A simple measuring technique…
January 1, 2009 by admin
Filed under Router Tips
A simple way to find center without a high Tec measuring device. This tip teaches that there are alternate ways to measuring. This is just one technique that can be used to build projects. Can you think of more…
http://www.routerworkshop.net/freecontents/tip107/tip107.flvWe use this and many more techniques to measure when using the router. Click here to join in and become a “TRW Router Enthusiast.”
I think the better and easier way to find center is to put O” on one side of a ruler and put any inch mark on the other and just put one mark dead center.
EX: to find center of a 6 1/2″ wide board, put the O” of the ruler on the left side and move the right side of the ruler to the right edge to any handy ” (try 8″) mark on the ruler on the right, look at the half mark of 8″, which is 4″ and put a pencil mark. It is exactly the middle and you don’t have to worry about how still you keep a board even with each side until you make the mark. The ruler is easier to line up than a board to the sides of your wood. Your tip made my decision not to join, as I did not think much of your tip.
Carl
Sorry to hear your not interested in joining.
As for the tip it’s about using alternatives to measuring devices. Measuring is not just about a ruler and purpose of this tip is to get everyone to start thinking out side of the box.
Again sorry about your particular thinking process, because sometimes it is important to look at a problem from different alternative ways. But hey that is what this site is about exploring the many ways to use the router.
Rick
i do it a little different again. i take the end of the board & draw a line diagonally from corner to corner. next go to the other corner & repeat the diagonal & where the lines cross is the center. you can now transfer it to the face.
les.
Thanks for the great tip Les just another way to think outside of the box.
Rick
Hi Rick
Part of the reason for these blogs and THE reason to join is the stimulus it creates.
A simple tip starts a discussion which – say in this instance – gives two subsequent tips and the audience is then free to decide which tip suits them or the current requirement.
It is impossible to imagine the power that the Internet has on the sharing of ideas….the refining of minds and ideas which act as a catalyst to aim for perfection.
Sitting inside a box – even if you know the exact centre…..where does that get you?
Cheers for the tip and pleased to be a member!
Jim
Thank You for giving us another tool in our toolbox of ideas. I am always open to a new idea to make my woodworking a little easier. I think it really takes a small minded person to make a comment like Carl did, he seems to know it all and will not benefit from the new forum costing $19.00. I would gladly pay the $19.00 to get the help from the new forum but I am retired and need to live on my social security and struggle to pay the basics of life. Thank you for your TIPS!!!!!
Useful tip/s. I could have saved some time on a project I’m about to finish if I’d used either Rick’s or Les’ tips.
What happend if you don´t have a marked rule? I think that is good to have choices to pick up from. Those explained here can be helpful to me in any future woodworking project.
Best regards from Venezuela!!!!
I just went to your site and searched for it, very good tip!
If someone asked me what I learned watching your shows on public TV, the first thing that always comes to mind for me was learning NOT to use a tape measure.
Thanks and I hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year,
Paul
Boy,it’s amazing,that some people,don’t read,what they watch! A mere mention of something,so simple,can send people’s minds in a freezie and they can’t think or reason. I,for one,use these tips,to enhance,my knowledge,of various ways,to do things,differently,depending upon,the given situation. Keep up,the tips,however mundain,they may be.Thanks
One of the things I like most about this “learning format” is that it gives us all great food for thought. As they say, “there are MANY ways to skin a cat” – all will get you to the desired effect, some are easier than others. I like Rick & Bob’s simple approach – using a measuring device will get you in trouble – simple is much easier and will get you, in this case, to the center. Read and learn folks – that is what this blog is all about. Happy New Year to all and let the sawdust fly
).
I have never seen a tip that would not be useful at some point..I never reject a tip from someone.. Once you think you have learned all you can, you are right, you have..it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy!
Thank you for illustrating the tip with the video… seeing it in words with a sketch or two is ok, but the video with commentary and onscreen writing, is the clearest way to teach.
Spence
Well, here is another way. Take a piece of scrap and make a mark on one side of it( along the lenght),next while holding your finger on that mark put it aginst one side of the board ( center to be found) now hold your pencil aginst the other end of the scrap and draw a curve on the other end of the board. Repeat this process for the other side of the board. Now connect the points on these circles that intersect( one on the top and one on the bottom), that’s your center line.
Rick, your tip is valueable but don’t youstill have to guess or eyeball the center?
Bottom line here:
Too many tips are better than no tips. Something tells me we are better off for having one less “prospective member” join. Not being mean here…..its just that if I want to see people throw their arrogance around, I can alway “unretire” and go back to my job of 32 years.
You can bet that if I don’t like one of your tips………I won’t find it important enough to let that be my barometer for joining……..I promise.
Well now, that should sum it up.
Thanks for all of your tips……
Scott
The simplest method I use is to put a ruler diagonaly on the widht of the board in order to reach an even number that is easy to divide in two and voilà. On step.
Here’s my personal favorite:
You’ll need a piece of paper and some beer.
1. Drink some beer
2. make a mark on th paper the width of the board
3. Drink some more beer.
4. fold paper in half to the mark
5 drink some more beer
6. the crease in the paper should line up with the center
7. Have more beer to celebrate!