This appeared back in mid-90's in the British Sundial Society journal - probably it's the same article which F.Maes referred to by J.Moir.
Regards Alexei Pace 35.8N 14.5E -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andrew James Sent: 01 December 2003 12:53 To: sundial@rrz.uni-koeln.de Subject: RE: Dial design An quick and easy way to make a helical dial for demonstration and experimental purposes is to take a wide strip of dressmaking elastic, with a whole twist, held on a frame which can be made for example by bending a wire coathanger. The hours can be marked in ink at equal intervals while it's flat. This isn't my own idea but I can't remember whose it was - so I offer apologies and credit wherever it is due. Regards Andrew James 51 04' N 1 18' W -