Recently a friend brought me a Randolph compass that he wanted me to see if I could restore it - and it really needed it. I didn't make any promises since I just recently got my new lathe / milling machine, but I told him I would give it a try. You can see a couple of pics below.
So what all did I have to do?
Well, the first thing was to take it apart because the inside seemed like it was full of dirt - it was. So I took apart the compass part, thoroughly cleaned everything, and lubed up what needed oil. After that, I silver plated the external circle and verniers and reassembled the compass.
From there I was making the following:
- A head for the thumb screw and solder it to the threaded shaft for the needle lifter.
- An eyepiece for the telescope.
- Fit and solder a pair of threaded posts for the level vial
- Make up a level tube to the proper size and insert a level vial.
- Make the 4 nuts for the level tube
- Make a slow motion screw for the telescope
- Make a nut that secures the telescope to the standards
etc etc
So what all did I get out of this? I learned to operate my new lathe, I learned threading a screw (and it was a non-standard screw to boot), I learned to custom grind drill bits, I learned knurling, etc. And a made a big pile of brass shavings.
So, at any rate, here's the pics:
nice! :good:
OK! WOW! Good Job! Made In? Circle Precision?
We all need to know?
Paul in PA
Lookin' Good, Dave.
OK! WOW! Good Job! Made In? Circle Precision?
Compass dial - 1/2 degree
Declination offset - 1 minute
Horizontal circle - 1 minute
and Randolph was based in Cincinnati.
Very impressive work! I'm jealous of your new toy.
Dave, that is simply amazing! Great job!
Even the photos look outstanding. Job well done!
beautiful work Dave. beautiful. a one minute circle!
from antique roadshow:
This piece would have been worth $38,000-45,000, however, because you removed the patina, it's now worth... $250. It would make a nice ashtray.
:gammon:
Sweet Dave! and completed before the new year!
The Hell With Value, If You Cannot Use It
This is a well made tool. The value of a tool is in it's use.
Art is to look at, this goes way beyond art.
Paul in PA
Any Idea On How Old ?
Recent questions on this board on precision of ancient surveys could be answered knowing when such instruments became available.
Paul in PA
Very nice. How is mounted?
Any Idea On How Old ?
Probably 1900 - (+/-) 10 years.
It has a receptacle for a spindle (like most compasses). Could have been used with a staff, but more than likely a "three legged staff", aka tripod.
Actually I try to avoid removing patina, but I do try to get off dirt & crud. But a little patina did come off, unfortunately. It will grow back.
I'm speechless.
That is awesome in truest sense.
Don
Sorry. It was only a joke. I was always amused by Antique Road Show appraisers that would dash the dreams of someone who brought a nice brass trinket treasure that the owner had carefully cleaned in advance of the show that would have been worth a lot and ended up being worth pennies on the dollar.
I agree with Paul. It's a beautiful tool and much more impressive to me as a functioning antique tool.
I knew you were pulling my leg. But seriously I do try to preserve patina. Sometimes it's a delicate balance.
