|
|
Post by sdb777 on Dec 26, 2009 20:35:28 GMT -6
Was wondering what kind of gadgets you might have hanging around by your lathe to find center? Square is kind of simple, but what if your stock isn't square.....what do you use?
Scott (gadgets are fun) B
|
|
|
|
Post by boodrow on Dec 26, 2009 20:55:51 GMT -6
Scott I use a center finder thats availble from craft supplies thats around 7 dollars. When I strike a line across all 4 corners and the piece isnt square I split the diff and go with that
Boodrow
|
|
|
|
Post by TDHofstetter on Dec 26, 2009 21:06:10 GMT -6
When I'm turning a blank from a log section, I mostly eyeball it based upon where the bulk is & I want the center to be. When I turning something smaller or more geometric to start from, I just a decent-quality (NOT a flimsy Chinese $3 model, but also NOT a Starrett) combination square.
For metal turning, I may break down & buy a good center finder, though. Less rough work to do that way.
|
|
|
|
Post by triplefreak on Dec 26, 2009 23:41:45 GMT -6
I use a framing square & a straight edge in bigger items. I usually snap a chalk line on smaller stuff, then use a compass.
|
|
|
|
Post by dicklaxt on Dec 27, 2009 3:51:35 GMT -6
I always just eyeballed it like Tim said,,I never found a need to find dead center,,,,,,,,,,,,,,did I miss smething along the way  dick |
|
|
|
Post by sachbvn on Dec 27, 2009 7:32:54 GMT -6
Only time you'd really need to be DEAD center - is if you are using.... let's say a 3/4" blank and drilling a 1/2" hole in it - that'd give you about 1/8" on either side(s) of the hole to slip up....
I mark corner to corner and where the lines intersect - that's good enough for me. I did get a center finder for Christmas - and a few days ago my dad found the one he made in Vocational school when he was in high school - he took some machining classes there.
Zac
|
|
sawduster
Moderator 
The Motley Crew
Posts: 1,831
|
Post by sawduster on Jan 1, 2010 10:06:35 GMT -6
I've got a Starrette center finder attachment for a combo square which I use mostly on stuff that has been cut into a circle already. Those center finders don't find the actual center of rectangular cross section pieces so you'd need to find a center line, then interpolate (WAG) the actual center or go through a bunch of other geometry to find the actual center. Just marking the diagonals, the intersection of the lines will be at center for rectangular stuff.
If I'm making a pen that needs to have the grain lined up between the two parts of the blank, then I'll mark the end of each blank where the two pieces were cut apart from each other, use the diagonals to find the center, and drill for the tube with those ends being on top on the drill press table. If the grain is not so obvious or if there is a wide center band etc, then I mostly just eyeball the center.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ruffnek on Jan 1, 2010 11:10:58 GMT -6
I usually just eyeball the center. The eye is actually pretty accurate in that regard. However, the bigger the blank, the more important it is to have the stock centered because there's more mass involved.
Oftentimes on roundish blanks, I'll use a set of dividers. I eyeball the center and then adjust the dividers/pivot point until I find the center. It doesn't take but a few seconds.
|
|
|
|
Post by maverick31 on Jan 2, 2010 22:37:36 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by sdb777 on Jan 3, 2010 5:44:43 GMT -6
What happens when the piece isn't even close to being round? Wouldn't the intersecting lines end up being all over the wood? At that point I think a WAG in the area of the 'box' would be best....correct? It is a simple design, and I thank you for the link......... Scott (always more questions) B |
|
