[Woodcarver] Geometry question for the group

[Victor Hamburger]

Tom Clarke wrote:
> 
> Are just some of what's out there. Using the formula's given a side
> length or taking an exterior circle one could then draw the polygon for any sided.
> Problem with one with 13 sides is the angle isn't a whole number. Probably give you
> fits.

Tom, and Ivan,

Thanks for the comments, I had found the DrMath site but didn't try the math. 
13 is a prime number, indivisible except by 1, causing some of the problem. 
What I want to understand is how, using only a compass and straightedge, do you 
lay out the 13 point star.  I have various solutions for 4,5,6,8 and 12 point 
stars.  I can bisect any of those sides to create a star with twice those 
points, but 13, being prime, has got to be done by itself.

The builders 800+ yrs ago knew how to do it with a compass and straightedge, and 
I would like to duplicate that.  As I said, I can lay it out with a CAd program 
no problem, I just like the challenge of doing it with the simple tools of the 
master craftsman of earlier times.  The pyramids and Greek Temples and Roman 
empire were built with these tools, I am curious to try a more complex figure 
for myself.

Thanks,  Vic H