circle template for router

Do you have a router? Simple to make a circle jig for a router out of any scrap

-- “Facts don't care about your feelings.” ..., Ben Shapiro

It sounds like you want to hog out a circular area approximately 4 5/8” in diameter to hold CD’s—is that correct?

I think a good option would be to make a circular template—maybe cut an opening in a piece of 1/4” MDF with a fly cutter and then use a bushing in your plunge router to route a recess to hold the CD’s.

Other options if you have limited tools—if you have a router then maybe you could free-hand the hole—draw it out with a compass and then try to stay within the lines. If you have chisels then you could chisel out the area you need removed.

A router with a sharp dish bit will minimize the sanding. You can get them with a bearing on the collar and then use a simple template taped to the piece.

For sanding, hand sanding or make a sanding mop. Look at how wood turners do the inside of vessels.

Get you 3 boards. Use one of these and cut a hole in one of the boards. Glue a second board to the bottom and have the third board serve as a lid.

-- earthartandfoods.com

If you know of anyone with a Lathe, you’d be in business. It would take about 30 minutes max to make the hole, and then it’s up to you to complete it. ............ Jerry (in Tucson

-- Jerry (in Tucson) www.woodturnerstools.com

All great ideas and precisely why I asked the question. I’m certain that I can work it out one way or another.

Similar to what others said: I’d cut a circle template in MDF, mount that to the box (clamps or carpet tape), then use a bushing with 1/2” spiral to ride along the outline then free hand the inside.

For the template you can use a Jasper jig or make your own router circle jig. I’ve found the jasper jig is worth the money, as it only costs ~$25 and you’ll find other uses for it.

When calculating the diameter of the circle template remember that you’ll need to account for the diameter of the bushing/bit combo you use. In other words, the template cutout will need to be larger than you desired final recess.