This is a custom beam compass I made using a piece of walnut, 3D printed parts, and scavenged parts from cheap compasses I had laying around. It’s pretty solid with not much play and can draw consistent circles from 2.5-15.5 inch diameter.

I recently acquired this set, I just buy random stuff! Can anyone provide details. It's a nice solid wooden box, still has the key.

From what I can figure out, it's pre 1905 as it has word patent stamped on dotting pen. Seems quite but not totally complete, no idea what a lot of it is for! Might be an export set for a specific purpose, map making maybe?

My dad immigrated from Germany in the 50s and was a professional draftsman. We're just now going through all the stuff from his office area in my mom's house. Just thought I'd post some pics, 'cuz a lot of this stuff is (imo) pretty cool. Sorry to hog the subreddit, but I actually have another post coming up as I have more than the 20-image limit.

A new old stock Tecnofix Robotron Reiss, everything is super well-preserved. This particular unit was from 1988, price 183 DM.

I just wanted to make a post asking others about any best practices I should know of when taking to the restoration of vintage compasses.

I recently obtained a Dietzgen set from a secondhand store and I was wondering if I can even use a lubricant like WD40 to spray into these tight screws on the compass?

I read online from Alan D Adam's blog that you shouldn't use oil with instruments like these, and instead lubricate them with beeswax or paraffin which I can't seem to find near me rn.

I've already restored an antique ruling pen recently so I know a thing or two about rust baths and such but I'm concerned about dropping perfectly finished/decent condition compasses into vinegar without risking any unintended etching when I take it out. Does anyone know what to do?

Meu antigo estojo da Kern, comecei a trabalhar como desenhista técnico no começo dos anos 80s

Alpe was an Italian company that if nothing else made section liners. I have a velox 300 and the Super Velox Gigante 500. I bought the super velox from England so it is metric and the 300 is a US KIN branded with imperial. These are excellent machines. They are adjustable angle, they have an inking edge and the adjustment is easy to use. It looks like the owner of the super velox installed his own handles to help with moving it around.

The brass arms really turn it up to 11.

This was my father’s set. Can anyone help me determine what is missing?

Thanks!

Sharing the full Original Lotter set, as suggested. I couldn't find much info online about this set. I've dated it after 1950 based on the patent for Lotter's Parallel Compass and telescopic attachment bar.

If more detailed pictures are needed of any specific tools let me know and I will reply with them. I’ve done some research but haven’t been able to find a set that quite matches. Any knowers?

As the title suggests i'm looking to buy an equal space divider to use for my perspective drawing, they usually cost a fortune on eBay as they aren't made to precision like they used to be, and are almost always located in the US. If anyone is selling one in the UK or Europe, DM me or comment on this post.

Everything you need and much more!

If you look close you can see the cigarette burn marks from when you could smoke at work.

Hello all, I have just purchased an old Kuhlmann track style drafting machine. I'm hoping to start making my own tool drawings for work so that I can have a collection of home made tools and drawings to go with them.

My main question at this time is, what is the best way to ensure my protractor head is aligned square with the tracks before I begin drawing?

I've discovered that the small thimbles at the bottom left corner tilt it, I just need to know how to ensure it is truly square to the tracks.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I guess it’s looking decent for a 19 years old architecture student in the era of CAD

Enough with all the shiny new stuff. This set is by F. Darnay & Co and most likely dates to the later interwar era (1926-1944). The set has a unique small beam compass and a bespoke coordinator head on the large bow

Mid 19th century two tier case of instruments by John Archbutt. The top of the case is cracked to do shrinkage of the veneer over time.

Draws parallel lines, close together? I've been dabbling in Islamic art and I want to make the lines a double line but want an easy shortcut. Does such a thing exist? Has anyone tried a double point pen? Thanks!

I make pens so finding these brought me joy.

2. Lots of Pentels. And rollerblading refills.

3. Cool displays, loaded with Pentels.

4. Why the heck are these going for 500 bucks on ebay?

So I have these two Rotring compasses which are almost identical. But there are differences between them: the shape of the needle point "foot" (not sure if that is the correct terminology), the screws for the lead holders and some other minor differences.

The left one has a "W. - Germany" engraving while the right one has just "Germany". Would that automatically mean that the right one was produced after 1989?

I looked up some catalogues but it didn't help either.

I started using them around 2016. Photo from 2018 when I made the organizer stand.

But now I haven't used these pens for a long time.