 Image courtesy of One Earth Press . Karlsen's Stand for the Calcite. "The table stands 4-1/2 inches above the lazy-susan base.The thickness of the table is 3/4". The octagonal mirror fastened under the table is 4" diameter. It is set slightly off center. It makes it easier to see the reflected image of the crystal when it is off center. The hole in the center of the table is made to measure from the stone. Leif's stone is 2-1/2" x 2- 3/4". This size opening was carved into the surface of the table for a depth of about 1/2". Then the opening decreased in size to 2" x 2 -1/4" and continues through the table. This lip allows the crystal to sit firmly in place while rotating the base to get the bearing. Also prevents the stone from falling and breaking. The dimensions of the table top may vary, just so it is larger than the crystal, and can straddle the mirror. Leif found a wooden disk 11" diameter to use as the base. He attached a lazy-susan device to the bottom that he bought at a hardware store. He used soft wood for the table for easy carving. He used 5/16"dowels for the legs. Smaller dowels tend to twist and bend. These were the smallest that worked for him. The legs are set into drilled holes in the table top and base, but not glued. This stand can be disassembled for easy transport." (June Karlsen, personal communication).  Click to Enlarge (see section on calcite optics) For an overview of Karlsen's method see his article on Viking Navigation (pdf file, 1.76 MB). For much more detail, read more in Leif K. Karlsen's book "Secrets of the Viking Navigators." | |