What You Need to Know About Drafting and Drawing Tables
A Guide for Choosing a Drafting or Drawing Table
Successful creative projects require that you have a sufficient amount of space to work. While you can technically paint or draw anywhere you have a reasonably flat surface, drafting and
drawing tables give you more room and stability, especially for bigger projects. The better your tools, the easier it is to get high-quality results. Here is your guide for picking the table that best suits your needs.
Drawing and Drafting Tables
Having the right tool makes creative work more efficient. The feature that all drawing and
drafting tables have in common is a smooth, flat surface to work on. There are many variations, though, that allow you to choose the exact workspace you need for the type of projects you typically do.
Drafting Tables
A drafting table is basically a customizable desk for creative projects. Rather than buying generic furniture for your office or job site and figuring out how to make it work, you can adjust the piece itself to fit your needs. The versatility of the available selections allows you to make your workspace more useful.
Types of Drafting Tables
Before you purchase a drafting table, you should take into account both the precision needed on your projects and the way you prefer to work. There are two main types of
drafting tables:
- Adjustable drafting table - Many professionals, particularly those who occasionally work in teams or outside their main offices, choose an adjustable drafting table. You can change the height and angle of the work surface, allowing for both standing and seated work. An adjustable table also accommodates multiple users more effectively.
- Fixed drafting table - The main benefit of a fixed table is stability. You don't have to worry about your project shifting around; everything stays right where you put it. As long as you make sure it's the right height when you buy it, a fixed table can be just as handy as an adjustable one.
Drawing Tables
There aren't many differences between a drawing and a drafting table other than the purpose for which you are using it. The key component that typically sets
drawing tables apart is a ledge on the side that you can use to stabilize T-squares. They may also be smaller than
drafting tables, which is helpful if you need one that is portable or if you are working in a smaller space.
Drawing and Drafting Table Categories
The specific components of
art and drafting tables are as varied as the people who use them and the projects they create. It's just as cumbersome to have features you don't need as it is to have to find a suitable substitute for a component you're lacking. The key is finding the perfect table to begin with. Before you purchase your table, there are several factors to consider so that you can narrow your search to the correct category.
Professional
For long-term use, you want a professional drawing or drafting table. This piece features sturdy construction with heavy-gauge steel reinforcements. While these tables tend to be more costly, they are durable, giving you a work surface that is typically scratch-resistant to foster both smooth applications and long-lasting beauty.
Glass Top
Glass provides a superior work surface for sketching or drawing, and it also more readily facilitates the use of certain lighting options. The sleek appearance of a glass table is ideal for open office spaces where form is just as important as function. If you frequently use your table when giving presentations, you will appreciate the aesthetic advantage of a glass top.
Portable/Folding
A portable table is a fantastic choice for the art student or architect on the move. When your work surface has a handle, you can turn any fixed object at the building site into an impromptu table base. Alternatively, you can select a table with its own collapsable base that folds up for easy transport to class or the studio. As an added bonus, portable tables can be folded and stored so that they're out of the way when you're not working.
Small
Another option for those with limited work space is a smaller model. Small
drawing tables work best for students doing most of their work in their residence halls or those who don't want to take up too much valuable office space.
Wood
A wood table is a beautiful and durable investment. It provides superior stability, and it can feature either a wood surface to match the base or another surface that works better for your projects. Most models made of wood are a fixed height, so you want to make sure you specify the specific size you need before you buy.
Artist
One of the most versatile tables you can buy is one specifically designed for artists. You can adjust it to accommodate your stance when you're drawing and then make the incline sharper when you need to paint. Artist tables often come equipped with storage for convenient access to supplies as well as a lamp or space to attach one for projects where more focused lighting is necessary. If you are stocking a classroom, bulk pricing discounts may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Uses Drafting and Drawing Tables?
Architects, fashion designers, interior designers and cartographers are the professions you probably think of first when you imagine someone standing at a drafting table. Anyone who needs a designated drawing or painting space may find it useful, though. Artists use drawing tables, particularly for larger projects, and theater designers and filmmakers often utilize them to plan set blocking.
What Is the Ideal Angle for a Drawing or Drafting Table?
A drawing or drafting table is typically angled anywhere from 0 to 45 degrees. A smaller angle provides more stability, making your project less likely to slide around while you're working on it. If you are working long hours, however, a larger angle may be more appropriate, allowing you to get the precision you need without having to spend extended periods in a bent position to see your work. Many people choose an adjustable table so that the angle can be changed as needed with different projects.
How Tall Should Your Drafting or Drawing Table Be?
