Here is a simple bandsaw jig for finding the centers on square spindle stock. I have found this little jig so handy that I keep it right next to my bandsaw for quick access.

The jig is pretty simple. It consists of an 8-in.-long block of 2×6 framing lumber with a 90¡ V-groove cut into the length of the block, as shown in the drawing (click on the drawing to see a larger version). I attached an oak rail to the underside of the block to slide in the bandsaw’s miter-gauge slot, and I positioned the rail so that the V-groove is centered on the bandsaw blade.

Now when I need to turn a spindle on the lathe, I just place the workpiece in the jig and slide the jig lightly into the blade to saw a diagonal kerf across the end of the workpiece about 1/16 in. deep. Then I rotate the workpiece 90¡ and make another shallow cut into the end. The resulting kerfs not only locate the center of the stock, but they also provide slots for the drive spur of the lathe to grip.

Robert F. Reynolds, Columbia, Md.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, February 2000 No. 140

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer

Regardless of the board’s grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.

Buy at Amazon

JessEm Mite-R Excel II Miter Gauge

The gauge has a quick and easy method for fitting the guide bar precisely to your tablesaw’s miter slot. This means the gauge can be recalibrated if necessary for continued accuracy. The face of the protractor head can be adjusted square to the table and also square to the guide bar. This ensures accurate cuts, and it, too, can be readjusted if the need arises. The protractor head has stainless-steel knobs and fittings and high-contrast, easy-to-read white numbers and increments.

Buy at Amazon

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon