The Origami Forum

Besides using Dr. Lang's Reference Finder, is there another way of finding reference points? I have always been curious about the methods used.

Reference Finder doesn't find reference points. You have to find the reference points and R.F. finds the method to get you there.

If your question is, "is there another way to find sequences to get to specific reference points", that's another thing, to which I might answer:

When you have a CP and you want to find a way to get to a specific point (or crease), fold all the usual halves, diagonals, thirds, quarters, 45 °, 30 °, etc, then take surrounding points (or creases) to any of those previous points. I don't know of any other way.

you can trace the cp onto tracing paper then fold around to find the references

In Joisel's book, I found it interesting that he used a ruler and "metallic point." Anyone know what a metallic point is? I'm not sure if it was a tool or scoring, or literally helping him with the fold.

It's a small tool which he used to mark creases by tracing lines where they were expected - think ball-pen without ink. Paper folds naturally where you've pressed the fiber with such a tool, allowing for very precise folds...

Wow I'd like to get my hands on one of those! Are there any brand names or a different name for it? Googling "metallic point" didn't really help me.

I use a wooden point, which is just as fine (except you have to sharpen it again once in a while), you can make it yourself or have a look at Nicolas's ultimate folding weapon

That ultimate folding weapon looks interesting ... like a wooden feather. Do these tools work only on certain types of paper? You would think you could almost any object that has a point to do this. What about a toothpick? I do have a lot of pens without ink as well

They are called embossing tools. Check this page for some examples: http://www.learningsea.info/product/Mer ... h-set.html

Amazon sells some for less than $3 http://www.amazon.com/Kemper-Double-Sty ... 04&sr=1-13

Ah, thank you Brimstone. I'll check out some local stores.

Wait, aren't these tools just for cardstock? I figured they would cut through regular origami paper ...

Look at the enlarged pictures, these things have a rounded tip and they shouldn't hurt the paper. Of course if you press too strongly, paper will be punched.

Ah yes, I was looking at a different item. Too bad I couldn't just use an old ballpoint pen I have laying around. I'll have to fork over tbe dough

Went and bought a tool yesterday, along with a nice metal ruler. Now I want to try to figure out how everyone here gets the ratio for models figured out. That way, I can cut my paper to the appropriate dimensions.

hobbestheprince wrote:Went and bought a tool yesterday, along with a nice metal ruler. Now I want to try to figure out how everyone here gets the ratio for models figured out. That way, I can cut my paper to the appropriate dimensions.

Good thing you bought it, you'll find it very useful.

Regarding the rest of your post, I didn't understand what you meant by ratio. Are you talking about a specific model? Is this ratio between the original side of the square and the extension of the finished model? Even so I don't understand your question.