Drill Press Centers...Align spindle to holes in your part

[jjr2001]

These centers for the drill press are for quickly locating a hole in your part.
Not as precise as other methods but quick and accurate enough for a lot of parts.
Each center has a 50 degree included angle. However these are made so
they can be used on thin or thick parts.

Each one has one end shortened so larger holes can be indexed in thin parts
where the pointed end would bottom out.

Pointed ends can be used to index holes in thick parts or pickup scribed layout lines.

I made 5 sizes but the sky is the limit.
5/8
1/2
3/8
5/16
1/4

All are made from short cutoffs of drill rod but not hardened.
I don't think that would be necessary for the intended use.

Cheers, JR

[kquiggle]

Good idea - the shortened ends are a nice touch. I can see where these would be very handy when there is not clearance for a wiggler (or similar).

As you noted, these are not as accurate as some other methods - I expect you will pick up some runout errors - but perfectly acceptable for many jobs.

Now, where did I put that bunch of drill rod I think I have . . .?

[jjr2001]

Thanks kquiggle, hope you find your drill rod and make some drill press centers. As you know:
You can never have too many tools in the shop!

Cheers, JR

[ranald]

Thanks JR, not sure if I could make these easily.

As an alternative (not detracting from your fine work) I use a V router bit which is great. (just have to take care not to drop it as it is tungston carbide but my home made table is wood on top of steel frame attached to the original press table).

[jjr2001]

Thanks Ranald, the v-router bit sounds like a great idea, fast,inexpensive,and ready made.
I like using existing tools to solve a problem.
Cheers, JR