Points of the compass limit of the compass point. By the middle of the 18th century, the 32-point system had been further extended by using half- and quarter-points to give a total of 128 directions. These fractional points are named by appending, for example east, east, or east to the name of one of the 32 points. Each of the 96 fractional points can be named in two ways, depending on which of the two adjoining whole points is used, for example, NE is equivalent to NbEN. Either form is easily understood but alternative conventions as to correct usage developed in different countries and
Beam compass a beam compass. Their relatively small size makes them easy to store or transport. They consist of two separate metal pieces (approx. 2.5" × 5" × 1/2") that are usually connected by a piece of wood, The wood timber is not included in the purchase of the trammel points. It can be ripped on a table saw. A lumber yard or woodworking store should have a piece readily available to fit the opening also, metal, or pipe. They work like a scratch awl. As for any compass, there are two uses. The beam compass is used to scribe a circle,