carpenter compass

thingiverse

While running out of red ink, I paused mid-project and changed colors to black, resuming work seamlessly. The compass has two functionalities: it creates circles like any other compass and also replicates irregular shapes, such as those found on rocks. This tool is useful for fitting tight pieces of wood and can be leveled horizontally or vertically using a torpedo bubble level. A video demonstrating its use is available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSm0pXgfxlo. To enhance the design, I added brims to the ends of the main piece due to excessive shrinking during printing. These can easily be removed with a knife. You will need a 1 1/2 inch wood screw and an 8-32 (1 1/4) bolt and nut set for assembly. Drilling may be required for screw fitting, and slight plastic removal using a knife might be necessary for optimal pencil pusher positioning. The tool securely holds carpenter flat pencils but is versatile enough to accommodate other pens, pencils, markers, or chalk. Originally designed for professional use in my carpentry work, it has become popular among visiting children, leading to frequent self-replacements of the printed compass. For larger circles, print just the slider and use a wooden piece instead of the main component.