INTRODUCTION

In a way, drafting is a means of communication often referred to as the language of

industry. It is not spoken in our language but by means of graphics relationship of lines,
symbols, sizes, and space.

Drafting is a language every technical person uses to clearly communicate his/her ideas
to others. It is the process of thinking, planning, and setting thoughts down on power in
graphics form. These appear as one of several kinds of drawings like: multi-view,
pictorial, pattern, chart, or schematic.

Most manufacturing products and all major buildings were first created on a drawing
board or drafting table. A draftsman draws every detail before anything could be built.
Examples before the school building could be constructed, many hours, days, months,
were spent in preparing detailed drawings. Our industry could not exist without a quick
and economical means of transforming dreams into reality.
 Lesson 1

Drafting Tools and Drawing Instruments and Materials

Drawing instruments are used for drawing fine (mechanical) drawings. Rulers,
Triangles, and T-squares are used for drawing lines. The thickness and shades of the
lines are determined by the different sizes of pencil points and grades. The distances
between lines are determined using the scales of rulers, triangles, T-squares, and
dividers. If the lines originated from one common point, the angles between the lines
can be determined using a protractor. Regular curved lines are drawn with the use of a
compass and irregular curved lines are drawn with the use of a French curve. All these
instruments were designed for their specific purpose.

Basic knowledge of the different drafting tools, equipment, and materials and the use of
each is very important. These are the basic requirements for any beginner’s draftsman.
Using the appropriate materials and tools for any drafting or drawing application will
result in producing fine drawings. Additionally, using the right equipment will make the
draftsman feel more comfortable in his drafting activities.

1. DRAWING PENCIL- a pencil is one of the most important in drafting. It comes in

various grades. The grade of the pencil to be used depends on the quality of the
paper and the types of the line or word required.

The following are the grades of drafting or drawing pencils:

a. Hard pencil- ranges from 4H to 9H (9H is the hardest pencil grade). It is used
where extreme accuracy is required, as on graphical computations. Charts,
diagrams. The softer pencils are used by some draftsmen for line work on
engineering drawings, but their use is restricted as the lines tend to be too light.
b. Medium pencil- ranges from B to 3H (3H being the hardest in this group). It is
used for general purpose work in drafting. The softer grades are used for
technical sketching, lettering, arrowheads, and other freehand work on
mechanical and architectural drawings. The H and 2H pencils are widely used on
pencil tracing for blueprinting.

c. Soft pencil- ranges from 9B to 2B (2B is the hardest in this group. Soft pencils
are too soft for mechanical, resulting in smudged, rough lines that are difficult to
erase. Also, pencils need constant sharpening. These are used for artwork of
various kinds and for full-size details in architectural drawing where shading is
required.

2. MECHANICAL PENCILS - are pencils with a thin replaceable graphite-based

core or lead, which is available in all grades. The lead comes in different sizes,
the most common of which are 0.3, 0.5, and 1 millimeter. Mechanical pencils with
sizes from 0.3 - 0.9 millimeter do not require sharpening. As its sharp point is
worn away, the lead can be extended by clicking the metal at the eraser cap.
1. Drawing Paper - There are different types of drawing paper. The best paper for
drawing is any plain paper preferably white, that is not too hard or too soft. Soft
paper will easily groove when pressure is applied to the pencil. White cartolina,
oslo paper, or bond paper (substance 20 is commonly used by beginners.)

2. Masking tape- is the preferred material for fastening paper onto the drawing
board, because it does not damage the paper and the board when it is removed.

3. Pencil Sharpener - are used for keeping the pencil lead sharp. They have
different types and designs, most of which are available in supply stores.
Remember to always keep drawing pencils sharp to produce clear and clean-cut
lines. Special draftsman’s cutters are used to cut away wood from drawing
pencils.
How to sharpen the lead of the drawing pencil:

a. Rotate the pencil as it is moved, pointing the lead with sandpaper.

b. Move the pencil along the full length of the pad.

5. Eraser- Ink erasers and pencil erasers are the kind of eraser typically used in
drafting, Ink erasers are used for removing ink from a writing surface and are made of
an abrasive soft rubber. On the other hand, soft erasers are used for removing pencil
marks and smudges. A medium rubber eraser is used for correcting errors in the
drawing.

6. Erasing Shield - it is made of thin stainless steel with several

irregularly shaped holes and figures. The erasing shield is used to protect lines adjacent
or near to the part of a drawing to be erased.

