Compasses and dividers
can be used for a number
of tasks ...
by Jack Burgess
C
ompasses and dividers are very similar. Basically, com-
passes are used to draw circles, while dividers are used to
transfer measurements. For example, you could transfer
measurements from a scale drawing to the material being used
to build the model. Many of us (if you are old enough) used a
compass in school (with a lead pencil into one leg) to draw circles.
But the real difference between the compasses and dividers is
whether both points are metal (a divider) or if one point is a pencil
lead (a compass).
Combination drafting compasses are typically equipped with
both a piece of pencil lead to draw circles and an extra needle
for use as a divider. Since this article in not about drawing
circles, I’ll be using the term “dividers” when talking about
taking measurements, and “compasses” when discussing cut-
ting discs of styrene.
The simplest dividers utilize a friction movement to hold the
two legs in position. This might work for transferring measure-
ments on drafting project but doesn’t work well for modeling
Drafting tools for modeling part 2
The Tool Shed - 1
MRH-Oct 2013
