How to Use a Drafting Table

Most drafting tables have adjustment mechanisms found on the legs of the table to ergonomically adjust the height of the work surface specific to a person's height. Drafting tables offer a large drawing surface and a table top that tilts to a comfortable working angle. Straight lines can be drawn with the help of a T-square or an adjustable parallel bar that comes attached to some drafting tables.

Instructions

1

Locate the turning knobs on the front legs or base of the drafting table. Unscrew them until they allow the steel inserts of the legs to be lifted upward.

2

Taking hold of the drawing surface, lift it upward until a comfortable drawing height is achieved. Sit in the chair you will be using to draft to allow a good reference point. Screw the knobs back tightly into a locked position when desired height is achieved.

3

Locate the angle adjusting mechanism on the table. On some tables it will be a set of knobs on the top of the back legs. High-end drafting tables may have a surface which automatically tilts out when the back portion is lifted and stays in place by resting into pre-made grooves.

4

Unscrew the knobs on the back legs of the table until it allows the drawing surface to be tilted at an angle. Tilt the top of the table to a comfortable angle and screw the knobs back in until the tabletop is locked in place.

5

Tape down the corners of the paper to the drafting surface using drafting dots or drafting tape.

6

To test the chosen table height and angle, draw a few test lines using a T-square. Place the "T" portion of the T-square against the left side of the table if right-handed or against the right side of the table if left-handed. Using the pencil, draw a few parallel lines to make sure the table is positioned comfortably.

7

When using a drafting table with a parallel bar attached, a T-square is not necessary. On each side of the parallel bar, there are round screws which may be loosened and tightened. Loosening these knobs allows the parallel bar to be moved up or down. Tightening the screws locks the parallel bar in place. When drawing with a parallel bar, use it as a straight edge to draw horizontal lines with a pencil.