The Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit has been on the market for a few years now, and it has gained a reputation as an indispensable tool for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the CircleGuideKit's features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, as well as share our experiences and insights from using the kit in various woodworking projects.
Overview
The Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit is a versatile and easy-to-use circle cutting system designed to work with most routers. It enables users to cut circles, arcs, and ellipses with precision and ease, making it an ideal addition to any woodworker's toolkit. The kit includes two cutting attachments: the Small Circle Jig and the Large Circle Jig. These attachments allow you to cut circles ranging from 1.5 inches to 52 inches in diameter.
Key Features
- Easy-to-use circle cutting system
- Compatible with most routers
- Includes Small Circle Jig and Large Circle Jig
- Cuts circles, arcs, and ellipses
- Adjustable cutting diameter from 1.5 to 52 inches
- Integrated measurement scales for precise adjustments
- Durable, high-quality construction
Small Circle Jig
The Small Circle Jig is designed to cut circles with diameters between 1.5 and 12 inches. It features an adjustable pivot point that allows for quick and easy adjustments, and the built-in measurement scale helps ensure that your cuts are precise and accurate. The jig is also equipped with a router sub-base adaptor plate, making it compatible with most routers on the market.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to set up and adjust
- Compatible with most routers
- Precise and accurate cuts
Cons
- Limited to circles with diameters between 1.5 and 12 inches
- May require additional support for larger routers
Large Circle Jig
The Large Circle Jig is designed to cut circles with diameters between 12 and 52 inches. It features a similar adjustable pivot point system, making it easy to set up and adjust the desired circle size, and it also includes an integrated measurement scale for added precision. The jig is also equipped with a router sub-base adaptor plate, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of routers.
Pros
- Accommodates larger circle sizes
- Easy to set up and adjust
- Compatible with most routers
- Precise and accurate cuts
Cons
- Bulkier than the Small Circle Jig
- May require additional support for larger routers
Performance and Ease of Use
The Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit is designed for ease of use and delivers consistently precise and accurate cuts. The adjustable pivot points on both the Small and Large Circle Jigs make it easy to set up and adjust the desired circle size, while the built-in measurement scales ensure that your adjustments are accurate and consistent.
One potential issue with the CircleGuideKit is the need for additional support when using larger routers. In some cases, the weight of the router can cause the jig to flex, leading to less precise cuts. This can be mitigated by adding additional support, such as a scrap piece of wood, to help stabilize the jig during use.
Durability and Build Quality
The Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring that it will withstand the rigors of regular use in your workshop. The jigs themselves are made from durable, impact-resistant plastic, while the router adaptor plates are crafted from sturdy metal.
The only potential concern regarding the CircleGuideKit's durability is the plastic knobs used to secure the pivot points. Over time, these knobs may wear down or break with repeated use, but they can be easily replaced if necessary.
Features
Versatility
One of the standout features of the Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit is its versatility. This kit comes with two circle cutting jigs: the small circle jig (for circles with diameters between 1.5” and 12”) and the large circle jig (for circles with diameters between 10” and 52”). This wide range of cutting sizes makes it suitable for various woodworking projects, from small decorative pieces to large furniture components.
Compatibility
The CircleGuideKit is designed to work with most routers, thanks to its universal base plate. The base plate can be easily attached to your router using the included screws and pre-drilled holes. Additionally, the kit comes with a centering pin, ensuring that your router is perfectly centered on the base plate for accurate cuts.
Easy-to-Use Design
The Milescraft CircleGuideKit is designed with ease of use in mind. Both jigs feature a straightforward design that allows you to quickly set the desired circle radius using the included scale on the jig arm. The small circle jig uses a pivot point for easy circle cutting, while the large circle jig has a sliding mechanism that enables smooth and precise adjustments.
Sturdy Construction
The CircleGuideKit is made from high-quality materials, ensuring its durability. The base plate is constructed from a combination of metal and high-impact plastic, while the jigs are made from rigid, impact-resistant plastic. This ensures that the kit can withstand the rigors of everyday use in a woodworking shop.
Accessories
The Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit comes with a range of accessories, including:
- A centering pin for accurate router positioning
- A 1/4" straight bit for cutting circles
- An easy-to-read scale for setting the desired circle radius
- A BONUS offset base for added stability and control when cutting smaller circles
Final Verdict
The Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit is a versatile and easy-to-use circle cutting system that delivers precise and accurate results in a wide range of woodworking applications. It is compatible with most routers and offers adjustable cutting diameters from 1.5 to 52 inches, making it an ideal addition to any woodworker's toolkit.
While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the need for additional support when using larger routers and the potential for wear on the plastic adjustment knobs, these issues are easily mitigated and do not detract from the CircleGuideKit's overall performance and value.
In conclusion, the Milescraft 1219 CircleGuideKit is a highly recommended investment for both novice and experienced woodworkers. Its combination of ease of use, versatility, and precision make it an indispensable tool for any workshop.