Here is a simple and easy way to center a small piece of wood that is gripped in the jaws of your chuck when it is too small to create a tenon.

First, I cut a small piece of wood, which will become a pull, finial or knob.

I put the small piece of wood in my Number 2 jaw and only tighten the jaw to the point where it will hold the piece, but not so tight that it can't be moved in the jaws.

I don't worry about centering the piece and they are usually not centered over the length of the piece.

I turn on the lathe and use the top of the scraper to apply slight pressure under the spinning wood. By gently raising the scraper, all four (or more) sides will hit the top of the scraper and the piece will be centered.

Once it is centered, I stop the lathe and finish tightening the chuck.

Now I'm ready to turn.

It works for me!

Phil can be reached directly via email at woodturnerphil@gmail.com .