Got a question?
Here’s a list of some of the questions were are frequently asked. If you don’t see the answers you need or elsewhere in this site, send us an email and we’ll try to answer it promptly.
How much skill or knowledge will I need to be able to do these constructions?
You will not require very much skill or knowledge to draw these constructions. Some familiarity with the use of a compass will help, but this will be rapidly achieved with each successive construction drawn.
What will I need to use to be able to draw these geometric constructions?
All that is needed is a compass and a straight edge. Dividers would be helpful and a flexible curve would be useful for some of the complex curves.
How long does a typical construction take to draw?
The basic constructions take less than a minute to draw. Larger size constructions may take 5 minutes. Patterns and designs based on the constructions take very little time to set up (under 5 minutes) and then, depending on how much of the pattern or design is to be drawn, a varying amount of time.
Are there any “shortcuts” I can use to speed up the construction?
There are no “shortcuts”. The steps listed are the most efficient, quickest way of completing the constructions, and should be followed in their proper sequence to avoid errors.
Are there any limits to the size of the constructions?
There are no size limits. Practically speaking, the constructions can be drawn at any size. For very large constructions (for example, the size of a football field), it is a good idea to check the accuracy of the distances and point locations frequently to ensure that the construction comes out correctly.
How can I use these constructions in a repeat manner?
The desired constructions can be drawn on a “master sheet” or “master pattern” of durable tracing film or strong paper, or on a stiff cardboard. This “master” can be used as a template or a stencil which can be applied repeatedly wherever desired.
Do I have to “label” all the points in the basic constructions?
It’s a good practice to label all the points since there can be a number of different points used in different construction steps in the more complex constructions. Not labeling all the points could cause you to lose track of the steps and where you are.
In the section on three-dimensional figures, how do I use the templates that I’ve drawn?
The templates shown can be re-drawn at whatever size desired and transferred on to either a stiff cardboard or heavy paper, or directly on to the surface of a solid material. If transferred to cardboard or paper, they can be cut out and folded along the lines where the shapes meet. The folded up template will produce the three-dimensional solid. Placing the template on a solid material, you can trace it off and then carve away the undesired material, using the template as a check for accuracy.