Parallel Ruler Marine Navigation Tool with Clear Scales Parallel Ruler with Brushed Aluminum Arms Nautical Charts Navigation Tools for Boat Ship Drawing(12 Inch)

I used a version of this product extensively in the Navy. Now as a civilian small business owner, I often draw my own charts and drawings for product ideas. I had been telling myself how I needed parallel rulers like I used back then for years, and finally got myself some. Exactly as helpful as I thought they'd be!

This parallel ruler is way too short to do any navigating with it also is poorly made and is loose and move all over

I saw this and decided to try it out to help me with my artwork. I do a lot of perspective and structural drawing within my art and I figured this would be a time saver for me. It does help in easily establishing parallel lines. I know it has other uses, but I am trying it out as a drawing tool.It seems well made and sturdy. So far, so good.

A parallel ruler is made up of two rectangular straight edges connected by two arm joints. The arms allow the two halves of the ruler to move closer or further away while always remaining parallel to each other. To use a parallel ruler for navigation, start by identifying your current position and your intended destination on a nautical chart. Align the edge of the ruler with these two points. Keeping one arm of the ruler fixed, rotate the other arm to “walk” it across the chart. Keep moving one arm at a time until you’ve aligned the ruler with the nearest compass rose. The object is to take the ruler’s edge to the middle of the compass rose without changing the angle. This will help you determine the course to steer.Not just for sailors, parallel rulers help draftsmen, surveyors, cartographers, architects, quilt makers, and artists draw accurate parallel lines. This parallel ruler from Saysurey is a nice tool for anyone who collects maritime or mathematical memorabilia. The clear acrylic material gives this ruler high transparency. The four little round cork pads on the underside of the ruler help it to glide while keeping a steady grip on the surface. The arms are brushed aluminum. There are two knobs on top for you to hold onto. Since the ruler is clear acrylic, I worry that it will get scratched or cracked, so I’m keeping it in the green box that it came in and storing it on a shelf. The only thing that would make this item better is if it came in a plastic case.