The necessary height of a workspace is unique to the person using it. It also depends on whether you work primarily in a standing or sitting position. A standing desk should allow you to work comfortably with minimal strain on your back and shoulders. Unless you plan to work in the same position all the time, it's a good idea to buy a table with an adjustable height feature.
What Other Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Right Table?
When you are choosing something as important as the main piece where you will do most of your work, you want to make sure it meets all your needs. There are several factors to consider:
- The size of the space where you will use it
- How big a surface you need
- The right material for the drawing surface
- The frame material
- Storage capabilities
- Required lighting
If your work includes a lot of tracing, a light table is a good feature to consider. It helps you increase your precision when creating blueprints or other projects that involve overlays.
What Other Items Do You Need To Complete Your Drafting or Drawing Space?
No matter what you need for your drawing or drafting space, there is a table that comes with that feature. If you need the table to be portable or stored away when not in use, though, some features may not be practical. In this case, as long as you have the right external lighting, seating and storage, you can opt for a simpler table design for more versatility.
No matter what kind of projects you take on, finding the right tools can help you be more successful. Engineer Supply offers a
wide selection of affordable
art and drafting tables to accommodate any conceivable need.
Best Drafting Tables
The Studio Design Vision is a two-piece table. The desk boasts a glass top made of tempered blue safety glass, allowing you an easy and safe experience no matter how much pressure you apply while making your lines. The frame of the table is made from powder coated steel of a heavy guage, meaning the desk is durable and sturdy. The table also features a number of removable trays for any supplies you might need to have handy while working on a piece.
A flat table is far from preferable when it comes to drawing or drafting. In fact, professionals know that the best kind of desk is one that has a tilted surface. The Safco 3965MO is an adjustable station that allows you full control over the angle at which the top sits. This makes it much easier to tackle complicated drawings where you need to make lines that would otherwise be putting your body through difficult positions. Give your muscles a break with a split-level desk that boasts a strong frame and design.
The Avanta is another excellent option produced by Studios Designs. The contemporary drafting desk boasts a sleek look that doesn’t sacrifice function for style. The glass top of the desk is both strong and adjustable, allowing you the comfort of changing the angle to suit whatever project you’re currently taking on. The desk also features convenient storage, meaning you won’t need to constantly get up and down to grab the supplies you require.
Some features can be invaluable when it comes to drafting. The Triflex by Studio Designs boasts a design that allows you a perfect way to maximize comfort and productivity. The simple table can be adjusted up to 22 degrees in a standing position, providing you with a full range of movement. A versatile and innovative option for those in the field of drawing.
Anyone interested in adding a unique piece to their homes or offices should consider the Ponderosa. Another classic design by Studio Designs, this drafting option has a classic look that can easily blend in with modern settings. The wood frame gives the desk a one-of-a-kind feel without cutting back on durability or usefulness. The table can be adjusted easily into 8 different positions, providing you with a number of angles to use to your advantage.
Some environments invoke a classic feel, meaning the furniture placed within the room should match the style. If you want to create an air of sophistication with your drawing table, then consider the Studio Designs Vintage. Not only will this beautiful desk look fantastic in your home or office, it also offers ample workspace and a durable frame constructed of both wood and metal.
Stability is important for those who spend long hours drawing. Should your desk wobble while making a vital mark on blueprints, for example, it could lead to some major disasters on an engineering front. Thankfully, you won’t need to worry about this with the Fusion by Studio Designs. This model offers floor levelers that increases stability and ensures you will not be making simple mistakes due to a faulty piece of furniture.
The Graphix II Pro Line by Studio Designs is another desk that is designed to meet the unique needs of engineers, architects, and artists. The desk offers visual appeal, with a wide surface that can be adjusted to whatever angle the user requires. Additionally, the frame is made from heavy-gauge steel, which means the desk will be able to endure whatever you throw at it. In addition to having control over the angle of the surface, you can also adjust the height to meet your preferences.
Sometimes, the best option is the one that is the most simple. When you opt for the Futur-Matic by Mayline, you’re getting a quality piece of furniture that is made to make your life easier. The design of the table is both durable and adjustable, meaning you will have no trouble changing the height and slant of the desk without difficulty. From design to function, the Futur-Matic provides a straightforward and effective way of getting down to business without pause.
A desk needs to do more than simple look good in your space. It should also aid in increasing your productivity. The Safco Precision is such an option, allowing you to take advantage of a piece with a traditional style and modern features. Stay organized and motivated with a design that helps you with everything from storage to durability. The table can also be adjusted to meet your requirements, providing you with plenty of positions to work with.
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