I am looking for a ruler that i saw one time which can be used to draw
curves. it can be bent as you would be able to bend a steel ruler,
(except that it will hold its shape after being bent), but it can also
be bent edgewise.
I beleive that it is very simmilar to a french curve but much, much
larger, and the mechanics of it are exposed (appears that your line
might be bumpy). I need it for putting lines on large sculptures.
I am looking for a source or as many sources as possible where I could
find it. And/or what it is called or other helpfull information.
the only reason i know it exists is because of a photo in a robert
davidson book. Perhaps it is a tool for shipbuilders? |
Request for Question Clarification by
bobbie7-ga
on
04 Dec 2003 15:17 PST
Hi Chuj!
Please take a look at the following products.
Here is a 24 inch flexible French curve
?Draw fair, accurate curves through a series of plotted points.
Adjusts quickly and easily to any of the smooth curves found in a set
of French or irregular curves.?
http://www.rockler.com/rockler/images/23271.jpg
Here is a flexible curved ruler that comes in 12, 16, 20, 24 and 40 inches.
http://store3.yimg.com/I/draftingsteals-store_1761_2238441
This curve measures 14, 18, 24, 36 or 48 inches. It is made of
incredibly flexible, shape-holding butyrate plastic that can be
finger-shaped to any curve for extremely accurate drawings. One edge
is flat to surface for pencil, and the other side has a bead for
ruling pen.
http://www.artstuff.net/images/6414.jpg
This one measure 12, 18 and 24 inches
Lead core makes formation of any curve possible.
http://www.artstuff.net/images/staedtler%20curve.jpg
I located another flexible curve which measures 18 inches and adjusts
easily and quickly from one shape to another and "holds" the new shape
until changed. It is used to draw one-of-a-kind curves and it has a
raised inking edge.
Please let me know through the clarification feature if any of the
above products are what you have in mind.
Thanks
Bobbie7
|
Clarification of Question by
chuj-ga
on
05 Dec 2003 12:08 PST
The last picure you posted looks like it comes close to fitting my
needs (as it also appears to bend edgewise, how far does it bend
edgewise?).
the particular thing i'm looking for is made with sort of links and
ball joints or something.
I know of a product which acts like a bow with an adjustable string
and another one which acts on the same principle with the curve
sliding along the inside of a ruler. this is not what i'm looking for
because you cannot reverse the curve (in othe words trace from the
inside of the curve).
hope i clarified enough,
thanx chuj.
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Request for Question Clarification by
bobbie7-ga
on
05 Dec 2003 12:14 PST
Here are a few definitions of a spline.
Splines: Originally, a pliable strip used by draftsmen to draw curves.
http://ngwww.ucar.edu/ngdoc/ng/ngmath/definitions.html
Spline -- a flexible strip (wood or rubber) used in drawing curved lines
http://www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn?stage=1&word=spline
?What, roughly speaking, is a spline? According to an American
dictionary, the word spline means, ?a flexible piece of wood, hard
rubber, or metal used in drawing curves?. The technical Norwegian term
is ?rulestaff?, a ?thin, flexible ruler used for drawing curved lines
(curves)? (Norwegian Riksmål Dictionary).
http://www.apollon.uio.no/2000_english/articles/algorithm.shtml
Spline - A long elastic ruler used when drawing ships.
http://www.ifi.uio.no/in104/forelesninger/Splines.pdf
ACU-ARC Adjustable Curves
The Curves come in various lengths;
- Adjustable French curve length 14,"
- Adjustable Ship Curve length 18," and 24,"
- Adjustable Spline in lengths of 36," 48," 60" and 72."
http://www.hoylegrips.com/rulers.htm
Does any of this help?
Bobbie7
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Clarification of Question by
chuj-ga
on
08 Dec 2003 14:20 PST
A spline is indeed what I now use, it provides that lovely tension
curve which i require but unfortunately using it is a two man job and
it doesn't bend endwise. I got ahold of robert davidsons son- he
remembers the tool I'm talking about but his dad doesn't remember
where he got it ( would like to find them again too).
I may end up having to try that lead centre thing but it is not,
unfortunatly what I am after.
thanks for your efforts,
chuj.
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