How To Make a Sundial

how to make a sundial graphic There are several elements that enter the question of how to make a sundial beside those which are supposed to tell us just how to go about designing a thing right or wrong, such as symmetry, dynamics, revolution, color arrangement, axes and what not. That's enough to stop any one right there. The design of a sundial is more simple than that. Certain elements are fixed in form and relationship, their differences depending upon the type of sundial you are going to make. As a sundial designer, you must take those basic elements and mold forms and figures that are pleasing to the eye. In doing this you may accentuate the basic predesigned elements or you may hide them entirely. The best example of accentuation of the basic element is the armillary, where the hours are marked off in equal spaces on the inner surface of a semicircle, or a full circle. The use of other circles, representing the tropics etc., not only accentuates the basic element of the sundial, but also fixes the appearance and injects a symbolism into the design. Good design in making sundials is somewhat in the same state. What is considered good sundial design by the many may be considered totally wrong by the few who stick to purism. Both sides may be right. What is good design is greatly a matter of personal opinion. A well designed sun dial has certain qualities of a practical value which can be tabulated in the manner of psychological tests if the answer is yes, you credit yourself with a certain number of points, if your total score is so much, you are a superman, if less than a certain amount you have no attributes. In designing a sundial or when looking at one already built sun dial check off in the list below all of those things which are incorporated in the sundial observed, or in your design.

How to make a sundial design checklist:

Is the sundial accurately constructed.
Is the sun dial properly set up.
Is the sundial well made.
Can the sun dial be easily read.
Does the sundial fit well into its surroundings.
Is the material of the sun dial harmonious with other structures in its vicinity.
Does the sundial show originality.
Is the sun dial interesting.
Does the sundial tell standard time.
Does the sun dial impart a feeling of symbolic fitness.

HOW TO MAKE A SUNDIAL: INTERPRETING THE RATINGS
We hesitate to give a numerical rating to these questions, but they have been arranged in order of their importance, based on a census of correspondence, and remarks by many people, who have very definite ideas as to what a good sundial should be. That is sidestepping design a bit, but a good sundial that is well designed (in the eyes of many people) must have at least the first six characteristics listed. If any one or all of the remaining four characteristics are also present, such a sun dial would certainly get a four star rating. You will note that the list is somewhat contrary to the general tenor of this tutorial on how to make a sundial, because we feel that characteristic number nine is of importance and should be placed among the first six. The intent of the test is not to lay down hard and fast rules by which a well designed sundial can be produced, but rather as an aid toward that end and that you may better judge your own work and that of others from an impartial viewpoint. We hope you enjoyed this primer on how to make a sundial. more on how to make a sundial

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