Probably the most crucial step in the process - cutting out the circular shape from the square panel. This was the first time I had ever attempted something of this magnitude since most of my other projects were of a smaller scale. To get the feel for it I practiced on a piece of plywood.  Cutting out the table required many passes - each time cutting deeper.  The thickness of the table is 1 3/4" so a lot of material was being removed. To cut through the cherry hardwood and to get the beautiful burn free outer cut I used an Amana solid carbide spiral plunge cutter.

Practice with Micro-Fence Practice with Micro-Fence

The spiral cutter used for the cutting. The spiral cutter used for the cutting.

First pass on the panel. First pass on the panel.

Progressively deeper cut. Progressively deeper cut.

Careful cutting. Careful cutting.

Almost through. Almost through.

Taking shape. Taking shape.

Final clean up pass. Final clean up pass.

Circle cutting complete.Circle cutting complete.

The next step in the process is carving out the center design. Now that the table has taken shape, it will be easier to lean over the work to focus on the precision free hand router carving.