All Replies on Recommendations on good set of dividers/compass?

TRY HERE :<))

-- Tony---- Reinholds,Pa.------ REMEMBER TO ALWAYS HAVE FUN

I have been using this set for a year or so now, and I’m REALLY pleased with the set. Very affordable.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Piece-Set-Toolmakers-Yankee-Rapid-Adjust-Quick-Spring-Nut-Dividers/132821364666?hash=item1eecc52fba:g:LjAAAOSwd2ZbxWSI:rk:1:pf:0

-- Pete

I have 2 pair of Starret 6” divider with round points on the legs, not the “squarish” points. They were expensive at like $75/pr, but I get a discount through a vendor at work, and wound up paying about $45 a pair. I have PEC squares and have used their dividers. They are good quality as well, but have the “squarish” legs that I didn’t care for. Otherwise, I might just have those because the price is very good.

(NOT MY AD – JUST SHOWING FOR REFERENCE):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PEC-8100-008-8-Dividers-NEW-IN-SEALED-PACKAGE/131922316622?hash=item1eb72ecd4e:g:7P0AAOSwubRXEXTe:rk:4:pf:0

Stuff like that can be dirt cheap in ebay

-- Shooting down the walls of heartache. Bang bang. I am. The warrior.

Stuff like that can be dirt cheap in ebay

- TheFridge

+1 Vintage Starretts are what I have and ebay is where I got ‘em.

-- Kenny, SW VA, Go Hokies!!!

For just pacing off measurements the spring-loaded generic ones of the type linked above are fine. But for laying out symmetrical carving I prefer this style because the dividers keep the setting more reliably. https://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-divider-compass-with-carbide-scribe-ax377322 (I don’t have these exact ones, but mine look the same).

-- Jeremy, in the Acadian forests

Ebay, quality calipers & dividers are cheap. Starrett, B&S, Lufkin; all good.

-- Rick M, http://thewoodknack.blogspot.com/

Pardon my ignorance, I know I could go search YouTube but if you’re bored and don’t mind, what’s the difference between solid nut and spring nut? I’m assuming there’s a spring pressing apart the spring version and the nut keeps it in place? Then do the solid nut dividers just move apart as you walk the nut in or out? Any advantages/disadvantages to either design?

Thanks

I got my Starrett dividers on Ebay. Dividers are a good bet to by used as generally they are not subject to tremendous abuse, like say a chisel can be.

-- Bondo Gaposis

In my hometown the only option was the general tools brand for $10-15 dollars. I figured I better check eBay and got a vintage like new starrett 6” divider for $9. There were a lot of options in the <$20 range

Find a large draftsman’s compass that uses a pencil lead for scribing circles and arcs. I have Starrett tools and a draftsman’s instrument set from my drafting days. After learning autocad, I never thought I would ever do manual drafting again, but now that I am in woodworking, I find that set very handy.

I’ve gotten all of my dividers on ebay, vintage Starrett and my favorite is Millers Falls.

-- Bondo Gaposis