Instruments Used in Technical Drawing
How can you start a technical drawing without tools? Check out the list of the drafting instruments that we prepared so that any time you want to try your hand at technical drawing, you have all the right equipment. The uses of the instruments are also noted down.
Drafting table
It is also referred to as the drawing board, drawing table, or the architect’s table. Basically, it is multipurpose desk that is intended for all sorts of technical drawing. It is a must for sketching on large sheets of paper or for drafting accurate technical representations. It is used hand in hand with other drafting instruments such as set squares, protractors, or compasses to form parallel, perpendicular, and oblique lines.
Straightedge or T-square
This drafting instrument is similar to that of a ruler. The only difference is that it has no markings or measurements. It is perfect for creating horizontal lines. With the help of another instrument, which is the triangle, a T-square can also form vertical lines. The usual lengths of T-squares are 18”, 24”, 30”, 36”, and 42”.
Set square
This particular drafting instrument is used with a straightedge to provide a certain planar angle to a baseline. A set square is also called a triangle in American English.
Technical pen
A technical pen is an instrument created for architects, drafters, and engineers. It is a modern version of a pen but it has special characteristics that are made for the sole purpose of technical drawing. Known brands of this drafting instrument are Staedtler, Rotring, and Faber-Castell.
Compass
A compass is the instrument needed by drafters to form circles an arcs. It is typically made of metal and has two major parts connected by a hinge. The two parts are the one with the spike at the end and the other is for the pen or pencil.
French curve
It is a drafting instrument made of plastic, wood, or metal which is patterned with various curves. It provides a template for curves necessary in a technical drawing.
Pantograph
It is a drafting instrument generally used for duplicating images or illustrations from a smaller size to a bigger one and vice versa. It is a mechanical tool connected in a certain pattern based on parallelograms.