CRAFT FOCUS – Sundial Compass - Crazy Crow Trading Post
CRAFT FOCUS – Sundial Compass - Crazy Crow Trading Post

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How to Use a Sundial Compass

Crazy Crow Craft Focus

© 2013 Crazy Crow Trading Post

How to Use a Sundial Compas

Crazy Crow Craft Focus

© 2013 Crazy Crow Trading Post

The compass and the sundial are two completely different instruments which were built for entirely different uses.

The compass is an instrument that is used for navigation and includes a free-floating magnetized needle which, when held level and still, aligns itself with the earth’s magnetic field and in doing so, points approximately north.

The sundial is an instrument that is designed for a specific location on the earth and permanently installed there so that the shadow of one of its parts indicates the hour of the day. Of course, this only works during daylight hours and when the sun is making shadows.

Bronze compass sundial -CRAFT FOCUS – Sundial Compass - Crazy Crow Trading Post

Combining the Function of a Sundial and Compass

A sundial compass is a combination of these two instruments, consisting of a portable sundial which is attached over a compass via a hinge. There are some adjustable legs that need to be used to level the instrument if not on level ground. The gnome is hinged and needs to be put in the up position where it locks into place. There should be what looks like a protractor that is to the right of the gnome that is on a hinge, and this needs to be flipped up as well. The protractor is used to set the sundial to the correct latitude angle, while the compass is used to find true north based on the area’s magnetic north declination.

Once your sundial compass has been leveled, set to the correct latitude, and to true north, a shadow will be is cast onto the sundial’s face by the gnome. For use in the southern hemisphere, the same procedure is followed with the exception that true South must be found instead of true North.

CRAFT FOCUS – Sundial Compass - Crazy Crow Trading Post

Storing & Transporting our Sundial Compass

When the instrument is not in use, the needle brake should be set to ensure that the needle bearing is not damaged in transit. To accomplish this, the lever on the side of the compass is simply slid over, locking the needle in place. Then, the sundial and gnome are folded over for storage.

Allowing for Location in Your Sundial Compass “Reading”

The time shown on the sundial may not match the time on your clock or watch, however. This is because the time shown on the sundial is actually the “local apparent time” due to the fact that times are based on the position of the sun at the center of the time zone. The sundial will be ahead if you are on the east side of the time zone and behind if you are on the west side.

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CRAFT FOCUS – Sundial Compass – Related Products (click images to view product detail)

The following items are used in the above-article, or may provide added reference and helpful information.

Brass Sundial Compass, 1-3/4", 1750s Era

Brass Sundial Compass, 1-3/4″, 1750s Era

This is an authentic replica of a 1750 era, folding style instrument which shows direction as well as time. It features a folding “gnomon” and antique style face, hand-lettered on parchment colored paper in the original hues of red and blue. This striking and unique instrument is housed in a beautiful solid brass case, 1-3/4″ in diameter and is suitable for engraving.

Lewis & Clark Pocket Compass - Crazy Crow Trading Post

Lewis & Clark Pocket Compass

This authentic replica is an exacting copy of the famous compass that guided the Corps of Discovery during 1803 and 1804 on their search for a water passage to the Pacific Ocean. The aged bronze compass features a period correct, antique printed dial, is 2-1/2″ in diameter, and is fitted with a locking lever that restricts movement and prevents damage of the needle during travel. Mounted in a handsome, 3-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ x 1-1/8″ mahogany case with faux worm holes and hinged lid.

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