Optical Punch | Axminster Workshop Optical Centre Punch

Precision made simple with an optical centre punch

What is it?

This clever tool combines optical clarity with mechanical precision. It includes:

• A steel base with a slip-resistant bottom (48mm diameter)
• Two Perspex rods-one engraved with a crosshair, the other with a bullseye
• Two hardened steel punches (60° and 90°) for different applications

The rods act like magnifiers, channelling light down through the clear shaft and enlarging your mark for pinpoint alignment. Once you're lined up, simply swap the rod for your chosen punch and give it a light tap. The result? A perfectly placed centre mark, ready for drilling or turning.

Why you’ll want one in your kit

If you’ve ever tried to mark a precise centre by eye, you’ll know how easy it is to be just a fraction off. That fraction can throw off a drilled hole, misalign a turning blank, or ruin a layout. The Optical Centre Punch eliminates that risk by giving you:

• Visual clarity - magnified alignment for pinpoint accuracy
• Repeatable results - ideal for batch work or jig setups
• Versatility - use it on wood, metal, or plastic
• Speed and simplicity - no batteries, no fuss, just precision

Perfect for woodworkers, engineers and makers

Whether you're:

• Drilling pilot holes for hardware
• Marking centres on turning blanks
• Laying out joinery with precision
• Working with metal or acrylics in mixed-media projects

…the Axminster Workshop Optical Centre Punch gives you the confidence that your mark is exactly where it should be.

Final thoughts

You might have used scribes, awls, or even tried to eyeball your centre marks in the past. But those methods can be inconsistent - especially on curved or textured surfaces. The Optical Centre Punch removes the guesswork and replaces it with confidence.

It’s a small tool that makes a big difference - especially when accuracy is the difference between a perfect fit and a frustrating re-do.

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