Drafting by hand is an established practice that’s still being done today — even after many other industries have moved to a digital system. While there are many uses for electronic plans, there is an art to making designs by hand. Like writers who swear by making hand-written first drafts, hand-drawing designs helps architects and engineers to think about what they’re doing. There are a variety of tools that can be used for drafting by hand, and one of them is a scale. The triangular version is still popular among architects and engineers, and you can find them in both standard and metric versions. They’re easy to read, and you can carry them wherever you go. An architectural scale will use a 1/4” - 1’-0” or a 1/8” = 1’-0” scale, but an engineering scale will use 1:20, 1:50, or 1:100 ratio.
If a drawing or map isn’t properly scaled, you'll run into a problem if you try to measure. So, you need to determine the scale of the drawing or map before you use this tool. You might even be tempted to call it a “ruler” because of its similarity in design, but a drafting instructor will tell you to call it a “drafting scale” instead. There are all kinds of drafting tools to choose from, and a scale is one of the most necessary items for drafting by hand. Feel free to look at what we have at Engineering Supply. We know you’ll find a scale that's right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Are Engineering Scales Read?
An engineering scale is always read from left to right, and will usually have roughly six different scale systems labeled on it so that the user can utilize a range of different factors for conversion. In order to use this scale to the fullest, you must be able to understand how to interpret the blueprints or drawing to a scale that makes sense with the device.
Is There a Difference Between an Engineering Scale and Architectural Scale?
There are several differences between an architectural scale and an engineering scale. While both look very similar, an architectural scale is more often used when a professional needs to use fractional scaling in his or her work. Similarly, the engineering scale offers a precise reading based around a system of decimal scaling.
How Many Scales Can an Architectural Scale Measure?
The main purpose of an architectural scale is to obtain the exact scale measurements from the blueprints or drawing of a structure. Depending on the exact model, the device is able to read roughly 11 scales on either a three-sided or four-sided scale.
What Are Some Common Drafting Tools?
Drafting tools usually include an array of mechanical drawing tools. While a scale is always a useful device, additional equipment to invest in include a compass, dividers, trimmers, cutting tools, and a drafting scale. Pencils, erasers, and a t-square are also essential items to have on hand when you are involved in drafting.
What Are Common Types of Architectural Scales?
There are many different scales to work from when you are involved in drafting. Some of the more common scales include 1:1 when an architect or engineer is doing a mockup for a client, 1:10 for more in-depth selections of a structure, and 1:20 for the most commonly scaled parts of a building.