I saw this method in a video by Henrique Sampaio and although using a rule to centre a faceplate and drawing a line around the outside of the faceplate may be just as accurate, this method is quick and easy.
Making a Centring Jig
- Select a suitable rod to use as the locating lug – I use my lathe knock out bar which is 8mm in diameter.
- Select a piece of timber, preferable hardwood of sufficient size to allow for chuck mounting and a finished product that matches the inside diameter of your faceplates and also the depth of the thread on the faceplate.
- With the piece mounted in the lathe, drill the hole through the centre the diameter of your centring lug. The lug should be a snug fit.
- You can now move the tailstock up for support.
- Turn the outside so that it is a tight fit in your faceplates – note the slight taper on the jig to allow for slight differences in the machining of the thread in the faceplates.
Using the Jig
- Select the piece to be mounted of the faceplate and locate the approximate centre using whatever technique you as use too. I find the Centre Finder pictured here very quick and simple to use.
- Drill a hole about 6 to 8mm deep that matches your jig lug.
- Place the tip of the lug into the hole just drilled in the work piece.
 
- Slide the faceplate and then the jig over the lug.
- Slide them down till the faceplate is flush with the work and the jig is down as far as it will go.
- Screw the faceplate to the work, remove the jig and start turning.
- If you need to remove the faceplate and then later remount it just repeat the process for an accurate remounting.
Written by:
Allan Short
I can be contacted at:
ashort@carbatec.com.au or alswoodturning@gmail.com
See samples of my work at Als Woodturning Creations |