What's a good way to check centering on a card?

neenish · October 4, 2008 12:51PM

I was wondering what everyone is using to check the centering on cards. Is there a device that you can put over the card that checks the L/R and T/B centering of the card? Or do you use the manual ruler technique?

PoppaJ · October 4, 2008 1:03PM

I've used this little gizmo for years!

PoppaJ

Ilovebaseballcards · October 4, 2008 1:09PM

could you explain a little on how the numbers/boxes work
and
what the notch is for at the top left?

(and where to get one?)

neenish · October 4, 2008 1:12PM

<< could you explain a little on how the numbers/boxes work
and
what the notch is for at the top left?

(and where to get one?) >>

Exactly. Where'd you get that and does it have a cheat sheet card to help tell what the numbers mean?

storm888 · October 4, 2008 1:16PM

Jruler work well for scans of cards.

The simple version is still free.

jruler

nam812 · October 4, 2008 1:18PM

<< .........and what the notch is for at the top left?...... >>

I imagine thats to get the card out unharmed.

otwcards · October 4, 2008 1:22PM

I had something similar years ago. The numbers provide references to the border sizes. Match the border width/depth to the appropriate number on opposite sides and add them together then set one as the numerator and the sum as the denominator and you get your border percentage (ex: left=7 right=11, then 7/18=38.888, so you have 39/61 centering left to right).

The notch at the top allows the card, after being inserted, to be extracted without having to tap or shake the holder to remove the card.

Hope this helps.

otwcards · October 4, 2008 1:25PM

BTW, this only works for cards with borders and cards that are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2. Smaller cards and oversized cards to not works with this "machine."

Eventually, you'll develop an eye and such a tool will become obsolete.

neenish · October 4, 2008 1:29PM

I'm looking for something I can place over a card or something I can easily slide a card into to check the dimensions.

nam812 · October 4, 2008 2:28PM

<< .........or something I can easily slide a card into to check the dimensions. >>

How about one of these?

PoppaJ · October 4, 2008 2:34PM

<< could you explain a little on how the numbers/boxes work
and
what the notch is for at the top left?

(and where to get one?) >>

"otwcards" explained it as well as can be.

I've been very successful when subbing
my Mantle cards for bumps using this tool.

It's never let me down yet. And it's really easy to use.

It is only for standard sized cards as otwcards pointed out, but
most of mine are, so it fits my purpose.

It was produced in 1991 by MINTFINDER, INC., Sioux Falls, ND.

There are probably a few around here and there, but Jruler
would probably suffice and it's for all card sizes.

PoppaJ

neenish · October 4, 2008 2:39PM

<< 

<< .........or something I can easily slide a card into to check the dimensions. >>

How about one of these?

>>

That's what I'm looking for, but can't find anything on google or ebay for sale? Got one for sale?

Estil · October 4, 2008 10:08PM

<< I've used this little gizmo for years!

PoppaJ >>

I remember reading about that in a small 1991 paperback called "Trading Cards: Get Your Money's Worth". I always wondered what they looked like and how they worked.

leadoff4 · October 4, 2008 10:44PM

Okay, someone explain how to check centering using the jrruler. I have it up on the screen along with the scan of the card.

otwcards · October 5, 2008 1:07AM

<< Okay, someone explain how to check centering using the jrruler. I have it up on the screen along with the scan of the card. >>

If you're asking how to determine centering ratios after you measure, just measure and do the math...

Measure in whatever unit you want, but the more compact the units, the more accurate your measurement. Measure opposite side borders and note the units for each. Then divide one border by the sum of the two borders and you'll have the centering percentage of the one border.

If you're asking how to use the Jr Ruler, then simply read the instructions on the website and apply the previous paragraph to get your ratios.

And hopefully you haven't been sitting for 2 1/2 hours staring at your PC waiting for a response.

billwaltonsbeard · October 5, 2008 2:05AM

Call me crazy, but I just look at the card.

What's a good way to check centering on a card?

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