Drafting Table: The Contemporary Drawing Table

If the architects were to choose between the computer generated drafting and the plain old pen and pencil drafting, most of them will probably choose the latter. The drafting table is the architect’s workplace; his/her shrine. Even with the recent advancements in technology which have totally eased up the process of drafting, many people still hold onto the conventional drafting table methods.

The drafted tables are generally supported by steel structures. The steel table has the advantage over the oak wood table as it is more portable and gives the same strength. The top surface of the table consists of a layer of fiberboard that is tightly packed. This layer is then laminated by formica sheets to give it a glazed feel. Screws are used to attach the top surface to the metallic frame and if the table requires to be transported the screwed top surface can very easily be unscrewed.

The steel frame comes with the advantage that it allows mechanical linkages to be incorporated in the structure of the table. This way the user can control both height and the angle that the surface makes with the frame. Generally, a foot paddle is employed to hold the clutch that determines the position of the surface board. A counterweight, that has lead in it to make it heavy, is installed to prevent the table from springing to an upright position if the foot is lifted off the pedal accidentaly. To keep this safety application functioning, proper care of the linkages and the clutches of the table need to be taken.

A board cover, which is a thin vinyl covering, is used to cover the top surface. This gives the table top the required smooth feel. This way is also of assistance in the pen and paper drafting as it provides a suitable surface. The vinyl sheet prevents the pointy compasses and the dividers from damaging the surface of the wooden board underneath. The board should be regularly cleaned. This is to avert the accumulation of graphite. The graphite makes the new images on paper look unclean. The pencils, used for drafting, are held by a strip of aluminum attached to the bottom of the table to form a tray. Some of the tables have other functioning trays attached to them which can hold the pencils and pens and other stationery items even when the top surface is being adjusted.

Parallel rule is important drafting equipment. Sometimes they are found attached to the table. The parallel rules run parallel to the top side of the table top and are calibrated to help the draftsman in measurements. The parallel rule is so attached that it can be adjusted along the length of the table. These days, with the help of only a few adjustments, simple projectors can be turned into multi-touch tables. This only requires a trip to your hardware store.

The price of most tables starts from around US $120 and may go up to $500. Some of these tables have adjustments that run with a push button. Motors are used in such tables. However, this greatly reduces the portability of the table. Though, these are just as strong as any of the other types.