6" Pencil Compass

This is a really nice compass with an area to attach a pencil. I got this for leather working and it works perfectly for that. It can be used for anything else of course. It's very well built, easy to use and to install the pencil with very high accuracy. The compass can open up to draw a surprisingly large circle and can also make small circles so it's very flexible in its use. This is a very useful and high quality compass for the cost. I would recommend it and would buy it again.

The spring loading on the arm is great. Once you adjust to the desired diameter, there is no movement or drift as you trace out your circle. I also really liked that the compass came with a little, rubber protective sheath for the compass tips.

I initially bought my daughter a compass from Walmart, it was very low quality and she complained that it wobbled and the lead had to be sharpen. I found this compass and it seems like a good fit for her. it is steady and uses pencils that she can sharpen easily. The compass came in a thick plastic bag and is covered in oil when I got it. I was a little disappointed because it doesn't have a finished coating to prevent it from rusting. And the oil is messy. So I took 1 star off. I wiped off all the oil and gave it to my daughter. She said it works so we will see. If it rusts, I will update my review and rating accordingly. BTW, the two legs are also very sharp, so be careful.

Good tool, works well

A little oily, but sturdy and well made

arrived as advertised

As far as a compass works for drawing circles, I am sure that this would work fine in a classroom. However, I would not take this outside of a bookbag. I purchased this for navigational use, so it lived in my mapcase. Within six months of outdoor use, without any abuse by taking it swimming or washing it in a dishwasher, it is completely covered in rust. The product description says that this is made of metal. Which it is. Either raw iron, or more than likely a cheap tool steel alloy. The pencil holder appears to be made out of aluminum, because it is not magnetic, but tack welded onto the arm. My plan is to remove the rust, and then either blue the steel by making it cherry red and then quenching it in oil, or I will take the time to prime and paint it. TLDR: Who is dumb enough to manufacture a tool out of non-stainless steel and not make any attempt at rust proofing?

Works as advertised. Nice thumb wheel adjustment and heavy weight.