Salutations Gents,
I'm thinking of making a 12" center finder from Plexiglas.
I've got a smaller one that came with one of my lathes, works great, nice German engineering.
What I've been doing for years is using measuring tools and a rule.
What I'd like to create is something that works great on irregularly shaped tree parts.
Say for example egg shaped Holly, where I want to find the best center overall.

Any tips before I build one on my own thoughts?

 

Concept: Thinking of just scribing circles out from the center at intervals then ink them in.
Then I'll just hold it over the end grain and with a tiny hole in the center I'll pop an impression.
Thanks

Hmmmmm. Of course there are many out there to glean idea off from, but lacking any original thought of my own on this one, it's a hard one Mark!

 

How about an adjustable circle of some sort with a center hole in it, adjust the biggest circle to fit into the odd shape, and then mark the center through the hole, now, to make a circle adjustable, well that's another challenge!!!

You know it. I'd rather lean toward something that isn't adjustable, my smaller one from Germany is a tri-square with a rule in the center, they're attached and do not move, but that design doesn't work well on odd shapes.

Hmmm, ya I get your point. Back on with the thinking cap!

This is the style I'm thinking of, price isn't bad but I'd rather make it.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Bullzeye-Woodturners-Center-Finder/dp/B004TK0JOO/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1403913637&sr=8-23&keywords=center+finder

 

Here's something Capt. Eddie has. He developed it for segment work but might give you an idea-

That would do nicely, very much appreciated.

Now just to get that on Plexiglas.

 

Who's the captain btw?

 

 

 

Capt Eddie is a turner. Here's his web site http://eddiecastelin.com/. He sell some great products, at reasonable prices, too.

 

Up from the archives, a center finder.

Big Eddie, is the man. I think he is kinda funny in his videos.