http://www.surveyhistory.org/jacob%27s_staff1.htm
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I was thinking about this subject. I have bought a K&E compass, and would like a staff with it. As I looked around, I found one for 100.00 at Forestry Supplies, Jackson Mississippi. Then, because it did not tell me alot, I went online looking.
It seems that most surveyors abandoned the staff, eventually for the tripod. I was thinking about making a shoe for a "Jacobs Staff" that I could use my boot, and press it into the ground. Then, add the compass. It's sure interesting, the history of our fine profession. I hope others are enjoying this fine weather. Where is Larry Young? I'd sure love a cup of coffee with him. I reckon I am too late. He's already gone to his eternal reward. Larry Young was always such an encouragement. Does anybody have a staff I could look at? I'd like to own an old one, or make my own. Which is what I suspect most surveyors did.
N
Back "in the day" (1970ish) with the USFS, we occasionally "surveyed" hiking trails with a 5 or 6 inch (I can't remember for sure) Compass and "rag tapes." We had both a Jacob's Staff and a sweet little wood tripod for the compass. Due to the rocky nature (shallow soil) of the Uinta Mountains, the staff was pretty much?ÿuseless except when crossing meadows (which were usually done in a single course (vector) anyway), so the staff spent nearly?ÿall of its time in the truck.
The wooden tripod didn't weigh much more than the staff, and was much?ÿmore accurate (IMO).
We ALWAYS read the needle looking BOTH fore & aft, and computed ANGLES @ each traverse station from that data. It didn't take long to realize that Magnetic North could vary quite a bit even in relatively short distances.?ÿYears later when working in?ÿmineral exploration (Mining Districts) the "variance" was MUCH more common and pronounced!
Loyal?ÿ
Nate,
I understand that Robert Callicott bought the old Weyhaeuser Co. Survey equipment...maybe Roy Black kept a Jacob Staff? Might try Johnny Ingram in TX , Dave Ingram, or Dr. Elgin in MO.
All I have are the 'modern' tripods...K&E and the Warren Knight Sipe Sumner...
DDSM
Ok, what about these mini tripods? I'd kind of like to acquire one, for compass use.
I still have one from that Bostrom Brady unit, I accidentally acquired. It has aluminum head, and EVEN a cap on top. About 1-1/2" size threads.
Maybe I could modify it...
N
Forestry Supplies sales a Jacob Staff for $99.95
It does not come with the connections from staff to instrument.
Brunton sales a jacobstaff thimble that connects their compass to a jacob staff.
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Brunton sales a jacobstaff thimble that connects their compass to a jacob staff.
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That thimble allows a 1/4" x 20 thread to go on top of a Jacob's staff.
I need a tapered stick, to go into the bottom adapter ball joint... or such like.
Thanks!
N
Get a heavy hickory hoe handle or post hole digger handle, put a small straight fork or point on one end and the knuckle joint on the other.
Get a heavy hickory hoe handle or post hole digger handle, put a small straight fork or point on one end and the knuckle joint on the other.
That's what I did, though I threaded the bottom end to accept a standard pole point.?ÿ The staff fits in my Seco bipod, so I effectively have a tripod when desired.?ÿ
Note that I've never actually used this for surveying anything -- yet.?ÿ But I bought a compass several years ago and decided I needed a staff to go with it, so...
Hi Nate,
I think I sent this to you once before but here is a photo of a jake staff that I own:
Let me know if you need any dimensions, etc.
Dave.
Licensed Land Surveyor
Finger Lakes Region, Upstate New York