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The Benefits of Using the Center Line in Woodworking Joinery
When it comes to woodworking, laying out joinery accurately is crucial to the success of the project. There are various methods and tools that can be used for this task, depending on whether hand tools or power tools are used. One technique that works well for both is the center line.
What is the center line?
The center line is the starting point for laying out joinery with hand tools. For example, when creating a mortise-and-tenon joint, the center line is used to mark the center of the joint. By centering the mortise chisel on this line and striking it lightly, the width of the mortise can be determined, and the rest of the layout can be completed. The center line can also be used when using a router to create a mortise. By aligning the center of the bit with the center line and setting the fence to the edge, the router can be quickly and easily set up for the joint.
How to create the center line
Creating center lines can be done with a center-finding pin and a marking knife. The pin is installed in the router, and the fence is adjusted to get as close to the center line as possible. Once located and locked in, a marking knife is used to make a mark on the router base. This mark is then transferred to the metal part of the base for future reference. This process makes it much faster and more accurate to set up the router to the center line for future projects.
The center line is an effective and versatile technique for laying out joinery in woodworking. It can be used with both hand tools and power tools, and makes the process faster and more accurate. It is a simple but powerful tool that can be used in a variety of scenarios. If you have never used the center line before, it is definitely worth giving it a try!
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