Patent ID: 7296331

Claim:
A method for centering a workpiece on a metal shaping machine, comprising the steps of: (a) providing first and second guide plates having respective first and second aligned bores therein for supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position; (b) engaging at least one spring with the centering pin for exerting a predetermined axial bias against the centering pin in the direction of the workpiece for urging the centering pin into the use position; and (c) locking the centering pin in the use position during the operation of the machine on the workpiece; (d) wherein the step of locking the centering pin in the use position comprises the steps of: (i) extending a strap over the top of the centering pin from one radial side to the other; and (ii) selectively moving the strap between a release position allowing axial movement of the centering pin and a lock position for locking the centering pin in the use position.