Centering Bit

A centering bit is a simple way to see in advance exactly where the center of a hole will be before you drill it. many Drill presses these days come with lasers that will mark the spot for you, but if your drill press is not so equipped, or your laser has gone out of whack, or stopped working, here is a low tech common sense way to determine your drilling center.

The idea is simple.  A centering bit consists of a rod that is beveled to a point on the end, like a pencil. except this point is at the exact center of the rod, and indicates where the center of any drill bit will penetrate a given workpiece. While you can buy centering bits, it only takes a few minutes to make your own, and it is very easy. 

Cut a wooden dowel, (1/2 inch is very sufficient, but any size will work), to about 5 or 6 inches. You may want to cut the piece longer or shorter depending on your specific application. Insert the dowel into your drill press, lock the dowel into the chuck, and turn on the drill press. Using a coarse grit sandpaper, or wood rasp held at a consistent 45° angle, hone the end of the dowel until it comes to a point at the end. The point is the center of your bit, and will be the same center for any drill bit you plan to use.

You can use the bit to determine the center for any kind of drill bit on any kind of workpiece. Here, I am using the centering bit to determine the placement for a V-block wich is used for drilling holes in dowels, tubes, and pipes. to learn more about making a v block CLICK HERE.

Once your workpiece is placed where you want it, don't forget to clamp it in place, so it doesn't move while you are changing to your desired bit, or you will loose your center point and have to start over.

 Budget Woodworking