Chinese Compass Made With Hand
I have always been fascinated with Chinese compasses or load stones that they were called famously. I have always wanted to have one for myself. So I made this one for my personal satisfaction.
Materials:
Scrap wood
Neodymium magnet
Whittling knife or cutter
2 part epoxy putty
Marker
Marking
Mark the scrap wood in a tear drop shape.
Whittling
Whittle to your satisfaction to cut out the tear drop shape marked.
Finishing
Finish the teardrop by sanding the edges and make it smooth.
Set the Magnet
Cut out by judgement a recess in the wood which can hold the magnet. I made it a little larger, so I used glue to keep it in place. Make sure the magnet aligns with the point of the teardrop is such a way that it points north.
Closing
After the glue has dried thoroughly, mix 2 part epoxy putty and cover up the magnet so that the compass makes a cradle shape and moves freely. You may have to sand the putty after it dries to bring it in shape.
Done
Mark the top of the wood and you are done. Your compass is done. Color it if you are a kid. Make a base that looks like a fengshui plate for the compass. I am happy with this much as I can keep it in pocket.