[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I guess I don't understand exactly what it is you want to do? If you want to mount a compass in a piece of wood, you can use a forstner bit to drill a hole.....cut the outer edge with a bandsaw or jigsaw and its up to you to carve or chipcarve or whatever, should you want that. Am I over simplifying or don't I understand your project?

[Rain]

No, not over simplifying. Mounting a compass in wood using forstner bit ect. But then also carving a lid with a design and attaching it with a hinge. Then threading the entire thing onto a leather chord or something similar, the result being like a typical pocket compass I suppose but worn around the neck. It has developed though since I very first had the idea, sorry for not being clearer. I know it sounds simple put that way but I'm totally knew to wood working which is why I'm asking so many questions ^_^

[Gear Dog]

This sounds like a fun project. if you don't want screws how about a pin to hold the halves together. So the halves would slide apart instead of flip open. Seeing how this will be traveling with you how about carving something in it each time you travel to remind you of where it's been? Or how about carve one for each trip, this way you can see how your carving skills have progressed with each trip? Maybe even find a piece of wood during your trip to carve.
From looking at your drawings I think the type of carving you would be doing is chip carving. I'm new to carving myself so I'm not sure how you would achieve that effect with power tools. I would say go with a softter wood to work out the design the try it on a harder wood. For the size you are talking about the cost of the soft wood would be pretty cheap. You could probably get a piece of scrap for free.
Keep us posted on your progress.

[arapsang]

Craft supplies Derbyshire carry an insert compass. They are 20mm diameter designed to fit into the top of walking sticks and thre like. You can buy online and they have a worldwide postal service. Last time I looked they were £3.95 ($8) for a pack of five. Any woodworker would give you a scrap of hardwood and probably drill a 20mm socket as well, if you askednicely

Good hunting

Peter Connor

[AlArchie]

Rain, I think you will find it nearly impossible to find a compass insert in the size you specify with the "Old World" compass rose that you posted. Here's another idea; find a small insert that is a good functioning compass and carve your "Old World" compass rose design onto the cover of the locket.

And rather than going with one of the woods, check some of the carving and wood turning catalogs for imitation ivory. A locket done in this material and finished off as a mariner's scrimshaw project would be awesome!

Here's a link to Rockler and at the bottom of the page are several small spring kerf inserteds style hinges that might work for you. Rockler.com - Search Results for ''

Al

[Dan S]

I'll scrounge arround my shop and see what I have. The problem will be with the hole for the compass. I don't have a forstner bit that size. I'll see what I can come up with. Perhaps I'll use my scroll saw.
The thickness of the lid will be at least in part dictated by what type of hinge you use. Buy what you want and let me know.
Don't sweat the inches. Some of us can do metric. Milimeters are smaller then kilometers right?
Dan

[bullshipper]

Got It!!!! Toffeeliz check these links out!!!! Maybe if they don't have the faces maybe they can give the name of the manufacturer that they go thru, and get the face and parts for your compass or maybe use one of their brass compasses just case it in wood. Personalize it to fit your needs.


Lonnie


Pocket & Gift Compasses
http://www.stanleylondon.com/comppockwatch.jpg
Stanley London Brass Sextants, Compasses, Telescopes, Cutlasses, and Nautical Instruments

[Rain]

Al, you'd be surprised ^_^ The picture of the ''old world'' compass I posted, I found it through google images but it turns out it actually is a clock insert! I've done all my measurements based on its real measurements. It's here if you're interested: Klockit - 2 3/16" Decorative Brass Compass Insert
As for the imitation ivory, I get that it's only imitation and I have respect for people who work it, but I have an almost irrational aversion to it, I just don't know I could wear it next to my skin! I do have to agree though, I can see your vision and it would be beautiful; just not quite for me. Me being someone whose only phobia is rusty metal associated with water. *cuckoo*

Dan, that's so, so kind of you! Admittedly I hadn't even thought about what the hinge could take, I was thinking about how thick it would be to relief carve. (or file) I'm not overly fussy about the hinge to be honest. Brass would be nice to match the compass but other than that the style is very workable. If you did manage to find some hardwood that would work, I'd do my best to fit around you.

Hmm..just thinking, would I need a flat/straight side to my design to attach the hinge? My other concern is how to attach it to a leather chord/chain. You might have noticed my drawings provided a rather crude solution... ^_^

As usual, thanks for the input everyone, you've all been amazing!

[Dan S]

Hello again,
Think about chip carving your lockett. It may be easier. Also I scrounged arround my shop I have the following woods. Bocote, a heavy wood in the rosewood family (i think). Very distinctive and has a heavy grain. Slightly course in texture but should finish well. It's a bit oily so perhaps humidity will not bother it. I also have bloodwood and Yellowheart. I have a bit of black walnut which would carve nicely but may be a bit soft for wearing. The link below will show you what bocote looks like.
Bocote Exotic Wood and Lumber product price @ Wood Workers Source

For hinges look up jewlery box hinges. It should give you some ideas. You will need to go with brass to avoid interferance with your compass. Mini Concealed Soss Hinge - Rockler Woodworking Tools. Have a look at this hinge. Also see if a barrel hinge would work.

Dan


Dan

[mark yundt]

Isn't it possible to just buy one of the compasses that are on that website and fit the wood around that? The case is there,,the hinge is there,,just sink it into a piece of wood to essentially make a clamshell out of the whole thing using two halves. Saves a lot of time and work.