Hi Again Michael, Here is one reference to making a "Universal Ring Dial". It is on Karen Robinson's web site and uses a wooden embroidery hoop to make it. http://www.angelfire.com/my/zelime/howto.html#hoop On the same page she has her version of doing a similar thing with just her fingers. The closure on the outer ring of the wooden embroidery hoop keeps it from being truly 'universal', but there are several ways around it. One is to counter weight the closure on the opposite side, and add an latitude scale on the outside, the second is to make your own set of fitted rings from slices cut from vinyl tubes that have been heated and expanded/shrunk over/inside tapered bottle necks. ( Plastic Water Pipe ) . Of course two rings of brass would make a nice one. This device is also basically a folding armillary sphere on which much is in print on construction. Even Waugh's book, probably in your library, or cheap used has info on them.
Hope this helps! Edley. Hello, As the subject says, I am looking for any information of the making of universal ring dials. So far I've only been able to find links to buying them or seeing collections of them. I would prefer any free sources, but books would be welcome suggestions as well (especially with ISBN) I participate in some renaissance festivals and instead of having afew of them configured for the different areas it would be nice to have a single 'pocket watch' that can be used anywhere. Also, is there a way to create a 'normal' sundail that is specific for a location and time frame? Such as the month of may in chicago, taking into account the equation of time? Thank you, Michael Alexander - -
