sculpture measuring device

[ciskokid]

I have seen a few carvers use a measuring device that has a pencil fixed to an adjustable base for checking points on both sides of a carving. Is there an official name to this device or is it just called a thingimijig?? Is there any basic plans for this thing if so where could I locate such plans. I think this would help me with symmetry in my carvings. Thanks much for any help possible.

[Merle Rice]

I think you are referring to a Surface Gage. It's also used by Machinests. Sears or any place they sell Machinest tools. Merle

[Claude]

You might try a cheap compass (kind for drawing circles) that you can get in the school supply section of the local supermarket.

Claude

[hold still]

I agree with Claude, you could find a compass or a pair of dividers at just about any big box stores that handle school or art supplies. Now if you were interested doing scale conversions then you might be interested in something like this proportional dividers
Scale Dividers, Art Materials Art Supplies, SAA Shop

[ironMan-Carve]

Check out this thread. I may be what you are looking for. It is a surface gauge. You can buy one on Amazon.com or Grizzly.com

Steve

St. Francis

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Claude

You might try a cheap compass (kind for drawing circles) that you can get in the school supply section of the local supermarket.

Claude

Get a large one, 'tis great for making large circles. Sure beats using a long piece of string tied to a pencil.

[STAR]

Originally Posted by hold still

I agree with Claude, you could find a compass or a pair of dividers at just about any big box stores that handle school or art supplies. Now if you were interested doing scale conversions then you might be interested in something like this proportional dividers
Scale Dividers, Art Materials Art Supplies, SAA Shop

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Richard.

What a great instrument. I can see it being real handy. I will have to see if something similar is available here in Australia.

Although the price here might be the downer.

Pete

[Robson Valley]

ciskokid: Ah, the left/right symmetry puzzle. Most of my carvings are like that.
1. Must have full size left and right versions of the drawing.
2. Must dress the raw block so the sides are parallel (for the most part).
3. Lay out 1 side. If at all possible, drill 1/8" index holes in wastewood corners from that drawing right through to the blank side. Lots of them.
4. Match the opposite drawing to the index holes and lay out on the wood.
5. Maintain the center line for absolutely as long as you can. Thin flexible ruler to measure the positions L & R of that centerline. Geometry compass, mapping dividers, scratch marker, strips of cardboard cut to length.
6. Lots of left/right flipping until you're cross-eyed.

[cut up]

If I understand what you are saying, I think I may have built one of those thingamajigs for myself. I'm not where I can get to it, or I would take a picture, but I did a rough drawing so you might get an idea what I have. The pencil is held in place by a small block of wood that pivots up or down to the desired height. The broken lines in the picture are edges that would be hidden because of the point of view. If you have any questions about it, I'll be glad to help as much as I can.
Michael

[Donsexton]

Blick art supply will have all you want and then some.