Drafting Materials and Their Proper Maintenance | SteemPh.Cebu's 5th Art Guide

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An architect's most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board, and a wrecking bar at the site. Frank Lloyd Wright

Drafting is the act and discipline of composing drawings that visually communicate how something functions or is constructed. Similar with drawing / sketch, it has several things to be used. Drafting tools, materials, and equipment are the best friends of the architects. For our 5th Art Guide, we will tackle the different kinds of drafting materials and their proper maintenance. Well, some of them are commonly used and are familiar already.

Drafting Materials

Without the drafting tools, materials, and equipment, it will take you a long time or it is very impossible to finish a work. The following are the basic tools and materials used in drafting.

Drafting Table and Stand. It is a special table with a slanted surface that can be adjusted based on the desired angle. It is higher than an ordinary writing table because some drawings, like mechanical drawing, are usually done while the draftsman is standing.

T-square. Guides in drawing parallel horizontal lines.
Triangle. Draws perfect 90, 60, 45, and 30 degree angles.
Triangular Scale. This guides horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines.
Compass. Draws large arcs and circles in pencil or pen point.
Divider. Used to equally divide a line or space by trial and error.
Protactor. It is a semicircular tool used to measure or layout angle/arc.
French Curve. It is used as a guide in drawing irregular curved lines.
Erasing Shield. Used to erase ink, pencil lines, and blots located in space.
Pencil Sharpener. As the name suggests, it sharpens pencils.
Sandpaper Pad. Makes pencil points conical and long without breaking.
Pencil. Consists of thick graphite used for writing and drawing.
Drafting Paper. A thick paper specifically for drafting and sketching.
Pencil Eraser. Used to remove unwanted lines and marks in drawing.
Drafting Tape. It secures the drawing paper on the table.

Proper Care and Maintenance

It is essential to take proper care of the drafting tools, materials, and equipment. Below are some tips to properly use and take care of them.

1. Avoid dropping your tools and equipment.
2. Never use measuring tools in cutting paper.
3. Wipe off the surface and edges of triangles and T-squares.
4. Sharpen and store your pencils properly after use.
5. Find or create and organizer where you can hang your measuring tools.
6. Have a separate container for making tools.
7. Keep your drawing sheets in a plastic tube to protect them from a dust and dirt.
8. Never lend or borrow drafting tools and materials if may.

For our Art of the Week, let us take a look back of @toyosiartdiy 's amazing drawing of "The Gaze"

'till next time!
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