What is this plastic measuring thing?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vorde
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Measuring Plastic
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a specific plastic measuring tool seen in a TV show, which participants describe as resembling a curved shape. The context includes personal anecdotes and references to drafting and engineering tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls seeing a curved plastic measuring tool in a TV show and seeks help in identifying it.
  • Another participant suggests it might be a compass, linking to a Wikipedia page for reference.
  • A different participant describes the tool as resembling a "big plastic nine" and expresses uncertainty about its name.
  • One participant speculates it could be a specialty protractor.
  • Another shares a link to a similar tool found while googling drafting tools, though they do not provide a name.
  • A participant proposes the term "French curve" for the tool.
  • Another confirms that it looks like a "French Curve" used for drawing non-circular curves, providing a link to an image.
  • Some participants reminisce about the value of French curves before the advent of CAD, with one noting they have several in storage.
  • One participant expresses gratitude, indicating that the discussion has helped them reconnect with a part of their childhood.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general agreement among participants that the tool in question is likely a French curve, though some uncertainty remains regarding the exact identification.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on personal recollections and visual descriptions, which may lead to varying interpretations of the tool's identity. The discussion does not resolve the precise name or classification of the tool.

Vorde
Messages
786
Reaction score
0
http://postimage.org/image/urnvnzkhz/

I was watching a tv show (the astute watcher will recognize it as How I Met Your Mother), when I saw one of the characters holding this thing (the curved plastic measuring-thing).

My dad used to have one of those on his work bench, and I used to play with it as a kid, but seeing it in the TV show I realized I had no idea whatsoever what it was. I tried googling it, but I ran into the inherent problem of figuring out what I would call it and I couldn't find anything, so I was hoping PF would help me.

The character in the show is an architect and my dad is an engineer, if that helps.

Thanks :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org


compass?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass_(drafting )
 
Last edited by a moderator:


No the other thing, the one that looks like a big plastic nine (I'm so technical).
 


Huh. Didn't even notice that. No idea. Looks like a specialty protractor, but I'm reaching here.
 


French curve?
 


Jimmy said:
French curve?

why, you!
 


Sorry. :-p

My monitor is too old. I couldn't even see the french curve in the OP's image.
 
  • #10


French curves were very valuable tools in the days before CAD. I probably have more than a dozen of them in storage somewhere. Haven't uses them since about 1980.
 
  • #11


It's definitely a French curve, as others have suggested. Like Pkruse I have several of them.
 
  • #12
Haha thanks everyone, that solved a little part of my childhood :)
 

Similar threads

I want to help Physics education. What should I do?
  • · Replies 76 ·
3
Replies
76
Views
9K
Stargazing Can distance in space be measured by human systems?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Are Recent Students All Google Crazy?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
6K
  • Sticky
Beauty of old electrical and measuring things, etc.
  • · Replies 705 ·
24
Replies
705
Views
123K
Undergrad A Bold New Take on Quantum Theory
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
High School Measuring Michelson–Morley light beams
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
7K
Impedance analyzer, three terminal impedance measurement
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
The Loss of Creativity as Technology Rises
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Meet a Mentor: Dale - Get to Know Our Wonderful Mentors Better
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
Epothilone B study connected to 'Hard Problem of Consciousness' Model
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K