FW: [Woodcarver] Geometry question for the group

[Watson Family]

At 04:27 AM 1/10/04, you wrote:
>hanks to all who took the time to "play" with this question for me!
>
>         Vic H

Vic you asked how the tradesmen did it back then.
Well after spending a lifetime in the building industry and being a keen 
student of the history of building I will offer what I think they would do.
The diameter of the star would have been dictated by the room available so 
they would have used a string and pegs as their compass. Once the diameter 
was known they would have either measured or calculated the circumference. 
They did understand pi back then. This lenght of circumference would have 
been divided into 13 and using a lathe or cord the segments would be 
stepped of around the circle. Any discrepency at the meeting would be 
adjusted and stepped of again to corect spacing.
In other words they would have used a goodly amount of trial and error.
It is a method still used today when you are not sure.

Peter


Woodcarvings and Wildlife Sculptures
http://www.watsonwoodcarver.com