What’re Trammel points?

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Trampoline points are used on woodworking beam compasses to draw large arcs or transfer large diameter measurements. They can be attached to wooden beams or steel rulers and can include pencil holders and ink markers. Trammel points are used to extend the range of possible measurements and can include knife attachments for cutting discs from wood or drywall material. They can also be used with flat steel or wooden rulers.

Trampoline points are pairs of clamp-mounted compass points used on a woodworking beam compass. They can be attached to any suitable wooden beam or steel ruler for drawing large arcs or transferring large diameter measurements. Ferrules can be simple devices consisting of no more than a small G-clamp fitted with an awl. They can also be quite complex and include multiple adjustments and peripheral accessories like pencil holders and ink markers. Frames designed for use with flat rulers are usually round in cross section with a slot and screw lock to hold the ruler securely.

Ordinary pen or pencil compasses usually duplicate measurements and mark arcs and circles in woodworking. When these measurements or arcs get too large, these conventional tools are no longer sufficient. A beam compass allows you to considerably extend the range of possible measurements, while maintaining accuracy and control. Spoke compasses consist of a pair of trammel pins that act as a center point and circumference indicator. These are usually fairly simple C or G style clamps attached to a long, pointed shaft.

To take a measurement, both trammel points are attached to the beam with the points facing the same direction. The center point clamp is clamped tightly onto the beam and the circumference point is moved down to the desired position and tightened. The beam can then be swung through an arc by making a visible reference mark. When transferring measurements, the compass is simply lifted and moved to the new location. Multiple beams can be used allowing for an almost unlimited measuring range.

There are different types of trammel bits with the collet type being the most common. Some can be quite complex, however, and include a range of extra accessories. These include circumferential points with pencil attachments that do not require a physical etch mark on the surface of the material. Old-fashioned ink pens are also found in old trammel nib sets. Some gimbal points include knife attachments that allow you to lock a blade into the girth pointer for cutting discs from wood or drywall material.

The trammel nets can also be used with flat steel or wooden rulers that offer a built-in measuring capability. These are usually tubular fittings with a slot through their center to accept the ruler. Ruler texture points have a knurled lock nut on top of the barrel that locks the ruler in place. Older trammel barb sets are quite heavily embellished with decorative engraving and ornamental trim. They were often exquisitely crafted pieces that took pride of place in their owner’s collection.




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