ClipArt ETC

This mathematics ClipArt gallery offers 21 mages of compasses, a tool used in mechanical drawing and math to create perfect circles of a certain radius, which is adjusted by separating or bringing together the anchor and drawing arms of the compass.

In changing the compass from a small to large radius, hold the legs together with one hand and spin the nut with the other, in order to save wear on the threads.

Adjusting the Compass

In changing the compass from a small to large radius, hold the legs together with one hand and spin…

Bow compasses should be used on all arcs and circles having a radius of less than 3/4 inch.

Bow Divider

Bow compasses should be used on all arcs and circles having a radius of less than 3/4 inch.

Bow compasses should be used on all arcs and circles having a radius of less than 3/4 inch.

Bow Pen

Bow compasses should be used on all arcs and circles having a radius of less than 3/4 inch.

Bow compasses should be used on all arcs and circles having a radius of less than 3/4 inch.

Bow Pencil

Bow compasses should be used on all arcs and circles having a radius of less than 3/4 inch.

Depicted is a hand reaching out for a bow pencil.

Bow Pencil

Depicted is a hand reaching out for a bow pencil.

In some instruments joints are held in position by lock nuts allowing ample movement of the legs, yet gives proper stiffness

Compass

In some instruments joints are held in position by lock nuts allowing ample movement of the legs, yet…

To properly change the compass from one size to another, make sure to place legs together while turning the nut slowly.

Compass Adjustment

To properly change the compass from one size to another, make sure to place legs together while turning…

Illustration of a compass with one leg at point A on the line segment and the other at Point B.

Compass and Line

Illustration of a compass with one leg at point A on the line segment and the other at Point B.

Illustration of a compass with one leg at point O on the line segment and the other at Point M.

Compass and Line

Illustration of a compass with one leg at point O on the line segment and the other at Point M.

Adjusting the needle point so that it is slightly longer than that of the pencil.

The Tip of the Compass

Adjusting the needle point so that it is slightly longer than that of the pencil.

The use of a compass in drawing perfect circles

Compass Use

The use of a compass in drawing perfect circles

A compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the poles.

Turning the Compass

A compass is a navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the poles.

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil and pen point are provided, either of which may be inserted into a socket in one leg of the instrument, for the drawing of circles in pencil or ink." — Hallock, 1905

Compasses

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil…

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil and pen point are provided, either of which may be inserted into a socket in one leg of the instrument, for the drawing of circles in pencil or ink." — Hallock, 1905

Compasses

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil…

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil and pen point are provided, either of which may be inserted into a socket in one leg of the instrument, for the drawing of circles in pencil or ink." — Hallock, 1905

Compasses

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil…

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil and pen point are provided, either of which may be inserted into a socket in one leg of the instrument, for the drawing of circles in pencil or ink." — Hallock, 1905

Compasses

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil…

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil and pen point are provided, either of which may be inserted into a socket in one leg of the instrument, for the drawing of circles in pencil or ink." — Hallock, 1905

Compasses

"The compasses, next to the T square and triangles, are used more than any other instrument. A pencil…

Different compasses used in mechanical drawing.

Compasses

Different compasses used in mechanical drawing.

Compasses are used for drawing circles and arcs of circles.

Compasses and Attachments

Compasses are used for drawing circles and arcs of circles.

This bow pencil is used to make small curves.

Bow Pencil

This bow pencil is used to make small curves.

The bow pencil is used to draw small circles and arcs.

The Bow Pencil

The bow pencil is used to draw small circles and arcs.