I just got a circle cutter and here is a first impression. I have always struggled with aircraft tires and wheels, to get a good delineation between them. If I spray one, the other ends up being brush painted and I don't always get a smooth edge or coverage. I decided to get this, to cut perfect circles for masking.
It is well made, the blades (you get 2) are razor sharp and cut cleanly. From left to right, there is the blade chuck, the diameter adjustment lock nut, the diameter indicator and the turning knob. The black ring is a rubber base with an adhesive side that I haven't put on yet. The blade is not locked into the chuck, there is a spring to exert a pressure on the blade
and you can adjust the cutting depth. It is 4 inches or 10 cm in diameter.
When cutting, you have to hold the tool yourself and turn it by the red handle. 2 or 3 turns has worked to cut it. I turns very easily and smoothly; I didn't feel any play in it at all.
Here are the instructions, I had best be careful.
Here are my first results, the smallest circle is 1/10 inch or 2.5 mm and has very smooth edges. If you want to cut multiple circles in a pattern, it will be a little difficult to precisely position each one because there is no indicator for the center, For masking wheels, it is just what I hoped for. You can use either the center, or hole, depending on masking the wheel or the tire. Now, I'll be able to airbrush both parts.
I have a couple of plastic auto dealer license plates that are perfect as a cutting base. They are soft and if one gets full of cuts, I have others. For masking wheels, or other circular masking, I would recommend it. It does have a specific use, but it does it very well.