quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

2. Flexible Laser Modules

Switch easily between 20W, 40W, 60W diode modules or a 2W IR module to handle wood of different thicknesses and other materials..

3. Precise Positioning

Built-in camera and alignment tools ensure perfect placement every time.

4. Large Work Area

Side-opening design accommodates bigger pieces, making LX2 easy to cut full-size circles.

With these things, the LaserPecker LX2 helps you cut great circles without much setup. It's good for beginners and pros.

Part 3: How to cut a circle in wood with LX2?

Here's how to get perfect circles with your LX2:

Step 1: Create your circle design

Start by drawing your circle in LightBurn, Illustrator, or any similar program. Check that your measurements are right and save the file in the correct format.

Step 2: Pick and set up your wood

Choose the kind of wood you want to use. Plywood, hardwood, and MDF are all good choices for the LaserPecker LX2. Keep your board flat and clamp it down. This keeps it from moving while the laser is working.

Step 3: Put the design into the LX2 software

Upload your design to the laser software. Use the LX2's camera to line up the circle on the wood.

Step 4: Set Up the Laser

Adjust the laser speed, power, and number of passes based on how thick the wood is. If you're not sure what settings to use, do a small test cut on a corner of the wood to check that the settings work.

Step 5: Start Cutting

Start the laser. The LX2 will cut a smooth circle with barely any burn marks. The machine's focus and speed keep the edges clean.

Step 6: Check and Sand

After the cut, clean off any bits of residue and sand the edges a little, if needed. Most laser-cut circles don't need much work after this.

Part 4: FAQs about cutting a circle in wood

1. How to Cut Small Circles in Wood Without Special Tools

If you don't have advanced tools, a hole saw on a hand drill is simple and effective for small circles. For custom sizes, draw the circle, cut carefully with a jigsaw, and smooth the edges with sandpaper or a file.

These methods are ideal for DIY projects, but for cleaner, more precise results, a laser cutter is recommended.

2. Can I Cut a Circle in Thick Wood?

Yes, cutting thick wood is possible, but the method depends on thickness. CNC routers or routers with circle jigs work well for precise cuts, while a band saw handles larger circles.

Laser cutters, like the LaserPecker LX2, can cut up to 22mm in one pass. They offer cleaner edges and consistent results compared to mechanical tools.

3. How Do I Avoid Splintering When Cutting Circles?

Splintering happens when blades tear wood fibers. Use sharp blades, apply masking tape along the cut line, and maintain a steady cutting speed. Support the wood properly, especially near the exit point of the blade. Scoring the line first can help. Laser cutting eliminates splintering entirely because the beam burns the wood cleanly, providing smooth and precise edges every time.

4. What Is the Easiest Way to Cut a Perfect Circle in Wood

Laser cutters are the simplest and most precise solution, following your design without clamps or measurements. For beginners without a laser, a router with a circle jig works well—set the radius, lock it, and cut a smooth circle. Both methods outperform jigsaws and hole saws, which are prone to errors. Laser cutting ensures flawless, repeatable results with minimal effort.

5. Can a Laser Engraver Cut Thick Wood Like 10mm or 20mm?

Yes, stronger diode lasers such as the LaserPecker LX2 can handle thick wood. Typically, 22mm can be cut in one pass, while thicker wood may require multiple slower passes to avoid burning and maintain smooth edges. Although mechanical tools might be faster for very thick pieces, lasers offer unmatched precision, consistent shapes, and smooth surfaces, making them ideal for detailed projects and repeated designs.

Conclusion

Cutting circles in wood can be done in many ways, from simple hand tools like hole saws and jigsaws to advanced machinery such as CNC routers and lathes. Each method has its advantages depending on accuracy, wood thickness, and your skill level. However, for clean edges, precise shapes, and repeatable results, laser cutting stands out as the most reliable and versatile option.

Using a laser cutter like the LX2 makes even complex designs achievable with minimal effort. Whether you're a hobbyist, DIY enthusiast, or small business, laser cutting ensures professional-quality results every time. Ready to make perfect wooden circles effortlessly? Try the LaserPecker LX2 and see the difference precision laser cutting can make.