Lesson 1: Drafting Equipment – Tools And Materials
Drawing Board
A proper drawing board supplies a very smooth and flat drawing surface. Some people prefer to use an actual drafting table for this process rather than a board that can be laid across any table. This basic drafting system requires an accurate table and constant attention to the positioning of the tools. The starting point for a drafters work station is the drafting board (fig – 1). These are equipped with legs to stand on the floor. Those without legs are designed to sit on a table. In either case the board should be stable and strong since it will be heavily used. Some models include features like adjustable top, drawers, foot rest, pencil catch at the bottom etc. The person either stands or sits and does the drawings.
Fig. 1 Different models of drafting boards
Drawing boards are manufactured in a variety of sizes from selected light weight seasoned woods or metals. The surface is preferably light coloured with a smooth surface which is slightly resilient upon which the drafting sheet is fixed. A piece of heavy paper or special vinyl board cover may be used as backing to protect its surface. The vinyl surface is easy to clean. The drawing sheet is fixed on the board with a backing sheet or to a stand. A right – handed drafter will use the left edge of the board as the working edge while a left – handed drafter uses the right edge. The working edge should be checked periodically for straightness. A good drawing / drafting board should have ebony edge on the sides for the free movement of the T-Square and battens on rear side to allow seasonal expansion.
Drawing boards are available in various sizes as Half Imperial – 56 X 38 Cms Imperial - 76 X 56 Cms Double Imperial - 100 X 76 Cms
Line up one of the horizontal lines on your drawing with the edge of the horizontal slider on your board.
Tape all four corners of the paper down so that it won't wiggle or move while you draw.
White, smooth a thick translucent paper sheets or plastic sheets are used on the drafting board to provide a smooth surface and help lines visible while tracking.
Participants