A centre point is a small steel accessory with a sharp point used to transfer the position of a drill hole from one workpiece to another. You place the centre point in an existing hole, press the second workpiece against it, and the point marks exactly where to drill. This gives you perfectly aligned holes.
How does a centre point work?
- Drill the holes in the first workpiece
- Insert a centre point in each hole (smooth end in the hole, point facing up)
- Place the second workpiece on the centre points and press firmly
- The sharp points leave an impression in the timber
- Drill the holes in the second workpiece at the marked points
When do you use centre points?
- Dowel joints — when joining boards with timber dowels
- Gluing boards — worktops, table tops, cabinet parts
- Furniture making — aligning components joined with pins or dowels
- Repairs — accurately transferring existing hole positions to a new part
Available sizes
Centre points are available in standard diameters that correspond with common dowel and drill sizes:
| Diameter | Fits dowel | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 6 mm dowel | Thin boards, mouldings |
| 8 mm | 8 mm dowel | Standard furniture making |
| 10 mm | 10 mm dowel | Heavy constructions, worktops |
| 12 mm | 12 mm dowel | Structural joinery |
Centre point vs. dowel jig
| Centre point | Dowel jig | |
|---|---|---|
| **Cost** | Inexpensive (set from EUR 3) | More expensive (EUR 15 – 50) |
| **Accuracy** | Good with careful work | Very high, repeatable |
| **Speed** | Slower (marking per hole) | Faster for many joints |
| **Suitable for** | Occasional use | Production work, many repetitions |
Tips
- Always use a drill bit with the same diameter as the centre point
- Press the second workpiece firmly and squarely — sliding produces an incorrect mark
- Use a depth stop on your drill to bore all holes to the same depth
Related terms
- Dowel
- Dowel pins
- Mortise-and-tenon joint
- Cordless drill
- Wood glue