What’s a spoke compass?

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A spoke compass is a tool used to draw large circles, arcs, straight lines, and measurements. It consists of a beam with movable sockets that can be adjusted along its length. It can be made on-site or purchased commercially. Proper storage, cleaning, and oiling are necessary to prevent wear and tear. To draw a circle, one point is fixed at the center while the other is rotated around it. Arcs can be drawn by dragging the compass part way across the circle. Lines can be created using one end as an anchor point.

A spoke compass allows people to draw much larger circles than would be possible with a conventional compass. It can be used in woodworking, engineering, construction and similar businesses. Manufacturers produce a range of designs and it is even possible to make one on site for a given project, using some basic tools which should already be available. In addition to being used for drawing circles, the radius compass can also be used for arcs, straight lines, and measurements.

This tool consists of a beam with a series of movable sockets that can be adjusted along its length. In a homemade version, a carpenter can do something like use a dowel as a beam and fix pins or pencils in the desired places. Commercially manufactured spoke sockets may use lengths of wood or metal with adjustable pins. In all cases, the pins lock into place so they remain a fixed distance apart while the tool is in use.

Some spoke socket designs use adjustable stiffened measuring tapes. These allow users to set the tape to the desired length, using a pen or pencil on the end as a point of the tool. A ruler can also be used as a beam. The best option may depend on the types of projects someone has done and the level of precision needed with the measurements. People who work with large circles may find the spoke compass quicker and more convenient to use than other designs, which can get quite large and unwieldy to accommodate a large diameter.

Like other tools used in construction, drafting, and related tasks, a spoke compass can develop wear and tear over time. It should be properly stored between uses to prevent rusting and warping. Periodic cleaning and oiling can ensure that it locks tightly and does not slip during use. Some spoke compasses come with protective cases, and it is also possible to make one to protect the tool from damage.

To draw a circle with the compass, one point is fixed at the center while the other is rotated around it. This can be done with a sharp circle-cutting tool, a tactic that can be used for projects where people need to quickly cut out perfectly round circles. Arcs can be drawn by dragging the compass only part way across the circle. You can create lines from the edges of a project using one end as an anchor point.




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