Mark circles without a center hole

 

When using a compass to make circles for my chip-carving projects, there are times when I don't want to leave a hole in the center of the circular workpiece. What to do? I created a "temporary" hole from a small square of clear acrylic as shown in the drawing. For "feet," I went with self-adhesive cabinet-door bumpers (Woodcraft part no. 02S81, $7, 800/225-1153 or available online).

To use the device, I first draw diagonals to locate the center of the circle on my workpiece as shown at right. Next, I position the intersection of the jig's scribed lines over the center mark. Finally, with the point of the compass in the center of the scribed lines, I draw the circle. Downward pressure on the compass and feet keep the jig from slipping on the work piece.

Merle Krug, Marion, Iowa