Using edge & center finders...

[geneb]

I'm intested in using both center and edge finders with my ShopBot. I've used a regular edge finder before. I recently picked up a 4 piece set of edge & center finders on eBay. I know that the regular edge finder (.200) works by waiting until you hear it "click" and it slides to the side. You subtract .100 from where it's at and that is the "edge" of the material. What I don't understand is how the center finder works. Can someone clue me in?

tnx!

g.

[frank_hav]

Assuming that the centerfinder your refering to is the same design as the edgefinder except that it has an angular end; Yoy can center it ahead of time and use it to pick up a scribed line by eye or you can place it in a small hole and move it until the body runs true. The second version of this is usally done in a manual milling machine where you have much fine control of the Z pressure and height. Even when used properly centerfinders of this type are scary to use at best. I've been a Toolmaker for 25 years and all of the centerfinders like the one I think you own go in my trash. They require very gradual movements to work properly and honestly there are better methods to pickup a hole center.

Frank

[paul60]

how about using a laser edgefinderhttp://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2604

[brian_h]

That laser edgefinder looks great. Does anyone have any comments about it, good, bad, or otherwise?

[geneb]

Thanks for the feedback Frank. I've never had the need for a center finder before, but it came with the set and for $13, I figured it was a good deal. Unfortunately the edgefinder that I got really isn't that high of quality. I guess I got what I paid for.
I'll likely end up trashing this set and just buy one good Starett(?) edgefinder. I've been told those are the best.

Paul, that laser edgefinder looks really cool. I would like to hear from others that have used it though.

g.

[ed_lang]

Well after see the link above to the laser edgefinder, I order one this morning.

I'll post after I get it and have a go or two with it.

For anyone who thinks they want to get one, be sure to order the 3/8" collet for your router.

Merry Christmas all!

[brian_h]

OK, I couldn't wait. I called to order and found they had units with a 1/4" shaft as well. Total with priority mail is $65.11.

[Brady Watson]

We 'old timers' have used a sharp v-bit or engraving bit for years to find the edges of parts/materials. The laser is neat, but it essentially does the same thing as the v-bit...but it can't cut anything when your done aligning...

-B

[srwtlc]

Another oldtimer here. Just a simple corner contact plate that will index on either the outside or the inside of the table, jig, or work piece along with an x & y zero routine much like the z zero one. I just use whatever cutter I'm going to use and answer the diameter question when the routine is run.

[brian_h]

My perspective probably influenced my decision somewhat. I just got done building a tenoning jig and had a little problem lining up the x to the zero on the jig. It "looked" right, but each time it was off. It was easy to imagine how easy it would have been to use a laser dot. That'll be even more important when I start adding angles to the tenons.

[trakwebster]

I'm grateful this was posted. I've had a couple of puzzling non-alignment instances, and have pondered how to install laser devices to *really* make sure that the XY=0,0.

I think I'll get one of these fellows and mark an X at my table's 0,0 location, and then just now and then check the accuracy of my positioning.

[ed_lang]

Brady,
That is exactly how I have been finding the corner of my spoilboard to make the prox sw values correct! But I think the laser is just a "cool tool" and it is Christmas!

I may never use it.... but I have another toay to play with..... if I ever get time that is :-)

I just got an order for 10 more ornaments for Christmas delivery this morning!!! What is it with folks????