Woodworking Projects

Workshop tip: Make a beam compass from common supplies

Shop Tips

This drawing tool is easily made from two compasses and a yardstick.

Needing a drawing tool for very large arcs, I figured out a way to make a beam compass from two common compasses and a yardstick. After attaching the drawing compass in rough position, you can adjust its pencil leg to fine-tune the size of the arc. Clamp the compasses to a longer stick, and there is no limit on size.

—WAYNE RALLEY, Phoenix, Ariz.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton From Fine woodworking issue #298

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