I bought a compass off EBAY, and it could use a staff. I'm planning to do some of my own studies of these old devices.
I don't really know for sure what one looks like...
A tapered top, with a set screw it seems...
Maybe I can just make one... Out of Dogwood, or some hard wood.
Any suggestions, or pics?
Thank you very much.
This is a link, to a compass like mine:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/K-E-Survey-Compass-MX-1454-U-Vintage-Andrea-Radio-Corp-NYC/322673721993?hash=item4b20da4289:g:oEUAAOSw7htZncsY
Nate
Nate,
Did it come with the brass ball joint and socket?
https://goo.gl/images/4He1BG
DDSM
I bought a 52" hoe handle for $14, planed down the top to fit the compass adapter, put a Helicoil insert in the bottom ($3 ?), and threaded one of the new-style pole tips ($3 ?) into it. For an investment of about 20 bucks and an hour of my time, I have a reasonable facsimile of a commercial Jacob's staff.
I posted the above in July of 2010 (the title of the the thread was "Jacob's Staff") and later posted a photo in the thread, but the photo is now gone and I can't find my original. If desired I can take a new snap of it and post it here.
Worth noting is that the hoe handle fits my SECO bipod, which would be handy on hard ground. I haven't actually used this in the field (in 7 years!), but it's waiting for me if I ever get around to playing with it.
Dan B. Robison, post: 452488, member: 34 wrote: Nate,
Did it come with the brass ball joint and socket?
https://goo.gl/images/4He1BG
DDSM
Yes, Dan, it did.
I can just imagine that the wooden staff in USE, (when it was standard equipment) were made by the end user, with a spoke shave. I may try it.
Jim, thanks.
The more info I have, the better.
I want to USE in the field, some older gear.
Maybe a ameture video.
N
Nate,
I have made them in the past and have even sold some.
Don't have any in stock now but have another one started.
Usually get about a hundred for one.
Got my experience working in Forestry running lines with a staff compass.
First one I had to make was to replace the one that got broken over the skull of a porkypine!
(That word looks misspelled!)
I think I also posted photos on the thread Jim mentioned.
Anyway, say the word if you want to negotiate.
Hey Nate. I have one if you want some ideas. Mine came with an old compass I bought in the last couple of years, I haven't inspected it recently but I recall that it looked fairly old and genuine. The Jacob staff was a strong reason for me making that purchase. 
I attached a photo of it to this post.
It would appear that one could use this without thinking about a bi-pod as I assume it got stuck in the ground quite a bit judging by the metal pointed end.
And, No, as nice a guy as you are, you can't have it!
Licensed Land Surveyor
Finger Lakes Region, Upstate New York
Dan B. Robison, post: 452488, member: 34 wrote: Nate,
Did it come with the brass ball joint and socket?
https://goo.gl/images/4He1BG
DDSM
I have the same problem.
Have one by the lathe half turned out of brass. Ball is a miserable job.
Rest, not so bad.
