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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: long carabine on January 24, 2009, 03:26:42 AM

Title: Golden Mean
Post by: long carabine on January 24, 2009, 03:26:42 AM

 I have read about the Golden Mean but I still do not understand it in relation to building a ML. Could someone please explain it in detail? I am understanding it is the relationship to perfect measurements ie... eyes to nose, ears to nose nose to mouth ect, ect. Proportions perfect. How does this relate to rifle building and how is it applied? Thanks, Tim

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: smallpatch on January 24, 2009, 03:32:13 AM

Tim,

That is a subject that NO ONE can cover in one blurb. Books have been written about it.

Basically, it is a relationship of 3:5.

It applies in building in numerous ways.  Example (Patch box, 3:5 with buttstock,)

No one is sure if it was truly applied by original builders, or if it is an "eye" thing.

MBS has a booklet that explains it simply, and with illustrations.  Interesting concepts.  I've applied in my own designs, it does work.

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: famouseagle on January 24, 2009, 03:38:31 AM

This subject was covered last Fall ad naseum (9 pages).  I don't think there's much to add.  Check the archives.

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Marty on January 24, 2009, 04:40:41 AM

BAAAAH HAAAA, i am putting on my asbestos underwear before the flaming begins!!! hee hee

You have stumbled on to something that i believe is correct (golden Mean), but there are many very good contemporary builders that do not share that belief.

I will PM you if you would like to hear more.

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Dave B on January 24, 2009, 08:29:29 AM

I think in a nut shell you could say that there are some who feel that it is an artistic tool that can be used in portions of the design and layout for a longrifle. There have been several articles and one booklet written that show how it can be applied to particular schools of gun making. The NMLRA Journal of Historical Arms making Technology series has one article that discusses the proportion. As mentioned earlier there is a good discussion in the archives about the subject. It was one of the most read discussions from the old web site.

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: jerrywh on January 24, 2009, 11:25:18 AM

OH. NO not this again. Leave me out.

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Longshot on January 24, 2009, 03:18:20 PM

Proportional balance=visual correctness.  Amen

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Seven on January 24, 2009, 03:22:01 PM

Here is a link to Hoot Al's shop.  He describes how he uses the golden mean in gun building.  http://www.hootalrifleshop.org/golden_mean.htm

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: long carabine on January 24, 2009, 04:08:27 PM

 I was told it is a measurement for everything, a measurement for perfection. Tim

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Tim Crosby on January 24, 2009, 05:06:04 PM

 Ahhhhh, Perfection, something that we are all searching for. I for one do not think it can be found in a pair of crossed sticks.

Tim C.

 The devil made me do it ;D

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Dphariss on January 24, 2009, 05:30:12 PM

Best to look to the archives
I see further discussion as pointless :P
Its like religion, you either believe it or you don't.

Dan

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Jim Filipski on January 24, 2009, 05:54:51 PM

Start out with your workshop bench being the "5" and your piece of stockwood being the "3"
after that it all comes naturally
 ::)

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Acer Saccharum on January 24, 2009, 06:43:35 PM

;D :D ;) >:( ::) :'( ;D :D :o ;D ::) :P ;D :D ;)

Here's the topic: http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=1597.0

This subject will come up again and again over time; it is very controversial, makes for good conversation,  folks get all heated up over it, but for all that, it comes down to whether you choose to use it or not. Makes good reading anyway.

Acer

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Paddlefoot on January 24, 2009, 09:30:36 PM

Man this is the best tapdancing I have seen in a long time! I guess we sorta beat this subject to death. ::)

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Benedict on January 24, 2009, 11:12:07 PM

Would it a good thing to  put in the Tutorials so we can point to there when it comes up again?

Bruce

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: David Rase on January 25, 2009, 12:43:05 AM

All I have to say about this topic is "The eye don't lie".
DMR

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Stophel on January 25, 2009, 08:51:11 PM

AAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: jerrywh on January 25, 2009, 09:21:22 PM

The trouble lies in the fact that everybody's opinion of perfect is different. It also changes with age.

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: northwoodsdave on January 25, 2009, 11:11:55 PM

I use the golden mean because I am a good technician, but not a great artist.  It's a pretty straightforward way to acheive a nice balance that is pleasing to the eye.  And it is easy for us "non-artsy" types to utilize.

David L

 

Title: Re: Golden Mean
Post by: Metalshaper on January 26, 2009, 03:35:23 AM

Golden Mean??

I just use the T.L.A.R. system!!  Yep, " That Looks About Right!!"  :D

Respect Always
Metalshaper