How to Build a Round Table Base

One way to cut perfect circles for round table bases is to build a jig to fit on a router. Circle-cutting jigs enable the do-it-yourself consumer to cut circles as large as needed to make that perfect end table or dining table. If you own a router, you are well on your way to creating your own tables, plaques and other woodworking projects involving circles. Remember to practice safety when cutting wood with a router; always wear safety goggles. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mark the screw holes for the circle jig. Turn the router upside down and back out the screws holding the plate to the base of the router with a screwdriver. Put the 24-by-8-by-1/2-inch Baltic birch flat on the worktable. Lay the base plate from the router on one end. Trace the screw holes and the center hole onto the Baltic birch. This is the circle-cutting jig.

2

Secure the jig to the router. Measure the diameter of the screws from the router base, and drill the screw holes in the plywood with the appropriate bit. Drill countersink holes 1/4-inch deep to hide the screw heads. Drill the center hole with a 1-inch paddle bit. Secure the jig to the router base with a screwdriver.

3

Set the radius. Measure from the center of the router bit hole and make a mark at 18 inches. Make a mark on that mark that is 4 inches from the 24-inch side of the jig and drill a pilot hole with a 1/16-inch drill bit.

4

Find the center of the table base. Place the 40-by-40-by-3/4-inch medium density fiberboard on a worktable. This is the table base. Lay the straightedge on the medium density fiberboard diagonally from corner to corner and draw a line. Repeat this from the other two corners.

5

Cut the diameter pattern on the round table base. Secure the radius pilot hole to the center mark on the table base with a 2-penny box nail. Remove the router from the router base and install the straight cut router bit in the router. Replace the router back in the router base so the bit is resting on the table base. Turn the router on and cut a groove on the round table base.

6

Drill a hole to finish the cut. Drill a hole inside the groove cut by the router with a 1/2-inch drill bit. Set the router over the hole, lower the bit 1/4-inch and make a cut. After this cut is complete, lower the bit another 1/4-inch and cut again. Repeat this to complete the cut.

7

Build the pedestal. Place the 8-by-8-by-30-inch post on the worktable. Set one of the brackets even with both ends of the post and center them between the 30-inch sides. Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes through the brackets and secure them to the post with the deck screws. Repeat this on the other three sides of the post.

8

Secure the pedestal to the table base. Center the pedestal on the round table base and trace its pattern onto the base. Drill 3/16-inch pilot holes inside the traced areas. Place the round base on the pedestal, align it on the traced lines and secure it with the deck screws.