Measuring & Marking

Center Finder

Locates the centre of round stock in two strokes — essential for lathe work, dowels and turned legs.

Measure stage

Specification

Capacity	10–102 mm diameter
Material	Hard anodised aluminium
Pins	Two hardened dowel pins
Scales	Metric and imperial arcs
Use	Round, octagonal, square stock
Weight	96 g

What it is for

Locates the centre of round stock in two strokes — essential for lathe work, dowels and turned legs. This guide covers what the tool does, the specification points that actually change your results, and how to use it without damaging the work or yourself.

Where it fits in the build

This is a measure stage tool in the Measuring & Marking category. Lay out accurate parts before any cut is made.

Measure Measuring & Marking

Using it well

Draw two lines at roughly 90° to each other; the intersection is the centre.
Check the mark with a rule in both directions before drilling.
Keep the two pins seated against the stock edge while marking.

Compatible materials

Materials this tool handles without compromise. Where a material is not listed, check that the tool is rated for it before committing to a cut.

Hardwood
Softwood

Reference sample in 3D

The model above is a real cherry reference block rendered in the browser. It is simulated from a height field rather than photographed, so you can rotate it to see how light behaves across the grain, the end grain and the edges. Drag it, or use the view buttons to look at the top face or the end grain in isolation.

Why this matters

Reading how light falls across a board is the fastest way to judge whether a surface is flat. That is the same judgement you make with a hand plane or a sander, and it is much easier to see on a rotating model than on a static photo.

Educational content only. Settings, capacities and safety guidance here are general starting points, not instructions for your specific tool, material or situation. Always follow your tool manufacturer's manual and any material datasheet, and check your own measurements before cutting.

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