Also called a drawing table or drafting table, a drawing board is a kind of multipurpose desk that can be used for any kind of drawing, writing, or sketching on a large piece of paper. It can also be used to read a large-format book or some other oversized document as well as for drafting precise technical illustrations (such as engineering or architectural drawings). It used to be a common accessory to a pedestal desk or private library, especially during the pre-industrial and early industrial eras. Now, engineers and draftsmen will use a drafting board for making and modifying hand drawings with ink or pencil. They will also use different drafting supplies to draw precise elements (such as parallel, perpendicular, or oblique lines).
Here are five of the best drafting boards on the market.
This drawing board has a 24” x 36” workspace with an adjustable-height stand underneath, which will allow you to adjust to five different angle positions (from flat to up to a 30-degree angle). It also comes with a parallel drawing bar, a carrying handle, and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The drafting board is perfect for CAD, GIS, engineering, textile, and apparel applications. It’s a great choice for design professionals who need to use large-format digitizers and graphic tablets. It also has an integrated USB and RS-232 Serial connections. When it’s connected via USB, a power supply isn’t necessary (which can simplify setup and operation).
This drawing board uses the same Advanced Function Technology that has been the world standard for performance. It’s built with a state-of-the-art positioning grid that will give you the utmost in reliability, performance, and quality. Many accuracy versions are available to match specific system requirements, and an integrated mounting channel will allow you to use a variety of accessories (such as a pen tray) that can be mounted quickly and easily.
This drawing board can be useful for anyone who uses CAD and GIS applications. It’s also perfect for people who work in the engineering, textile, and apparel industries. It’s great for professionals who use large-format digitizers and graphic tablets. It also features integrated USB and RS-232 Serial connections. When it’s connected to a USB port, you won’t need to use a power supply (which makes setup and operation much simpler).
This drafting table uses the same Advanced Function Technology that has become a global standard for performance. And like many of these high-performance tools, it has a state-of-the-art positioning grid that will maximize reliability, performance, and quality. It even has many different accuracy versions to match specific system requirements and an integrated mounting channel that will allow you to use certain accessories (such as a pen tray) that can be mounted in a quick and easy manner.
For people who need to use CAD and GIS applications, this drafting board is the perfect choice. It’s even great for people who work in the textile and apparel industries. Design professionals who use large-format digitizers and graphic tablets will find this drawing board useful. It even has integrated USB and RS-232 Serial connections. When you connect it to a USB port, you won’t need to use a power supply. This will make it easier to set it up and operate.
The digitizers included with this drafting board use the same Advanced Function Technology that has been the standard for performance because they’re engineered with a sophisticated positioning grid that will ensure reliability, performance, and quality. There are also multiple accuracy versions that can match specific system requirements and an integrated mounting channel that will allow you to use different accessories (such as a pen tray) that can be easily mounted.
This drafting board has a 23” x 31” workspace and has an adjustable-height stand underneath, which will allow you to adjust it into a five different angle positions (from flat to up to a 30-degree angle). It also includes a parallel drawing bar, a carrying handle, and one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a drafting board used for?
Also called a “
drawing board,” a drafting board is a multipurpose desk that can provide a stable surface for any of the following applications:
- Sketching
- Inking
- Drawing
- Technical drawing
This kind of table is often used at an angle with clips that will hold the paper in place.
What is the difference between a drawing table and a drawing board?
A
drawing board has a simple parallel motion system that comes with a horizontal ruler, which glides up or down the board surface. It’s better suited for architects, artists, and students. And while the horizontal ruler is often used with set squares and protractors, it can be used in a number of applications. A drafting table has a built-in drafting head that’s fully adjustable and can be set at any angle or position on the board surface. It’s also great for precision work, which is ideal for engineers and designers who do complex technical drawings.
What are the advantages of using a drawing board?
A drawing or drafting board can have several advantages, which can include but may not be limited to:
- Can provide a large surface area to work on, which can allow you to work on plans and drawings in one shot instead of having to do them in sections.
- Will hold the document you’re working on in one place, which can reduce your chance of slippage.
- Can provide a rigid surface on which to draw, so you can produce them at a higher standard and with less chance for slippage.
- Can give you a better finished product, because the material you’re drawing on will be smooth enough (which won’t affect your pencil’s movement).
- You can get into a great position with which you feel comfortable to do your drawings.
- Allows you to maneuver the board and your work, so you can get the best access and results that you wouldn’t be able to do on any other desk.
- The ability to work in different positions, which can eliminate neck and back problems that can come from long periods of slouching or bending over.
It can also give your office (or wherever you choose to work) a more professional look, compared to having a standard desk. It will also give the right impression if you're drawing for professional purposes.
What kind of supplies are used in drafting?
Like any kind of art form, you can start with a minimal number of drafting supplies. But if you want to rise to a professional level, you will need to have the right tools. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
- A ruler, compass, and protractor.
- Pencils.
- Artist-quality erasers.
- A drafting table that can secure the project and support it while you’re working.
Some people prefer to use mechanical pencils because they don’t become dull as they’re used, but other people swear by classic wood and graphite tools. So, be sure to try out both for yourself.
How do I take care of my drafting supplies?
Drafting supplies have a lot of intricate and small pieces that need to be properly maintained if you want to them to work correctly. Organizing and storing these items can keep them in good shape. With some patience and a good routine, your tools will last for a long time.
To clean your drafting tools, you will need the following:
- Gentle cleaner
- Cleaning cloth
- Rubber bands
- Drafting tube
- Organizer tray
- File folder
- Card stock
- Plastic pouches
- Art bin storage box
Lay out all your drafting supplies into piles of like items. And using the cleaner, spray the cloth you will use to wipe off any residue. Rub out any black marks off the erasers on a clean piece of paper until the smudges have disappeared. Run your hands through your drafting brush to remove any loose debris, and wipe it down with a cleaning cloth to remove any residue from the handle. You can also use the cleaning cloth to wipe off your compass.
If you’re looking for a drafting board or any other drafting supplies, be sure to look at what we have at
Engineer Supply.
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