How to find the center of a circle?

[Sally]

Several times lately I've need to find the center of a circle. I don't know how to do it. Is there a tool? I've cut a circle and wanted to put a circle inside - as in the toucan eye or inserting a clock into a circle. I've done it but I'm not getting the center exactly. Any help would be appreciated.

[wood-n-things]

If you know you are going to need it before you cut it the first time. Draw a line from all four the corners across and the intersection will be dead on.

To find the center of a circle..is a little more difficult.
Here look at his..
Finding the center of a circle (with compass and straightedge) - Math Open Reference

I'll find another easier method for you if I can.

This is basically the same thing.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-...r-of-a-circle/

[Trout]

and I have to say that is about one of the hardest things to do!
I drill the center hole first and then cut my circle from there...
drilling a hole in the center of a dowel is another story...

Trout

[Gill]

If you're looking to find the centre of a round piece of wood that has already been cut, make yourself a jig with two pieces of wood set at 90 degrees and fasten a straight edge so that it bisects the right angle at exactly 45 degrees. Place the jig anywhere on the circumference of the wood and draw a line along the straight edge. Then rotate the jig (it doesn't matter how much) and draw a line along the straight edge again. Where the drawn lines bisect is the centre of the circle.

[AKAkopa]

A good square with a centerhead attachment (Starrett tools sells some dandies but be ready to spend some big $$$. A 12 inch square with centerhead/square and protractor is $258.) will find the center of a circle. Take the centerhead and place it on the edge of your circle and draw a line next to the blade of the square. Rotate the square/centerhead and draw another line. Where the two lines intersect is the center of the circle.

Check a pawnshop if you have one in your area, times are tough and people are selling some goodies. A centerhead attachment is a V shaped block which fits on the squareblade. Now a quick question---if you cut the circle, when you laid out for the circle did you not use a compass and if so just mark the center of the circle before you cut it. After cutting this point should be the center of your circle in my thinking.

[AKAkopa]

LOL I see Gill came up with a much less costly tool or jig to use while I was posting. That will serve the same function as a centerhead on a square.

PS. I have the Starrett set from years of working with precision tooling.

[Wood Dog]

What I do is this: if the circle in on a pattern, cut it out, then fold the paper in 1/2, then fold in 1/2 again in opposite direction, being very careful on folding to the edges. Now when you open it up you can stick a pin in the center where all folds meet. Voila the center.
If the circle in made of wood then naturally,you just have to trace it first on paper.

[Janette]

And taking wood dog's one step further. If you've already cut out your wood in a circle, trace it onto a piece of paper - then fold that and lay back over top of the wood you traced it from.

[Dragon]

I bought a "center finder" made of plastic for turning. Cost me $4.00 and it's wonderful.
Diane

[KtownScroller]

Here is the gauge" Bergeon 2762 Circle Center Finder-Swiss Made 50MM : Orientation Guages, Center Finders, Squares, Rulers and Wire Guages : Gauges - Stone, Electronic, Ring Sticks, Finger Gauges & Bracelet Gauges : Tools & Metals : Otto Frei Orientation Guages, Center

Place the angled portion of the tool on the outside of the circular stock and draw a line along the straight edge. Rotate the stock 90 degrees and draw a second line along the straight edge. Where the lines intersect is the center of the circle (stock).