Pointing machine

Quoted text begins.how do you do caliper enlargement?
End of quote.

Hi Bill,

Certainly not trying to show you up, I'm learning too! I would rather draw on
the stone and use rough measurements and my eye to check what is being created
with the chisel.

I spent a bit of time re-reading both Rovai and Cami's texts on calliper
enlargement. Certainly seems complicated, the way it is explained in a book, but
I'm sure they could both show what they mean very simply in practice. I think
that is the key - simplicity. If it seems complicated, then there is surely a
simpler way.

Interesting that neither Rovai nor Cami mention the importance of silhouette in
finding the form. Points are important to define a network around the shape, on
the surface that is facing the sculptor, but the silhouette is the strongest
arbiter of shape.

I have used a few methods for enlarging, but never a pointing machine. Callipers
for direct transfer of measurements, as well as scaled-up from a maquette;
enlargement by squares for setting out large floor designs and bas relief, and
worked from vertical centre line on abstract pieces.

Using a pointing machine and callipers seems to me to be limiting somehow,
unless they're used for geometric copying.

Simon