Compasses & Dividers

[greenacres2]

I'm not sure if this is Tool Talk or Coffee Pot material--please move if i guessed wrong...

Recent article in one of the mags (paper or e-zine i can't recall) did a brief piece on the use of compasses and dividers in the workshop. I'd already been thinking of popping into the school supply aisle somewhere to get one--and that article was a bit more of a nudge.

It seems that there is a pretty good market for older, seemingly quality drafting sets--like under $30 will get old stainless divider, 4" and 6" compass and the rest--shipped. Perhaps not shiny, but looks like quality made stuff. Which leads to the questions...

1. What's a good source of reference on how to work these tools? I had a 6 week intro to drafting 40+ years ago--but no clue on how to work a bow compass. Haven't tried Wikipedia yet--may do that tonight if it's too cold to work.

2. Names like Alvin, KE, Dietzgen and others pop up a lot on e-bay. Who are some quality old manufacturers? These are pretty low-tech items that were (mostly) used by precision people so for the most part they are likely to be well cared for--just older.

Thanks for any input y'all may have!!

earl

[BobSch]

I
2. Names like Alvin, KE, Dietzgen and others pop up a lot on e-bay. Who are some quality old manufacturers? These are pretty low-tech items that were (mostly) used by precision people so for the most part they are likely to be well cared for--just older.

Thanks for any input y'all may have!!

earl

You've named the top three as far as I'm concerned. I'd say e-bay is a good place to look.

[cabinetman]

I use basically two types of compasses. This one I think you can get at a box store. It's a spring loaded compass that you can use your own pencil.

I also use a beam compass like this.

.

[LCHIEN]

K&E (Kueffel and Esser) and Diegtzen are the two top names (or is that three names?). Cadillacs. Can't go wrong with those. Fit and finish should be very good to excellent if well cared for.

Frederick Post was a step down.

Alvin I think was more of a budget line.

[Pappy]

Another good plug for K&E and Dietzgen. The 2 best brands out there.

I also have a beam compass with both short and long beams. They come in handy a lot of the time.

[greenacres2]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm the only bidder on this set http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-DIETZGEN...item337df656fb, but after reading your comments i kicked my maximum up to $20. There seems to be plenty of sets that go at a very reasonable price.

earl

[LCHIEN]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm the only bidder on this set http://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-DIETZGEN...item337df656fb, but after reading your comments i kicked my maximum up to $20. There seems to be plenty of sets that go at a very reasonable price.

earl

The sets like that usually have:
3 small compasses, 1 for lead, one with ink, and one divider (2 points). The set you're bidding on is missing one, looks like the one with two points.
Also in a set like that you get a large compass (pencil) a large compass (2 points) and a large compass with swappable drawing tips for ink and lead, plus an extender. Also a ink pen and other misc stuff like screwdriver.

I think the one you are bidding on is undesirable because its missing one compass, and the metal parts are discolored and tarnished, among other things.

This one looks to me to be complete and 100% better condition:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIETZGEN-REL...item51a47d4735
about the same timing and price.

[LCHIEN]

...

1. What's a good source of reference on how to work these tools? I had a 6 week intro to drafting 40+ years ago--but no clue on how to work a bow compass. Haven't tried Wikipedia yet--may do that tonight if it's too cold to work.

...
Thanks for any input y'all may have!!

earl

$9 for this course on DVD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Technical-Dr...item1c2da1bcf1

[cabinetman]

I have that drawing set. If you do traditional mechanical drawings, use vellum, or create sepias, it's likely you won't use most of the instruments in that kit, like any of the ones with a split point ink tip. The ones you MAY use might be the ones with lead holders, and the pointed dividers. The dividers aren't that predictable, as they don't lock tightly enough at a given dimension. You are also limited as to the scope of measurement. I wouldn't trust them to lay out a simple slat order for a chair or headboard.

.

[greenacres2]

Thanks. Loring--that 3rd compass is wrappped in tissue in the middle. I agree with you on the difference in finish though. We'll see what the day brings. The course deal ended, but i'd be willing to bet there's another coming!!

Cab--thanks for the input. I'll in it for now...and at worst it won't hurt much more than going to Staples to pick up one decent compass. Wouldn't be the worst buy i've ever made by a long shot!!

earl

[chopnhack]

C-man - That's surprising to hear that on a professional set of drafting tools that the dividers don't lock well. Has anyone else had a similar experience in using the dividers?

That link Loring provided to the dvd seems to be a company that sells info that was scanned onto a disk. I assume that most is public domain material, perhaps government training, etc. Don't know if its worth the money to see whats included, but a lot of that info might be at the local library.

[eezlock]

compasses and dividers

You mentioned some of the best for sure. I have a set of Alvin compass and dividers, made in W. Germany, very well made and I bought mine at a thrift store a few years ago for $3 or $4 a real bargain if I say so! Check out local
thrift, re-sale, or consignment shops, they are always a good source for this type stuff.

[LCHIEN]

more basic paper and pencil drafting knowledge:

http://www.ltsa.org/pdfrules/Drafting_Tools.pdf

http://www.ubatc.edu/course-d/intro-...ls_lessons.htm

Kind of becoming a lost art...

[cabinetman]

C-man - That's surprising to hear that on a professional set of drafting tools that the dividers don't lock well. Has anyone else had a similar experience in using the dividers?

The tall legged compass/divider doesn't. It has interchangeable ends for drawing or points. My best divider I use in the shop is from a shop made one with two wood legs, and a wing nut/machine screw at the top. These can be any length and are dirt cheap to make...usually from scraps laying around. As for the divider points, a 4d or 6d finish nail can be used. Cut off the head and chuck the flat end in a drill. Drill the ends of the wood legs.

Take the same size nail and tap into the drilled holes, and cut off the heads. There, you have a divider.

.

[greenacres2]

No other bids, so $10 plus $6 to ship--it didn't break the bank.

Those were good links Loring--thanks!!

I like Cab's thinking--i've got some mahogany strips, about 3/16" thick and 3/4" wide. Using 6-32 screws and wing nuts, i could even slot for adjustable legs. That's going on the winter project list for the training!! Thanks.

earl