Finding the center of a dowel

[KenW]

Is there a trick or jig that I can use to get the exact center of a dowel?  Should be able to work with various sizes of dowels.

Thanks.

[thibaultron]

Machinists use several different tools for this. Look up squares in any metal working catalogs. One type is a Center Square. Another is a Combination Square. The usefulness of each type would depend on the dowel size. The Combination Square would work for all sizes, but can be a little awkward for really small dowels.

 

Below is a picture of a Center Square.

[bogeygolpher]

Try this on EBAY

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Center-Finder-No-800-2875-Robert-Larson-/152051780497

[KenW]

Thanks Prowe.  This tool is cheap enough so I will try it out.  My only concern is that I want to find the center of very small (1/32 or 1/16) dowels.

Thanks also to Thibarltron.  I will research this tool.

[KenW]

Tribarltron - I ordered this tool as well.  I'll see which can handle the very small dowels I'm using.

Thanks.

[Landrotten Highlander]

If you find that your dowel is too small to be used with this tool, you can insert the dowel in a tube (inner diameter tube = outer diameter of dowel).

 

Make sure you mark the centerline using a very fine marker (the finer the better), and rotate the dowel at least 3 times.  That way you will obtain a very small triangle which denotes the center.

 

Good luck

Peter

[bizibilder]

Just find something with a thickness about half the diameter of the dowel (Wood, metal, card or plastic will do).  Place it on a bench with the end of the dowel against it.  Draw a line across the end of the dowel using the guide.  Repeat, rotating the dowel about a third of a turn each time (no need to be too accurate).  You will have three lines drawn on the end of the dowel either marking the centre (if your guide was exactly half the diameter) or a small triangle that will allow you to estimate the centre quite easily and accurately enough for model work.  No need for special tools!

[Bob Blarney]

Use a razor or knife to mark, not a pencil or  a pen - they're too blunt for something so small.

Edited November 14, 2016 by Bob Blarney

[KenW]

WOW!   Thanks guys.  I like all of these suggestions; and will try them out.

Thanks again.

[Bob Blarney]

Chances are, that you'll find that wooden dowels are ovoid, not circular, and will change a tiny bit with the relative humidity.