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Proportional Dividers
- Thread starter churchjw
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2017
- Messages
- 2,138
Back in the dark ages B.C. (before computers), scaled, and highly detailed, drawings were published in modeling magazines. The drawings were usually scaled to the largest size that would fit on one page. Or a 2 page spread with registration marks. The calipers shown were used to translate from one scale to another. One side set to (ie) 3/8 inch=1 ft, as printed, with the other to 1/4 inch =1 ft. The drawing could then be used for 1/4 scale, either directly or redrawn to 1/4 scale. Then along came Xeroxphy and scaling and things got squirrely.
In earlier times ('60s-'70s), I have made several dividers for this purpose. Some actually adjustable, some jerry rigged. All of which have been junked, scrapped, bent beyond recovery, lost over the side(they do not float), stolen, you pick the loss. There is only one "trick" part, that being a hollow, tapped hole, through the outer screw. Otherwise, simple enough to make.
I don't recall the proper name for them. I just used them to build models. There was a drawing somewhere in one of the magazines, but I'm hanged if I know where now.
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In earlier times ('60s-'70s), I have made several dividers for this purpose. Some actually adjustable, some jerry rigged. All of which have been junked, scrapped, bent beyond recovery, lost over the side(they do not float), stolen, you pick the loss. There is only one "trick" part, that being a hollow, tapped hole, through the outer screw. Otherwise, simple enough to make.
I don't recall the proper name for them. I just used them to build models. There was a drawing somewhere in one of the magazines, but I'm hanged if I know where now.
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- Joined
- Oct 15, 2020
- Messages
- 208
Yes.I just saw this set come up on the Phoenix Craigslist for $20. They look pretty good. If anybody's interested, PM me, and I'll buy them for you. Shipping should be pretty inexpensive for something this small.
View attachment 375975
This.
Me.
Sweetie will be irritated, but I collect drafting instruments (one set each) from when T squares were still T shaped, and two triangles were all of them....
So, yes.
This.
Me.
How do we make this happen, and it will be alright with the HM owner people?
You do intend to negotiate the CL price - so I can tell sweetie what a sweet deal it was...
Please let me know.
You're awesome, thank you!
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2017
- Messages
- 2,138
Since you seem so excited about this instrument, they are still available retail. Prices vary depending on the quality and size. I include a couple of links:
www.landfallnavigation.com
www.jerrysartarama.com
www.jerrysartarama.com
The last set looks like wood and is fairly big. Then there is AliExpress if you would settle for Chinese plastic.
www.aliexpress.com
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Weems & Plath Proportional Divider
The 8" inch long Proportional Divider is a highly accurate speed-time-distance computer. Using this divider, any distance picked off, chart between divider points can be immediately converted to unknown speed or time.
Creative Mark Proportional Divider
Accurately Reduce Or Enlarge ProportionsThe Creative Mark Proportional Divider is perfect for artists who frequently paint or draw from a reference that requires size reduction or enlargement. The tool features adjustable legs that allow you to set the desired scale for your project easily. Its...
Prospek Proportional Divider Drawing Tool
The Best Keep Secret to Improve Your Drawing. Takes guesswork out of drawing anywhere at anytime A most valuable tool at a modest price! Prospek Proportional Divider The Best Keep Secret to Improve Your Drawing, This easy to use tool Proportional Divider let's you transfer subject matter onto...
The last set looks like wood and is fairly big. Then there is AliExpress if you would settle for Chinese plastic.
proportional-divider - Buy proportional-divider with free shipping on AliExpress
Quality proportional-divider with free worldwide shipping on AliExpress
www.aliexpress.com
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- Joined
- Oct 15, 2020
- Messages
- 208
Thank you for that info - I did end up finding a bunch on ebay last night for a much higher price, hopefully this craigslist relay can work.Since you seem so excited about this instrument, they are still available retail. Prices vary depending on the quality and size. I include a couple of links:
Weems & Plath Proportional Divider
The 8" inch long Proportional Divider is a highly accurate speed-time-distance computer. Using this divider, any distance picked off, chart between divider points can be immediately converted to unknown speed or time.
Creative Mark Proportional Divider
Accurately Reduce Or Enlarge ProportionsThe Creative Mark Proportional Divider is perfect for artists who frequently paint or draw from a reference that requires size reduction or enlargement. The tool features adjustable legs that allow you to set the desired scale for your project easily. Its...
Prospek Proportional Divider Drawing Tool
The Best Keep Secret to Improve Your Drawing. Takes guesswork out of drawing anywhere at anytime A most valuable tool at a modest price! Prospek Proportional Divider The Best Keep Secret to Improve Your Drawing, This easy to use tool Proportional Divider let's you transfer subject matter onto...
The last set looks like wood and is fairly big. Then there is AliExpress if you would settle for Chinese plastic.
proportional-divider - Buy proportional-divider with free shipping on AliExpress
Quality proportional-divider with free worldwide shipping on AliExpress
.
He has since taken down the ad.- Joined
- Oct 15, 2020
- Messages
- 208
The offer and the try are worth almost as much as the gizmo- thank you!
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2016
- Messages
- 3,297
I realize the OP is several years old, but this seems like a neat project. Sure there are some cheap ones out there that make it sort of a vanity project, but those are fun too.
Hman and Bill thanks for the explanation of how the tool works, and for the links, going to have to add one of these to my drafting tool supplies. This is an old model making tool that I have not run across before, but seems very handy for scratch building.
Hman and Bill thanks for the explanation of how the tool works, and for the links, going to have to add one of these to my drafting tool supplies. This is an old model making tool that I have not run across before, but seems very handy for scratch building.
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2017
- Messages
- 2,138
Get a cheap (and large) one to see how they work. Then make your own sized for model building. Worth their weight in gold. . .
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