Replica Instruments

A note on materials: I am an inveterate "recycler" and the materials used for the instruments I construct often reflect what I have on hand at the moment. Thus, although brass is the most common traditional metal for instruments, and has the best working/use qualities, a number of instruments are fabricated from copper because I was given a large sheet of 14 G copper. I have also used bronze (from cast plaques) because it was available, though in this case I also find it exceptionally attractive and easy to work. If you are purchasing metal brass is generally your best choice. If you are on a budget, I strongly recommend periodic trips to your local salvage yard, building up a stock of metal as you find it.

Most of my projects involve graduated arcs and/or circles. I have provided a page on graduation techniques with illustrated examples to help others with these processes.

Astrolabes

Astrolabes are probably the the sini qua non of ancient instruments. They have been collected for centuries, and forgeries have been made for centuries, though genuine, working, astrolabes were made in Islamic countries up through the nineteenth century. For background information on astrolabes a number of books are available. Some which I have used extensively are listed among the references for this site. *

• For many years I had multiple links to The Astrolabe site. Unfortunately, James Morrison, the creator of that site and its associated items passed away and they are no longer available. His book, "The Astrolabe" is the best source for making astrolabes and associated objects. I sincerely miss him. In his memory I reproduce the note and links here: "The Astrolabe site on the Internet provides a brief essay on the astrolabe, museums having astrolabe collections, a history of the astrolabe, and finally, astrolabe links, references, and reproductions (including my own), including a "personal astrolabe" available for a fee made by that site's creator. "