How do you cut a circle with a cutter?

Cutting a perfect circle from a sheet of material can be challenging without the right tools. Using a basic straight edge and utility knife leaves too much room for error and uneven edges. For clean, precise circular cuts, a specialized circle cutter is required.

What is a Circle Cutter?

A circle cutter is a tool specifically designed for cutting smooth, accurate circular shapes from sheet materials. It typically consists of a long arm with settings to adjust the diameter, and a small razor blade or cutting wheel mounted on a pivot at one end. As the cutter is pushed along a straightedge or the material’s edge, the blade scores the surface while the arm ensures a perfect circle is achieved based on the diameter setting.

Circle cutters allow forREPEATSAFETYREPEAT cutting accuracy that can’t be achieved freehand with other tools. They’re available in a range of sizes, typically from 1/2 inch diameter up to around 60 inches for large projects. The best circle cutters have precise diameter settings and sturdy but smooth pivots for the cutting wheel to rotate on. Higher end cutters will have a bearing-mounted pivot and machined aluminum arm for maximum durability.

Cutting Material Options

Circle cutters can be used to cut a variety of flat sheet goods up to approximately 1/16″ thickness, including:

• Paper and cardstock
• Photographs
• Vinyl and plastic sheets
• Vellum
• Thin metals
• Fabric

Thicker materials generally require more specialized power tools to make circular cuts. Circle cutters work best on smoother, more pliable sheets where the blade can score the surface relatively easily.

How to Use a Circle Cutter

Follow these basic steps to cut smooth circles with a circle cutter:

1. Measure diameter and set cutter arm – Determine the required circle diameter and set the cutter arm to match. Lock the arm in place at the desired diameter setting.
2. Position and secure material – Lay the material on a cutting mat or other protected surface. If cutting multiple circles, align the straightedge across the material where the center of the circles should be.
3. Position cutter – Place the circle cutter pivot at one edge of the material, aligned perpendicular to the straightedge. Apply gentle downward pressure.
4. Cut the circle – Keeping the pivot stationary and maintaining light pressure, slowly roll the cutter along the straightedge to score the material and cut the circular shape.
5. Repeat as needed – For multiple circles, keep the straightedge fixed and reposition the cutter pivot for each new circle.

It’s important to work slowly and deliberately, letting the blade fully penetrate the material without cutting too deeply. Move the arm smoothly along the straightedge in one continuous motion. Lifting or repositioning mid-cut can ruin the circle’s shape. Take extra care on the final join to complete a precise full circle.

Cutting Tips

Follow these tips when cutting circles with a circle cutter:

• Use fresh blades – Old, dull blades tear material more than cutting cleanly.
• Cut in multiple passes – For thicker material, don’t try to cut all the way through in one pass.
• Allow room for the blade – Position circles at least 1/2″ from the material edge to accommodate the cutter’s pivot.
• Use adhesive – On slippery material like plastic or metal, spray adhesive helps keep the material in place.
• Go slowly – Moving too fast reduces control and can ruin the cut.
• Use backing – Cut on a self-healing mat or layers of scrap material to protect the tabletop.

Common Circle Cutter Techniques

Beyond basic circular cuts, there are a few other techniques that utilize the circle cutter’s capabilities:

Cutting Circular Holes

By swinging the cutter’s pivot back and forth within a circle perimeter, you can cut open circular holes in the material. This takes some practice to master the motion but allows holes for embellishments, eyelets, jar lids, and more.

Layered Circles

Cut multiple concentric circles of descending size to create layered circle effects. Align each circle precisely when cutting to ensure proper overlap. Adhere finished layered pieces to cards, scrapbook pages, and other projects.

Circle Border Patterns

For decorative patterns, cut repeated uniform circles in rows or other aligned layouts as borders. This technique works well on paper, vinyl, and other flat materials. Plan the circle sizes and spacing pattern beforehand for optimal results.

Circle Stencils

Circle cutters can create circular stencils for painting and other applications. After cutting the circle, remove the interior disc to use the remaining ring as a round stencil. Secure when applying paint or other media to ensure clean circular patterns.

Circle Cutter Maintenance

Like all rotary cutting tools, circle cutters require some periodic maintenance and part replacement for best performance:

• Clean the cutting wheel and arm to prevent buildup of adhesive and materials.
• Lubricate the pivot with light oil if it becomes sticky.
• Change the blade when it loses sharpness and starts tearing the material.
• Check for loose screws and tighten if the cutter develops play or wobble.
• Don’t exceed the cutter’s diameter capacity, as forcing it can damage the arm.

With proper care and blade changes, a quality circle cutter will provide years of smooth precise circular cutting.

Choosing a Circle Cutter

Consider the following when selecting a circle cutter for your needs:

Cutter Arm	Look for sturdy non-bending arms, preferably metal.
Pivot	Seeks bearings or smooth pivots that allow easy blade motion.
Diameter Settings	Precise adjustable settings allow consistent circle diameters.
Diameter Range	Match range to your common circle size needs.
Blades	Quality blades are crucial for clean cuts without tearing.
Ergonomic Handle	Cushioned handles relieve hand fatigue during prolonged cutting.

Investing in a durable circle cutter from a reputable brand is worth the cost for effortless, accurate circular cuts.

Conclusion

Cutting precise circles is made easy with the right circle cutter tool. Its specialized arm and rotary blade design enables clean, smooth circular cuts in sheet materials with a simple process. Circle cutters open up many creative possibilities that would be extremely difficult or impossible to achieve by hand using basic tools. With some practice on setup and cutting technique, crafters can utilize circle cutters to enhance all kinds of decorative projects.