How to use a combination edge
finder and centre finder

Shop for Centre and Edge Finding Sets

This is an important step in the process of preparing to drill a hole in a part.

Step 1 – Clamp workpiece

Clamp the workpiece in a vise underneath the spindle of the machine.

Step 2 – Mount centre finder

Mount the centre finder in a collet or drill chuck and secure the tool to the spindle of your machine.

The pointed tip of the tool will represent the centre of the spindle.

Step 3 – Raise knee of machine

Raise the knee of the machine so that the tip of the centre finder is sitting in the centre punched mark on the part.

Step 4 – Move bed of machine

To correct this, gradually move the bed of the machine until the centre finder becomes aligned.

When this happens, you will no longer be able to recognise a discrepancy between the end and the shank.

Step 5 – Check alignment of centre finder

To check the alignment of the centre finder, gently run your thumb and index finger up and down the sides of the tool.

Make adjustments until you can no longer feel the transition between the body and the head of the tool.

When the parts of the centre finder have aligned, you will have centred the spindle of the machine to within 0.03mm (0.001 inches).

Remove the centre finder from the collet or drill chuck and replace it with a suitable drill bit.