Tool for centering a punch mark in a lathe

**Cascao** · Mar 18, 2019, 04:36 PM

It is just a long flexible rod with a tip in one side and a taper for tailstock on other.

**mklotz** · Mar 19, 2019, 08:28 AM

Actually, the attached center is superfluous. Simply take a rod, point it on one end and center drill it on the other end. Then the center drilled end can be placed on the tailstock center and the rod used as shown in the video.

**Altair** · Mar 19, 2019, 09:25 PM

Thanks Cascao! We've added your Lathe Centering Punch to our Lathe Accessories category,
as well as to your builder page: Cascao's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Lathe Centering Punch by Cascao

tags: lathe, centering

**Toolmaker51** · Mar 24, 2019, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by Cascao

It is just a long flexible rod with a tip in one side and a taper for tailstock on other.

It's not uncommon, and why long standardized methods work, decades prove them. I probably need a replacement, gave last one away quite some time back.
We did them slightly different. Tail end was center drilled for a ball shaped rod protruding from a drill chuck. Pointed end was spring loaded slip fit, worked great keeping the point in punch mark.
Yours is simpler, and no parts to keep track of.