Drafting Compass, Drafting Dividers, Compass Sets - EngineerSupply
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Compass Sets and Dividers

Alvin has been a trusted brand for the drawing compass and many other drafting tools, and Engineering Supply is a proud distributor of this company’s products. We have many types of drawing tools in our inventory, including the drafting compass. So if you have been looking for a quality supplier of all your drafting and architectural tools, be sure to look at what we have in stock.

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Compass set and Dividers Features

Read our Helpful Article: How to Measure Almost Everything

Durable construction

Simple to use

Quality manufacturing

Precision drafting tool

Accurate measuring

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HOW THE ALVIN BOW COMPASS/DIVIDER CAN BE USED FOR DRAFTING


The Alvin Bow Compass/Divider has a smooth center-wheel adjustment and a durable fiberglass construction. It even has an extra needle point, which allows you to use it as a divider. While there's a piece of lead in the drawing portion of the compass, there are two extra lead points in a storage tube. With this drafting tool, you can draw circles of up to 12 inches in diameter. So, you have a great deal of flexibility in what you're able to draw. Here at Engineering Supply, we’re proud to carry a number of tools from Alvin because we want to give our clients the best on the market. Make sure you look at what we have in stock. We’re confident you’ll be able to find whatever it is you’re looking for.


TYPES OF WRITING TOOLS FOR DRAFTING AND TECHNICAL DRAWING


When you use your hands, you engage your mind. And you can find a lot of options when it comes to writing and drawing tools. You can use either graphite or ink, but graphite will give you more flexibility. You can use either a lead or graphite pencil. But you can also buy a mechanical pencil, which can have some advantages. While a standard pencil needs to be sharpened on a regular basis, a mechanical pencil has a fixed size. Proper maintenance is important, and you need to make sure you have the right size. No matter what type of drawing or drafting tool you need, you can find it at Engineering Supply. Feel free to look through our broad selection of tools and supplies, so you can find something that will meet your specific needs.


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We know about the importance of keeping your office organized. Not only does it play a major role in your productivity, but it’s also critical to the success of your business. You want your clients to have a good impression when they come to your office, so you need things to be neat and tidy. A literature organizer can help you keep track of documents, as well as any incoming or outgoing mail. If you want to purchase premium office mail slots for your business, feel free to browse through our inventory.


A VARIETY OF DESIGNS FOR A VARIETY OF SOLUTIONS

Every office is different, which is why we offer a variety of designs that can be suited for a number of solutions. Whether you need office mail slots for separating incoming and outgoing mail or some other kind of literature organizer, you can find it at Engineering Supply. We work with quality manufacturers that have a proven track record, so you can be sure to get the best quality products at a reasonable price. We know how important it is for any office to stay organized, and we know that you may need different solutions for different needs. Feel free to look at our inventory to find a product that will work for you and your business.


If you’re a drafting professional, you have to make quick and accurate measurements. Otherwise, you could lose business. Whether you’re an engineer, surveyor, or architect, you need to have the right tools at your disposal so you can make precise measurements quickly. There are a variety of tools available, and all of them have their own specific purposes. One of them is the compass, which is an essential tool for drawing precise circles and arcs. Here at Engineering Supply, we have many types of compasses and dividers. Some of them include:

  • Beam compasses
  • Bow compasses
  • Equal spacing dividers
  • Speed bow compasses
    • We have a broad selection of drafting tools that are designed for professional use, and we’re proud to carry products from Alvin and many other quality manufacturers. Be sure to look through what we have in our store. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to speak with you!





Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drawing compass?

A drafting compass is a drawing tool that can be used to draw circles or arcs. It can also be used for navigation, mathematics, drafting, and much more. A compass is typically made out of metal, and it has two legs that are connected by a hinge so they can be moved toward or away from each other to change the size of the circle. One of them has a spike with a sharp point at the end, and the other has a pencil or pen that can be used to draw the circle.

How do I use a drafting compass?

Before you use your compass as a drawing tool, you need to get a feel for how it works. Move and adjust both arms, while looking at the hinge to see if there are any markings. Some compasses have a measurement scale that’s similar to what you’ll find on a ruler, but the markings will be a lot smaller. You then want to perform the following actions:
  • Set the hinge’s point to the 1-inch mark.
  • Grab the compass’s handle located just above the hinge with the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand.
  • Place the shoulder needle on the center of the paper.
Once the drawing compass is in place, let the pencil run along the page by using a sweeping motion, as you twirl the compass’s handle. And make sure the needle remains fixed. As you spin it around a single point, the device will draw a perfect circle. The measurements on the compass refers to the radius of the circle being drawn. So if it has a 1-inch radius, it will have a 2-inch diameter.

Can I make a drawing compass at home?

To make a homemade drafting compass, you’ll need the following items:
  • A piece of string or twine.
  • A nail, thumbtack, or pin.
  • Something with which to measure (such as a ruler or measuring tape).
  • A pen or sharp pencil.
The process only takes a few minutes to complete if you perform the following steps:
  • Prepare the Compass Arm— Take the nail and push it through the string.
  • Prepare the Center— Push the sharp end of the nail into the center of the circle. If it’s on a piece of paper, you’ll need to hold it in place until you finish drawing the circle.
  • Prepare the Drawing Swing— Lay out the tape measure or ruler with the “0” mark at the center of the circle, while you pull the string as tight as you possibly can. Drive the tip of the pen or pencil through the string at the desired radius, but it must not stretch beyond that point. It may take a few times to get it right.
  • Draw the Circle— Slowly move the pen or pencil around the circle. Keep pressure on the nail to make sure it doesn’t move, and don’t pick up the pen. You want to move it all the way around until the circle is complete. Small “back and forth” movements will give you the best results.
Instead of making your own, you can purchase a professional-grade compass as a drawing tool at Engineer Supply.

What's the best type of drafting compass?

Alvin has been a trusted brand for the drawing compass and other drafting tools, because they’re built with the professional in mind. That’s why Engineer Supply is proud to carry their products in our store. Feel free to look at what we have in stock, so you can find a product that will meet your specific needs.

Who invented the drawing compass?

Throughout the Renaissance, people tried to build a universal tool for performing a variety of mathematical operations. This need was especially felt by the military, because the technology of firearms was requiring more precise mathematical knowledge. This goal was achieved by Galileo in 1597 with the invention of both the geometric and military compasses.
If you’re looking for a professional grade drafting compass, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

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