ship curves - source

[nedL]

I know there was a bit of discussion on this a week or so ago but I couldn't find it. -FYI - I was just thumbing though this "Re-Print Draphix" catalog (800)601-0560 & came across a small set of ship curves. Granted there are only six curves in the set (6.5" - 24", .060 thick plastic), but the price is only $15.36. - Their p/n is 2-SC66ALV.

[Stubing]

Ned--Last months Woodenboat(#164)had a review for a large set of 56 ships curves in a wooden box for $339.95 --ouch.
from
H.R.S. Products Co.
8 Old Oak Court
Perrinville, NJ 08535

(732)446-4834

Stu

[nedL]

Oh yes, That's where I read about them. Thank you. I knew it had something to do with WB. ;)

[Nick Kent]

You could try "www.charrette.com" also.

[Dave Fleming]

A full set of Copenhagen Ship Curves is over 50 pieces and the newer sets are of a thinner guage of plastic than the older ones.
Perhaps the e-bay thing might be worth a try for an older set say a K&E brand one? ;)

[Roger Stouff]

Okay, I have been quietly waiting in the wings for someone to give me a clue that I could use to figure it out, but since nobody wants to cooperate, I'll just have to ask and be embarassed:

What are ship curves????????????????????

:confused:

[Dave Fleming]

OK, Mr. Crayfish here ya go....
Copenhagen Ship Curves are pieces of plastic usually acrylic cut into a variety of curves the kind you use to delineate a particular shape boatwise.
Ie: the shape of a stem or transom.
The shapes available cover just about all the curves used in designing a vessel.
That is why there are so many. As I said my set has over 50 different shape/curves in it.
Usually they are of a radius that is too tight to adquately layout with SPLINES or BATTENS.
Not being a wise guy but, you do know what they are don'cha? ;)

PS: there are other set of curves too! Railroad and French just to name two that come quickly to mind.

[ 04-10-2002, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: Dave Fleming ]

[PugetSound]

The best way to think of ship curves is that they are specialized "French Curves" for naval architect/yacht design work. You remember French Curves from high school drafting (didn't everyone take drafting in high school?).

[htom]

http://www.macnaughtongroup.com/copenhagen_ships_curves.htm

There are those who sell lead strips wrapped in plastic as a substitute; they doesn't really work.

Many years ago I saw a (German?) drafting tool that was essentially a 3x3 mm clear bamboo (?) spline with some tiny brass fittings that held it, and little screws to position it from a threaded straight rail (the half-dozen holders at the rail end of the screws were themselves threaded, and moved along the rail while holding the screws perpendicular to the rail.)

[mmd]

I had the coolest drafting tool for doing repeated parallel compound curves given to me by a friend; unfortunately I don't know what to call it. The only markings on it is a little button engraved with "Patented, F.W.Davenport, Providence, R.I." It is a thin stainless steel strip about 3/4" x 32", fitted with wee collars on one side that hold a spiral-wire-covered lead rod. If you set the strap on edge and bend it to the shape you want, the lead rod holds the shape while the stainless strap forms a fair curve. The only caveat is that you have to be very carful when shifting it on the drafting board lest you bend it out of it's desired shape. Not much help in the discussion above, but I had an urge to "share"...

[David Payne]

More on the ships curves etc:
When I worked for my uncle,Alan Payne, he had splines and weights,a couple of ship's curves, and a set of Dixon Kemp curves. The latter were egg shaped, ranging from about 40mm or 2.5" high to 150mm or 6" high, and amazingly versatile or useful. I have never seen them anywhere else. Dixon Kemp of course was the famous English designer from the 1870s and onwards to whom we owe a great deal for his books. Anyone know where to find a set of these curves?
Meanwhile, I have my own set of splines, being a cut from perpsex, three given by a friend who had a plastics supplier cut them to different widths, the others I picked up as offcuts from a supplier, and then I cleaned them up. With home made weights I am doing well.
In lieu of ships curves I have three french curves, and another curious set of wooden curves. like french curves, that belonged to my great, great, great grandfather, who was an architect in late Victorian England times. When I draw lines, I use one of my really thin homemade battens for sections and stems, on a bigger scale drawing, then for the smaller scale drawings, the various curves I have get me by.
I would love a set of ships curves, or Dixon Kemp curves, but I am not going to try and make them, but then my budget is not going to run to ships curves either,so I guess I will carry on as I
have been.