Esy Simple Center finder/marker

I needed one of these this past weekend. How did you go about ensuring that the pencil is exactly centered? It would be very easy to get that off center just a little and that could lead to problems.

-- Hey, woodworking ain't brain surgery. Just do something and keep trying till you get it. Doc

Just some time consuming precision measuring, it is actually easy to do, but I would tell future makers to make the 2 dowel pieces on the sides longer for a better grip to what your using it for.

-- We must protect the forests for those who can't speak, for the trees and animals. ~THE WOODSMAN~

The way to double check the accuracy is to take a board and mark it. then flip the tool and go back over your line. If you have 2 lines, it is NOT right. If the pencil tracks over the existing line you’ve got it.

Woodsman is right though you do need to spend the time to get it measured up right, especially if you will mark things that will need to be flush at the joint. if it is set back like many table aprons are from the leg, then being a little off won’t be notices.

But I am a little off in general ;-)

For cutting mortises, you can do the same thing with two pins on a Router base plate (making sure the bit is centered) then you will cut mortises in the center of the leg all day long.
If you wanted to offset the mortice, just clamp a shim to one side of the leg (thickness 2X the distance you want the mortise to move from the center)

-- "_If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves_." Edison

This is very similar to a traditional marking device I have used to make round spars from tapered, squared stock. It has two pencils and when all four sides are marked, planing the corners off to the lines will give you a perfect tapered octagon. They are usually made up to fit the size of the job with two spikes in tight holes on the ends and two pencils. The trick is to be firm enough to make a line but not so firm as to break the lead.

Nice job Woodsman, and I like / agree with your signature.

-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fiberglass trees. http://prmdesigns.com/

Why not take & drill for the Pencil. Then put over a pin on your drill press Drill for Dowel at one end spin drill for dowell at other end.?

-- Pat - Worker of Wood, Collector of Tools, Father of one

Yeah¡¡¡ very nice tool, i will made one myself, thanks for sharing

-- sramiro sinaloa mexico

This is a great tool. And since you asked, watch how I made mine so it would be perfectly centered. A fool proof method.

http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/guide-pour-trouvertracer-une-ligne-centrale-center-line-finderdrawer/

I must admit that I like the fact you used larger dowels, which must slide easier. Anyone can learn on LJ’s!!!

Best,

Serge

http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com

-- Learn from yesterday, work today and enjoy success tomorrow. -- http://atelierdubricoleur.wordpress.com

Awesome, I think I will make one of these in a couple weeks when I’m on break. Already have the dowels waiting for me

Cool, i’d like to see how your guys’ turn out.

-- We must protect the forests for those who can't speak, for the trees and animals. ~THE WOODSMAN~

Another suggestion to find the center is to drill the pencil hole, mount it to a lathe or even a drill; as it’s turning, mark the dowel holes with a pencil. They will be curved, but measure the center, and drill it. Of course there is still room for error.

-- Aaron Possom Town, TN

I made a couple versions out of aluminum awhile back…will post them here when I get pics taken

-- Dave www.bluesagehues.com

Well done.
I always wanted to make one, but never get there…
Best thoughts,
Mads

-- Mad F, the fanatical rhykenologist and vintage architect. Democraticwoodworking.

supplies practical, easy to produce, thanks for the idea …

-- Vanzemaljac