Different Drafting Tools

Drafting may refer to the general craft of technical drawing or a technical drawing discipline such as architectural or electrical drawing. A technical drawing, or draft, is in a standardized form that can be interpreted in only one way, as it is intended to clearly communicate specifications to transform an idea into a physical construct. In order to meet technical drawing standards, drafters use specialized tools to create a drawing conforming to conventions for line thickness, text size and symbols, among other attributes.

Drafting Tables

A standard drafting table.

While many modern technical drawers use computer aided drafting to construct a drawing, some designers choose to use pencil and paper drawings created on a drafting table. Most drafting table frames are constructed out of lightweight steel for strength and portability. The surface board, usually topped with vinyl, can be clamped into a desirable inclined angle. A strip of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, may be attached to the bottom of the board and act as a rest for drafting pencils.

Parallel Straightedges

A plasic parallel straightedge with protractor.

A parallel straightedge, or parallel ruler, is a drafting tool used to draw precise parallel lines. Parallel straightedges are commonly constructed with two clear plastic straightedges joined together by two swiveling aluminum arms. This allows the two straightedges to move closer or further apart while remaining parallel to each other.

T-Squares

A metal and a wooden T-square.

A T-square is a tool used by drafters to aid them in drawing accurate horizontal or diagonal lines. They come in varying lengths in 6-inch intervals, from 18 to 42 inches. The name comes from the shape of the tool with a T-shaped head on one end of a long horizontal blade with clear plastic edges.

Drafting Machines

A common drafting machine.

A drafting machine is a metal device that attaches to a drawing board and consists of a drawing board connector clamp, a swiveling arm and a protractor head. The protractor head is made up of two scales mounted on an articulated protractor that is capable of rotating freely across the drawing board's surface. The drafting machine allows the drafter to perform such tasks as drawing parallel or perpendicular lines, drawing lines at specific angles and measuring angles. Maneuvers that otherwise be much more complex if attempted with a straight ruler and protractor.