How to use a pantograph for duplication?

[BGM]

There are lots of demos and directions for using a pantograph, but they nearly all show you how to *enlarge* an image.  Following those directions I can build a pantograph just fine.

But how do you use a pantograph to just duplicate an image without enlarging it?

What I want to know is, where do you put the anchor and tracer and pencil?

[Target]

using the example link you provided, and for one to one reproduction, the anchor point would be in the centre, ie at the apex of the outer arms, and you would trace with one end, and draw with the other.

[BGM]

In the center?  Where is the center?

[Target]

In the center?  Where is the center?

in the below the centre/anchor would be at pivot 1, and for one to one reproduction you would put the pencil at the end of one arm, and the tracing point at the end of the other



ref http://www.peter.com.au/articles/pantograph.html

[BGM]

Target!  That's a nice link!
I just couldn't figure out a center on the other image.
I'll take a good look at that.
I'm actually writing instructions for a children's magazine, so I wanted to get all my details right so I can explain everything well.

[4wd]

I've still got an original Sketch-a-Graph from 40+ years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG-0TK8tURo

The above is the Mk. 2 version, the Mk 1 didn't have adjustable pivots, IIRC - I'll have to dig it out from wherever it's hiding.

Here's the Mk 1:



Instructions:

[BGM]

Nice!  Thanks for posting that!

[bit]

To get same-size outcome, you could either photo-reduce the original you're working from first, or if the photocopier will handle it, photo reduce the size of the final copy.
A great book for learning freehand drawing as an augment to this, is 'Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain'.
Some universities even offer extension classes based on the book.
I think there may also be some youtube vids based on the book.
Even with the book alone, you can learn to self-train with such disciplines and techniques as positive & negative space, and turning things upside-down and attempting to remain non-verbal to force your mind into right-brain mode in order to hand-copy them more faithfully.
A pantograph is a great way to go, and can also act as a mental bridge, to help get you over and across into hands-on freehand drawing, if you ever want to try for it.

[BGM]

@bit Hey!  I HAVE that book!  I've read it, and I've taught art too.  There's a lot of true things in that book.

I produce a childrens' magazine and have a section called "Aspiring to Scribe" where I've gone over calligraphy and drawing.
So I wanted to show them how to make a pantograph.
Myself - I've never needed a pantograph.  I can draw anything.  I can draw the pantograph.  I can even draw the pantograph in use!
I just can't draw the pantograph duplicating because I can only get it to enlarge.....  hahhahahhahaaaa

[bit]

^@BGM
You must be one good artiste!
[attach]

[MCMuckle]

In the center?  Where is the center?

in the below the centre/anchor would be at pivot 1, and for one to one reproduction you would put the pencil at the end of one arm, and the tracing point at the end of the other

[attachthumb=1,msg375799]

ref http://www.peter.com.au/articles/pantograph.html

Hi.  I understand this is quite an old post but I am hoping that an email will be sent to notify of a new reply...

In the above, I get the bit about the centre for the anchor position (pivot 1) but if the tracer and pencil are put at the end of the long arms at the bottom left and right (Arm A and Arm B) then all you would be able to trace/draw is an arc about the anchor point.

I too am trying to use a pantograph type setup to duplicate 1:1

Please advise

Thanks