Drafting Table

A drafting table assists a person who is

drafting by positioning the work at an angle
that makes it easier to see and work on. The
table tilts to various angles depending on the
preference of the drafter and the task at
hand. Drafting table styles include tables
designed for use with computers, split top
tables where part of the table tilts and the
other part remains flat to provide easy access
to other tools or drawings. Lighted tables
provide back lighting that makes drawings
very clear and easy to see.

Drawing Tools
Drafters need pencils that leave
clean and precise lines. The graphite in
drafters' pencils ranges from much
softer to much harder than regular
pencils. Each grade has a specific
purpose. Harder pencils draw very thin
dark lines and are used for things such
as dimension lines and lettering. Softer,
more blunt pencils draw wider lines and
mark things such as walls or borders. In
addition to pencils, drafters use
templates to guarantee perfect and
consistent lettering and figures.
 Measuring Tools
Drafters use a wide
variety of measuring
tools in addition to tapes
and rulers. A compass
and protractor help the
drafter precisely measure
angles and calculate and
draw arcs, circles and
curved lines. T-squares
help drafters draw
straight lines and help
identify when a line is vertical. Everything a drafter does has to have
exact measurements, so drawing everything in proper proportion to
other lines is critical. Scales help a drafter keep the proportions
accurate. An engineer's scale is marked so that one inch represents
many feet and are used to draw roads and sewer systems and details in
other very large projects. Architect's scales measure in smaller scale,
with one inch representing just a few feet.

Computers
The first computer
aided drafting occurred in
the 1960s. Since then, new
technology has completely
changed the concept of
computer assisted drafting.
The first programs directed
a computer to automatically
draw perfectly straight lines
and do the necessary
calculations to determine
angles and other measurements to create a computer-generated version
of the traditional two dimensional blueprint.
Drafting
Tools

Lark Lester Tapaoan

 Drafting Materials

Without the drafting tools, materials, and equipment, it will take you a long time
or it is very impossible to finish a work. The following are the basic tools and
materials used in drafting.

Drafting Table and Stand. It is a special table with a

slanted surface that can be adjusted based on the desired
angle. It is higher than an ordinary writing table because
some drawings, like mechanical drawing, are usually done
while the draftsman is standing.

T-square. Guides in drawing parallel horizontal lines.

Triangle. Draws perfect 90, 60, 45, and 30 degree angles.

Triangular Scale. This guides horizontal,

vertical and diagonal lines.

Compass. Draws large arcs and circles in pencil or pen point.

Divider. Used to equally divide a line or space by trial and

error.
 Protactor. It is a semicircular tool used to measure
or layout angle/arc.

French Curve. It is used as a guide in drawing

irregular curved lines.

Erasing Shield. Used to erase ink, pencil lines, and

blots located in space.

Pencil Sharpener. As the name suggests, it sharpens

pencils.

Sandpaper Pad. Makes pencil points conical and

long without breaking.

Pencil. Consists of thick graphite used for

writing and drawing.
 Drafting Paper. A thick paper specifically for
drafting and sketching.

Pencil Eraser. Used to remove unwanted

lines and marks in drawing.

Drafting Tape. It secures the drawing paper on

the table.
Drafting
Materials

Lark Lester Tapaoan