Finding center is becoming a nightmare

1

Good Morning!

I have designs that work on the round stock that you can buy at HD, I use them to make decorative door hangers, clocks, ect.

the problem is that I have tried every variation of finding center of these projects using every approach that I have learned by watching EVERY YT video imaginable and still have the repeating issue.

in the software, I have no issues designing the problem, I always confirm center of workpiece but Transferring that design to the machine and making it work is another discussion.

I need some method that I can easily repeat that will allow me to find the center of those rounds and keep my carving centered. Amazingly, I have no issues with the center art, It is seemingly just the border that does not want to maintain the equal distance while carving.

Any help is appreciated

2

treat it like a square, secure the stock lets say 16" diameter.
place a carpenter square under it use a small block and probe from the lower left like you would do on a square piece… now the tricky part… move the machine up 8" and to the right 8"

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3

Thats what I am doing, I have a 23.75 round, use an 11.875 center and that is not the solution, It is not making any sense

4

that should work, is your machine perfectly square? how much is it off by?

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5

The machine has been running in the same orientation for 3 years, It is defintely square.
It seems to be off by .375 (ish)

6

cut a 4" square and measure it

8

That is a great idea, I had actually thought that the pieces may not be exactly even around the perimeter.

during my research for a simple solution and after spending a ridiculous amount of time listening to YT tutorials I do have another method I think Is the best way to find the true center, It does not require anything except a piece of 8.5x11 white paper, #2 pencil and a ruler!

Im not sure If I should post it in this thread of make a new topic

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9

Thats another great idea

11

I would design in a circle slightly smaller than the stock and contour cut the final circle. Wastes a bit of material but everything will be aligned with the centre when finished.

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12

Yes
Its a simple question and I have exhausted all the options I know. There has got to be something I am missing or some variable I am not thinking of

14

It may be helpful at this point to share a few photos of your materials, table setup/work holding, and example of a finished piece pointing out the issue you experience.
As others have said, and as you have clearly seen through your research, finding the centre should not be difficult to achieve.

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15

these from amazon work well and are cheap and easy

KETIPED Aluminum Alloy Center Positioning Ruler, 45/90 Degree Positioning Ruler, Right Angle Positioning, Centerline Positioning, Multi-Function Arrow Ruler, High-Precision Metric Measuring Ruler,043R - Amazon.com

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16

How about something as simple as this template :slight_smile:

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17

that’s a great idea, that’s actually what I did was created my own

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18

Use a compass. Scribe lines from around the perimeter. Connect crossed lines and they will meet in the center.

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19

I use a starrett back plunger dial indicator to dial outside diameter true. works very well, i can send pictures when i start new project this week if you would like me to

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20

thanks buddy.

i’ll look forward to it

21

Being off by 3/8" is that the width of the ledge on your touch probe? Is it just that you are offset by using it right side up vs upside down or registering it in the right place?

22

Try this. Works well for me.

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23

thank you, it’s a great idea, the issue is only that the product you shared is only 6” long.

genuinely appreciate the contribution and for smaller projects this loons great.

FYI, there is a file that will allow you to make this product. (instead of purchasing)