Dividers

We are pleased to introduce dividers to our product line.  Dividers are used for a myriad of tasks, a few of which include transferring dimensions, dividing distances, laying out geometric shapes, and, in combination with the sector, to preform multiple mathematical calculations without the need for formulas.

Our dividers  were designed with a few key objectives in mind.  First, they needed to have the ability to be quickly adjusted.  Many dividers are fitted with thumb screws used to open and close the arms.  This method is fine for some tasks, but falls short when rapid adjustments are needed, such as when using with the sector where adjustments are frequent and over a large range. Ours are fitted with a friction hinge allowing the legs to be rapidly set anywhere along its range of movement. Two thin brass washers between the arms provides a smooth, consistent motion throughout the range of movement.

 We also wanted the friction of the hinge to be adjustable.  In use, they should be easy to set, but hold position without unintentional movement.  This is accomplished  by means of a screw and what’s known as a wavy washer at the pivot point.  All that is needed to adjust the tension is a straight tipped screwdriver.  

Some of the nicest dividers produced were blacksmith made, with a three leaf hinge and excellent balance in the hand.  The challenge for us was to try to incorporate these features into dividers made with modern CNC machining practices and produced at an economical price point.  The solution was to modify the hinge to a lap joint with a large cap substituting for the third leaf, and to machine the legs in two pieces, with the lower points made in a turning operation, and the two parts screwed together.

Our dividers are machined from a pre-hardened alloy known as 4140PH.  This steel has a hardness of 28-32 Rc, making the tips less prone to distortion in use, and yet soft enough to be easily dressed if needed. 

The dividers are available in two sizes. The smaller size are 5″ from the pivot point to the tips, and 5 3/8″ long overall.  They will comfortably open to a working distance of 6 inches.  The larger size is 7 1/2″ from the pivot point to the tips, and 7 7/8″ long overall, and will work at distances in excess of 9″.

The tips come sharp and ready to use out of the box.  We recommend slightly blunting the points with a fine stone when using them with the sector.  Otherwise, the points can be too “grabby” when locating in the drilled holes in the sector arms.

The dividers are made in the USA.  They come packed in a sturdy cardboard box with a fitted insert to keep them out of harms way.  A users guide is included.

We are also now offering a compass attachment that can be used to draw circles and arcs.  One point is unscrewed from one of the legs and replaced with the attachment which in turn will hold a standard wooden pencil. The attachment is universal, and will work on either divider size. A video showing conversion of the dividers to a compass is below. More details can be found here.

Price is $120 for the 5″, and $130 for the 7 1/2″. They may be purchased using the “shop now” button below.