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The Sculptors Lexicon

Pantografo a palpatore

A mechanically guided reproducing machine that follows a full-scale model with a sensing point while a corresponding cutter removes marble.

Short Definition

A mechanical copying machine that traces a model while cutting the corresponding form in marble.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Language Origin

Italian

Pronunciation

pahn-TOH-grah-foh ah pahl-pah-TOH-reh

Categories

EducationItalian TermsMethodsStone CarvingTools

Pantografo a palpatore is a mechanically controlled reproducing machine. According to Le voci del marmo, one point reads or follows the full-scale model while another works the marble, reproducing the sensed form.

Etymology

Italian: pantografo, “pantograph,” + palpatore, “feeler or sensing follower.”

Sculptor Notes

This machine sits historically between manual pointing and fully digital CNC reproduction. It mechanizes the relationship between model and copy while still depending on a physical model as the master.

References

https://levocidelmarmo.sns.it/scheda_oggetti_relazione.php?denom=pantografo+a+palpatore&id=50