Golden Rule

[Art kraft]

Has any one out there used the golden rule as it would be applied to round forms. I see it on the lamination pro software but it doesn't list it in the help menu. I have always just turned until I liked the way it looked but would like to try applying phi.

[Malcolm Tibbetts]

Art, this is probably more that you want to know, but

http://www.goldennumber.net/

is a very extensive site dedicated to the "golden number", etc. Phi (1.618) or (.618) depending upon how you apply it, can be a very effective way to determine pleasing vessel proportions. Height versus diameter and position of the widest diameter are just two handy applications of this magical number.

[Dean Matthews]

I was trying to figure out how "Do unto others as you would have done unto you" applied to turning. =) I personally don't want to be put on a lathe, spun around really fast, and have sharp metal applied to me. =)

Wood Magazine had a thing on Fibonacci last year... they went over Phi in decent detail... I think it was a throw off from all the hype the DaVinci code was causing... in the book the main character has a discussion with his class about the "Golden Mean" and Phi.

[robert hainstock]

I have seen the application discussed on the history channel. and they mentioned pottery as an application. I personaly know one turner who tries to incorperate it in his works.
I just spin it and remove everything that doesn't look right. No help I guess, but the bestI can do.
Bob

[Curt Fuller]

There have been a lot of discussions about the golden rule, golden mean, rule of thirds, etc. What you said, "I have always just turned until I liked the way it looked" is probably as good a definition as any. There are some mathematical equations to calculate it, but in the end it boils down to what looks good to the human eye.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I agree with Curt. I had a gentleman who had been turning for about 40 yrs. told me the definition of the Golden Rule is: "There are no rules." Turn it till it looks good to your eye and it is done. He said I am no math wizard. Had to laugh but he is right. I turn till it is pleasing to my eye and put the finish on.

[Dennis Puskar]

I agree with Bernie. Amen.

Dennis

[RL Johnson]

I think Curt and Bernie have hit the nail on the head, it is a matter of perspective. If your piece sits high on a bookshelf for example, the golden mean will not be of much use.