Group

5
Compass and
Divider
 Compass

 More accurately known as a pair

of compasses, is a technical
drawing instrument that can be
used for drawing circles or arcs.
 It can also be used (like a divider)
to mark out distances in maps.
 It can be used for mathematics,
drafting, navigating and other
purposes.
Parts and Functions

Legs
– There are two types
of legs:
Straight or Steady Leg
– holds the needle and serves as
the support.
Adjustable Leg
– can be altered in order to draw
different sizes or circles.
Handle
– A small rigid surface
shaped like a rod that the
user grips between their
pointer finger and thumb.
Hinge
– The screw through the hinge
holds the two legs in position. The
hinge can be adjusted, depending
on desired stiffness; the tighter the
hinge-screw, the more accurate the
compass’s performance.
 Adjusting Nut
– Holds the pencil lead
Needle Point or pen in place.
– Located on the steady
leg, it serves as the centre
point of the circle that is
about to be drawn.

Pencil Lead
– Found on the adjustable leg.
It draws the circle on the
paper.
Some compasses have a
serrated wheel.

Serrated Wheel
– is commonly found in better
quality compasses made of plated
metal. It is found between the legs
and is able to finely adjust the angle
of the legs.
Types of Compasses
Drawing Compass
– has two arms connected at the top by a hinge allowing them to
pivot. The lead can either be built into the compass arm itself or
attached independently by the user.

Bow Compass
– has a screw built in between the arms which can be
adjusted by turning a wheel in the middle. It is called a
bow compass as the arms are manufactured in a slight arc
to allow it to be adjusted.
Proportional Compass
– is a combination of both the drawing and bow compass. The
arms are pivot in the middle and cross each other, similar to a
pair of scissors. This design uses a screw mechanism to hold it
in place like the bow compass to maintain accuracy.

Drop Compass

– has one pivoting arm which holds the

lead, while the other is fixed in position.
The compass is adjusted using a screw
arrangement like the bow compass.
Beam Compass

– has two arms that are mounted on a straight edge ruler and
are fixed by screws at the top. Adjusting this compass is very
accurate. It can also draw larger circles compared to other
versions.
 How to Use a Compass

1. Adjust the compass legs to your desired radius (not diameter).

2. Push the steady leg into the paper, then put the adjustable leg on the paper.
3. Move the pencil around while keeping the legs at the same angle. Some
people who find this action difficult often hold the compasses still and
move the paper round instead.
 Review
To Use A Compass:
 A compass is a drawing instrument
1. Adjust the compass legs to your desired
used for drawing circles and arcs. It can
radius (not diameter).
be used for many purposes.
2. Push the steady leg into the paper, then
put the adjustable leg on the paper.
Parts of a Compass: 3. Move the pencil around while keeping
 Handle the legs at the same angle. Some people
 Legs (Straight and Adjustable) who find this action difficult often hold
 Hinge the compasses still and move the paper
 Needle Point round instead.
 Pencil Lead
 Adjusting Nut
 Serrated wheel (Some compasses)