Pointing machine

Pointing machine

A pointing machine is a measuring tool used by sculptors to accurately copy plaster, clay or wax sculpture models into wood or stone.The device is contraption of brass or stainless steel rods and joints, which can be placed into any position and then tightened. It is not actually a machine; its name is derived from the Italian "macchinetta di punta". This tool was first invented by the French sculptor and medallist Nicolas-Marie Gatteaux (1751–1832). [ [http://daf.archivesdefrance.culture.gouv.fr/sdx23/pl/toc.xsp?id=FRDAFAPH_AD075_ph3649&qid=sdx_q0&fmt=tab&idtoc=FRDAFAPH_AD075-pleadetoc&base=fa&n=1&ss=true&as=&ai=| Biography of Gatteaux(French)] ] [ [http://www.edu.augustins.org/pdf/second/sculp/sgen02s.pdf>/ | on Gatteaux' invention of the pointing machine (French)] ]

Technique

To transfer measuring points from a model to a block of stone or wood, the sculptor usually takes three reference points on both model and block, from which to start. By using three of these points a sculpture can be measured accurately, for the three directions of measuring are hereby defined (width, height and depth).

These three measuring points are traditionally used by sculptors to copy a sculpture with callipers, but this is was simplified significantly with the invention of the pointing machine. On these basic points a (usually wooden) T-shaped support is mounted, the "cross". On this crosswood the actual pointing device is attached. By then moving the arms of the tool in such a way that the point of the needle just touches the point to be measured on the model, for instance the nose of a portrait, the sculptor sets the device. Next he takes the whole cross, pointing machine and all, to the block of stone or wood and hooks it up in the identical, corresponding basic points. The needle that defines the measuring point can slide. By subsequently carving or drilling carefully until the needle touches the stop, the sculptor can place his measuring point exactly in the block.By thus copying several dozens or hundreds of points, an accurate copy can be carved. The end result however will still depend on the skill of the sculptor, because these points are only the basis.

The real advantage is the need to measure each point only once, instead of three times with callipers (height, width and depth). Also there is no need to read scales in inches or centimetres, and consequently much less room for error.

Usually the sculptor will make his own crosswood for the statue, as a small statue obviously will need a much smaller one than a life-size one.

Future

Nowadays pointing machines are available in laser versions too. These have the advantage that the needle is not in the way when carving, and that the sculptor hears an audio-signal to warn him when the right depth is reached.

The latest developments are computer guided router systems that scan a model and can produce it in a variety of materials and in any desired size.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • pointing and pointing machine —    A mechanical means of indirect carving reproducing or scaling up a three dimensional form in correct proportion. A pointing machine is a framework of metal arms which can be fitted around a sculpture to measure the relationship between given… …   Glossary of Art Terms

  • pointing machine — Смотри острильная машина …   Энциклопедический словарь по металлургии

  • Machine pistol — This article is about full auto or burst capable pistols. For semi automatic weapons, see semi automatic pistol. A fully automatic Steyr M1912, which was used as a side arm by the Austro Hungarian Army A machine pistol is a handgun style,[1]… …   Wikipedia

  • SECD machine — The SECD machine is a highly influential virtual machine intended as a target for functional programming language compilers. The letters stand for Stack, Environment, Code, Dump, the internal registers of the machine. These registers point to… …   Wikipedia

  • Pointer machine — In theoretical computer science a pointer machine is an atomistic abstract computational machine model akin to the Random access machine.Depending on the type, a pointer machine may be called a linking automaton, a KU machine, an SMM, an… …   Wikipedia

  • Finite state machine — A finite state machine (FSM) or finite state automaton (plural: automata ) or simply a state machine, is a model of behavior composed of a finite number of states, transitions between those states, and actions. A finite state machine is an… …   Wikipedia

  • Automated teller machine — cash machine redirects here. For the Hard Fi song, see Cash Machine. An NCR Personas 75 Series interior, multi function ATM in the United States …   Wikipedia

  • Finite-state machine — State machine redirects here. For infinite state machines, see State transition system. For fault tolerance methodology, see State machine replication. SFSM redirects here. For the Italian railway company, see Circumvesuviana. A finite state… …   Wikipedia

  • Self-replicating machine — A self replicating machine is an artificial construct that is theoretically capable of autonomously manufacturing a copy of itself using raw materials taken from its environment. The concept of self replicating machines has been advanced and… …   Wikipedia

  • Bowling machine — In cricket a bowling machine is a device which enables a batsman to practise (usually in the nets) when there is no one available to bowl, or no one of the desired style or standard.There are a number of different types of bowling machine… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”