7. Draftsman’s Dusting Brush- Use to removed eraser crumbs and to avoid smudging
the drawing.
8. Ruler (Foot rule) - A ruler is used for measuring and for making straight lines. It
comes in lengths of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 inches. Most rulers graduated in inches and
centimeters. Rulers can be of wood, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel.

9. Protractor - this semi-circular tool is used to measure angles and draw straight lines
at any angle, which cannot be drawn using standard triangles.

10. Triangular Ruler of Scale - this is also called an architect’s scale. It is used to
reproduce the measurement of an object in actual size, reduced size, and enlarged
size.
11. Drawing Board - serves as a working area for the draftsman. It should have a
smooth flat surface on which the drawing paper is placed. Also, it should have straight
edge, especially at the left side, and the corners should be at the right angles (90 0
degrees).

12. T-Square - is a T-shaped ruler that consists of a blade joined at a right angle to a
stock or head. It is primarily used by draftsmen, engineers, architects, and designers to
draw horizontal lines and base of the 2 triangles (300 x 600 and 450 x 450 degrees).

13. Triangles (450 x 450 and 300 x 600) - it is also known as a set - squares, triangles are
measuring tools that are used to draw vertical and inclined lines. They are made of
transparent plastic. Warning: NEVER USE THE TRIANGLE AS A GUIDE WHEN
CUTTING PAPER.
14. Compass - is an instrument used for drawing arcs and circles. It consists of two
metal parts known as legs connected by an adjustable hinge. One leg has a needle or
spike on its end and on the other side has a pencil or a pen. The three (3) types are:
(a) friction type, (b) bow type, and (c) drop bow type compass.

15. Divider - it is an instrument that is similar or like a compass, but each of its two legs
has a needle point at the end. A divider is used for transferring measurements or to
divide lines and arcs into several equal parts. It can transfer measurements by adjusting
the divider points. A divider can be a friction type or a bow type.

16. French Curve or Irregular Curve - it is a template made of plastic, wood, metal that
is used to draw curves other than circles of circular arcs.
PROCEDURE IN DRAWING HORIZONTAL LINES with a T-SQUARE:

1. Press the head of the T-Square against the drawing against the drawing board with
the left hand, then slide the left hand to press the blade flat against the paper.
2. Lean the pencil in the direction of the line at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to
the paper.
3. Draw the line from the left to right with the pencil at the vertical plane. Sometimes an
angle of the pencil to the plane is necessary, but make sure that the angle is the
same from left to right. Let the little finger of the right-hand glide lightly along the
blade of the T-square. Rotate the pencil slowly between thumb and finger to
distribute lead wear. To obtain greater accuracy, the pencil may be toed, as shown
in (d).

NOTE: Reverse the steps if you are left-handed

PROCEDURE IN DRAWING VERTICAL LINES with a TRIANGLES:

1. With the left hand, press the head of the T-Square, then slide the hand to hold
both the T-square, and the triangle (any kind) firmly in position (a).
2. Lean the pencil in the direction of the lines at an angle of 60 degrees with respect
to the paper. The upper part of the body should be twisted to the right (b).
3. Draw the line upward, maintaining the angle of the pencil to the plane of the
paper. Rotate the pencil slowly as you draw (c).
PURCHASING TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS FOR DRAFTING

Purchase of drafting tools, equipment, and materials should be planned carefully to

avoid expensive mistakes. As a cautionary measure, avoid buying bargain pack tools
that are extremely cheap. The tools that are usually put on bargain racks are those that
easily fall apart. Bargain tools cannot perform well, and they easily wear out. They will
only have to be replaced after a short time. It would be better to buy the best if one can
afford them. A good rule of thumb is to stick with brand names that are known for their
good quality.

Also, consider the proper use, maintenance, and storage of these tools. Improper use
and maintenance of even the best quality tools and equipment will shorten their useful
life.

PROPER MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Follow these simple tips in the proper maintenance and storage of tools, equipment,
and materials.

1. Inspect tools and check their working condition before using them.
2. Do not abuse or misuse the instruments.
3. Clean the tools thoroughly with a clean cloth after using them.
4. Oil the moving parts, especially the moving screw of compass and dividers
before storing them.
5. Replace or repair any defective tools and or equipment that may cause hazard.
6. Return the triangles and triangular scale to their respective envelopes and
properly arrange them in a drawer.
7. Quality instruments come in casings. Return them to their proper casings and
arrange them in the drawer.
8. Hang the T-square by it hole when not in use.
9. Do not over-extended the steel tape.