Category Archives: From Truths to Tools

Cracking the Coffer Code

Posted on November 25, 2018 by

English oak coffer; 16th century.  (Image from Wiki Commons, public domain.) The once ubiquitous coffer (from the Greek “kophinos” – a basket; later from the French “coffre” –  a chest) was also referred to as a “strong box” – because … Continue reading →

Posted in By Hand & Eye, By Hound and Eye, From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 9 Comments

The Graphic Rule

Posted on April 21, 2018 by

This excerpt from our latest book, “From Truths to Tools,” speaks to a rather esoteric, but highly useful, rule for use with scaled drawings: Here’s a typical, traditionally drawn small boat plan: To find the dimension of any particular part … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 9 Comments

The Hidden Hexagon

Posted on March 28, 2018 by

You may remember this page from the introduction to “From Truths to Tools“: We’ve had a few folks ask about the “hidden hexagon” mentioned in the text, and we think it’s time to share the answer with everyone. This also … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 38 Comments

Spiling Batten

Posted on December 29, 2017 by

This is an excerpt from “From Truths to Tools” by George Walker and Jim Tolpin; Illustrated by Andrea Love.  Just out of curiosity, let’s see what happens when we draw a circle, then switch the dividers’ legs around. Being sure … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools | 8 Comments

Geometry in Time for the Holidays

Posted on December 13, 2017 by

In the spirit of the holidays, let’s perform some simple, ancient geometry to create the iconic symbols of the two religions celebrating major holidays this month. You’ll need only a compass, a straightedge, a piece of paper and a couple … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Carvers & Compassers: Save This Date

Posted on November 14, 2017 by

I am pleased to announce that Mary May and George Walker will be at the Lost Art Press storefront on Dec. 9 to celebrate the release of their new books. Mary, the author of “Carving the Acanthus Leaf,” and George, … Continue reading →

Posted in Carve the Acanthus with Mary May, From Truths to Tools, Lost Art Press Storefront, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

‘Carving the Acanthus’ Will Ship Early

Posted on November 4, 2017 by

We just received word from our printer that “Carving the Acanthus Leaf” by Mary May shipped to our warehouse yesterday, two weeks ahead of schedule. That means our warehouse will receive the books next week and we should be able … Continue reading →

Posted in Carve the Acanthus with Mary May, From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Solving Spans with Sticks, Strings, Sightlines & Stones

Posted on October 26, 2017 by

In this excerpt from our book, “From Truths to Tools,” we show how the carpenter/geometers of antiquity used the simplest of tools – those mentioned with almost annoying alliteration in the title – to solve for an unknown distance.    … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Last Chance to Pre-order ‘From Truths to Tools’

Posted on October 23, 2017 by

We’ve just received our shipment of the first printing of “From Truths to Tools” by Jim Tolpin and George Walker. We’ll start shipping out the people who placed pre-publication orders in the next seven days. So this is the last … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Its OK to Think Inside the Box

Posted on October 15, 2017 by

                  Yes it’s fine to think inside the box for a change, especially when there’s no need to think at all! At least not if your goal is to divide the box … Continue reading →

Posted in From Truths to Tools | 3 Comments