Drawing Ellipses
by Phil Rowe
I used to ask draftsmen to draw me an ellipse of unusual
proportions. They'd reach for their drawer full of templates and
discover they never had the particular size or aspect ratio that
I'd requested. Really, how often would one want or need a 58 degree
ellipse with a major diameter of 17 inches.
But there is an easy way to do such a thing, based upon the
definition of ellipses. And drawing an ellipse of practically
any size and aspect ratio is a snap with the product I designed
called the ELLIPSO. In fact, I developed three versions of this
simple device. One is shown here in the picture. Another is a
combination beam compass (for circles) and an ellipse drawing
tool. The third was a device which slides onto a common
yardstick, converting that ruler into a large beam compass and an
ellipse drawing tool.
What in the heck would you want a large ellipse for? Well, how
about an elliptical pool table. Now if you thought that bank
shots on a standard pool table were difficult, you ain't seen
nothing until you've played on an elliptical one. That's a real
challenge ( and happens to be a lot of fun ).
An ellipses is a nice shape for a flower garden too ... and
making one is easy with the ELLIPSO concept.
I actually produced a number of these devices and even sold
some, but the market was not big enough to warrant a major
effort. ELLIPSO and ELLIPSO-BEAM devices are merely an
interesting oddity with a practical purpose.
Who knows? One day you may want to draw a 39" major diameter
ellipse with an aspect ratio corresponding to 42 degrees. Would
you know how to do it??
