Industrial Arts Design / A Textbook of Practical Methods for Students, Teachers, and Craftsmen

by William H. Varnum

Plate 18

Tangential Junctions

The points of tangency, in [Figure 54], become a decorative feature of the design. The handles in the parts of the fire set, [Figures 48] and [49], offer different problems. It is difficult to analyze the latter figures to determine the appendages as they are in such thorough unity with the handles and are practically subdivisions of the primary mass. But referring to the rule stating the fact that the appendages are subordinated to and attached to the primary mass, it may justly be stated that the shovel portion of the design may legitimately be classed as an appendage. This will explain the need of a curve at the junction points and the feature of the decorative twists in [Figure 49]. Both designs may be analyzed into three horizontal divisions.

Andiron Design

The andirons, [Figures 50] to [53], illustrate interesting transitions in wrought iron from the primary mass to the appendage. The vertical shaft of wrought iron has been treated as a primary mass while the feet may be classed as appendages. In [Figure 50] we have an example of a frankly square junction point. [Figure 51] discloses a weld with rounded corners, forming a more pleasing junction than does the abrupt angle of [Figure 50]. This conforms to Rule 4b. The appendage legs echo or repeat the vertical lines of the primary mass and there is consequently a sense of unity between them.

In [Figure 52] the appendage foot is curved, and the primary mass has a similar curve on the top of the vertical column to apply Rule 4c to repeat the curve. The small links at X indicate an attempt to make the junction point more pleasing to the eye, but the link is too large to accomplish the desired result successfully. In [Figure 53] the links have been materially reduced in size and in the amount of curvature. In this example the eye goes unhampered from appendage to primary or back again, without perceptible interruption and the unity of the mass, seriously threatened in [Figure 52], is restored in [Figure 53].

In [Figure 46] there is an example of a link becoming large enough to be classed as an appendage connecting two primary masses, e.g., the lantern and the wall. Under these conditions, one end of the appendage harmonizes with the lantern and the other end with the wall. [Figure 47] shows a cast brass candlestick which is an excellent example, from the Studio, of tangential junction.

Influence of Tools and Materials

Clay may readily stand as the most adaptable material for appendages, with metal ranking second, and wood third. The grain of wood seems to interfere with the tangential junction of the appendage and primary mass. Appendages of wood are, however, quite necessary at times. Their use is merely a matter of lessening the contrast of conflicting lines in an addition of this nature.

The band and bracket saws are required in many instances to construct the connecting link between opposing masses of wood. Hand building or casting is the means used to construct the appendages in plastic materials. Appendages in cement are seen in the uprights for cement seats and are generally translated into the primary mass by means of mouldings or curves.