Basic Drawing Instruments and Equipment

Study Notes

Basic Instruments and Equipment for Drawing

Drafting Machine: used to draw horizontal and vertical lines at any desired position.
- Replaced T-squares, scales, triangles, and protractors.
- This equipment uses a controlling index head to set the scale.
T-Square: used for drawing horizontal lines, mounting plates, and guiding triangles.
Technical Pen: common pen for inking drawings; line thickness is dependent on the needle size.
Triangles: used to draw vertical and inclined lines at standard angles (30º, 45º, 60º).
French Curves: used to draw irregular curves that cannot be made with a compass.
- Typically available in a set of at least three pieces.
Compass: used to draw arcs and circles.
- It has a fixed pin in one leg and an adjustable screw to hold lead, a compass adaptor, and a pin.
Divider: used to transfer measurements or divide lines into equal parts.
Compass Adaptor: attaches to the adjustable screw of a compass to hold a technical pen.
Triangular Scale: used to create technical drawings at different sizes.
Templates: plastic tools with openings of different shapes and letters cut into them.
- Used as a guide for technical pen needles.
Protractor: measures angles.
- Two types: semi-circular and circular.
Pencil: lead grades are classified as hard (H), medium to soft (HB), and soft (B).
- Draftsmen typically use mechanical pencils.
Eraser: removes pencil or ink lines without damaging the drawing.
Erasing Shield: protects the drawing plate when removing error lines.
The Scale: a measuring instrument, not used to draw lines.
- Flat and triangular styles are available.