Tools Used for Drafting

Drafting is the process of drawing a blueprint or plan of a house or object. For many generations and still today, many drafters use the traditional paper and pencil method. Over the past several decades, computerized drafting software has become more popular, allowing drawings to be printed rather than drawn. Whether drafting by hand or by computer, the draftsperson requires a host of tools to complete their work.

Drafting Table

The drafting table is the main work area for a draftsperson. Drafting tables typically slant to allow for easier drawing. Tables can be simplistic, with simple a drawing area, or more mechanically complex with adjustable rulers. Mechanical tables use a series of joints or a sliding ruler to ensure that lines are parallel. A tray at the lower edge of the table holds other tools such as pencils or scales. More advanced tables also come equipped with lighting elements.

Drawing Tools

The main tool of the paper draftsperson is the pencil. Mechanical pencils that accept sticks of lead are commonly used by drafters. The lead comes in several different sizes and densities, providing different lines based on pressure. Softer leads create a thicker darker line, while harder leads require more pressure to produce the same line. Additional drawing tools include standard compasses and protractors, templates for shapes and triangular templates for creating angled lines.

Scales

Engineering and architectural scales are triangular measurement tools used by drafters to draw in a specific scale. Whether drawing architectural plans or mechanical blueprints, drawings are often in a different scale. For example, a house plan appears much smaller on paper, while a drawing of a screen is drawn larger than actual size to show additional detail. By matching the drawing scale to the value of the measurement scale, lines can be drawn without the need for additional calculations.

Drafting Software

Drafting software such as AutoCAD provides drafters with the ability to create blueprints and plans using a completely digital format. The software provides an array of tools including standard lines, shapes and common symbols of many types of drafting. Architectural plans can use a built-in library of common features like bathtubs and doors. Mechanical plans can include automatically generated parts lists and tolerance notes. Dimension notes resizing according to the changes on the drawing.