Why You Need A Translucent Self Healing Cutting Mat

Protect Delicate Tabletops

There are great reasons to own a translucent self healing cutting mat made by a well-known manufacturer. Anyone who needs to place paper, cardboard or fabrics on a table or desk needs to protect the surface from nicks and scratches. No matter whether someone is using scissors, a rotary cutting tool or specialized knife to cut something into a different shape or design, protection is needed for the top of a desk or table. There are many cutting mats available but having one with self-healing properties leads to a longer lasting item to save a company money on its supplies. Businesses that require durable cutting boards include art studios, architectural firms and craft shops.

Avoid Additional Supply Expenses

In the past, businesses had to buy cutting boards made of glass, wood or metal. Unfortunately, with many years of wear and tear, these materials become severely damaged from cutting tools. Numerous scratches and chips on the devices made it impossible to see the printed measurements on the cutting board’s surfaces, making the items impossible to use. This forced many businesses to replace cutting boards frequently, leading to a major expense. In addition to needing to replace the mats often, the tools used for cutting were also damaged against the hard surfaces of metal, wood or glass. However, a manufacturer was eventually able to develop a material for cutting boards that is soft but resists damage.

Simple to Use Mats

The development of translucent self healing cutting mats has revolutionized the industry, leading to a highly popular product that lasts for many years. Individuals needing these cutting boards can find an assortment of sizes that are made of thick and clear material. Suitable for use on regular or backlit tables, the clear material makes it easy to see the printed measurements while cutting photographs, vellum or fabric. Treated with a chemical that reduces glare from lights, drafters, crafters and artists can use the devices for hours without developing eyestrain. With horizontal, vertical and diagonal graph lines, it is simple to cut materials with these long lasting cutting boards.

What is A Craft Table

People craft in different ways. Some do occasional crafting several times a year, and then there are those who might expound on their creative skills only on the weekends. On the opposite of the spectrum are the serious, got-to-get-it-right, die hard craft specialists. Whether they craft as a hobby, or especially if crafting is their profession, a craft table is one of the best investments that a person who loves crafting make.


What is a craft table?

A craft table, in its most basic sense, is simply the place upon which a person does their work. This is where the pieces that go into making the craft can be laid out, and arranged so that you can view the whole project from all angles. Craft tables come in a variety of styles and colors. Here are some of the selections to choose from:


Flat tables
Tilting tables
Rolling tables
Stationary tables
Desks with multiple drawers
Opaque craft tables
Glass-topped craft tables

What is the best craft table to get?


The type of desk surface needed depends upon what the crafter is making. If they are making something small and intimate, they would do just fine with one of the smaller tables used for things like woodworking, glass making, engraving, whittling, or jewelry making.


A larger craft table is best for things like needlepoint, scrapbooking, lace making, metalwork and quilting. This way the artisans can spread their work out and watch the whole thing evolve into a beautiful finished product, instead of having things scattered here and there.


How much do craft tables cost?


Craft tables come in a wide range of prices. There is the basic do-it-yourself table that you can make by laying an inexpensive piece of wood across two sawhorses in the garage. At the other end of the scales are the professional craft tables. Many of them come with arms that allow the height and angle of the table to be adjusted up and down. They have both deep and shallow drawers to conveniently store your paraphernalia as you work. Some even come with a comfortable under-table bar upon which to rest your feet. From the plain to the more intricate, craft tables range in price from approximately $87.00 on sale to about $400.00 at the top end.

3 Ways to Use Drafting Light Boxes

Drafting light boxes or just light boxes can be used for many things. From photography and drawing to architecture and drafting plans, these light boxes are extremely useful for a number of different professionals in their work and hobbies. One of the things they are most useful for is tracing. Of course, tracing is done in many disciplines. They are also used in filmmaking and still photography of all sorts.

Some people like the smaller light boxes that are portable and can be taken back and forth between home and work or other places. But there are also drafting light boxes that come complete with a table and stand. These are stationary, but the tops tend to be much bigger and can handle tracing or diagraming jobs that spread across an entire table. These are great for blueprints.

If you use or own a light box of if you are considering getting one for your job or a hobby, you might be interested in learning that these boxes can be very useful for a number of things. Let’s examine 3 ways in which you can use light boxes.

1. Drawing and sketching

Drawing and sketching doesn’t all have to be done free hand. With the aid of a light box, you can draw and sketch on your own, but you can still get the proportions right. Using a light box in your drawing and sketching doesn’t mean you aren’t doing your own artistic work. You are just being helped along to follow a model.

2. Examining, coloring and splicing film

Photographers and filmmakers who still use real film for their artistic work will need light boxes to examine their film reels and negatives. When looking at the film with a box, they may want to mark certain images to discard or keep, or they may need to section of certain areas for further examination in the future.

3. Tracing

Finally, tracing is very useful for architects, drafters and artists, and light boxes offer the very best tool for tracing. The light shines through the paper being traced, and you can easily draw over it onto a new sheet of paper.

Our Favorite Small Office Paper Trimmers

Businesses Need Paper Cutters

Anyone needing to cut large items such as blueprints, photographs or posters requires a specialized device on-site. Paper trimmers are simple to order from online retailers providing an assortment of office supplies. There are several varieties of cutting machines available with tabletop designs being highly popular for small office spaces. For offices wanting freestanding equipment, the devices are compact and safe to use with sturdy feet. There are both large and small paper cutter machines that are suitable for different sizes of material. Ordering a larger size machine leads to more versatility with the device being suitable for cutting tiny material such as filmstrips or sheets of vellum needed for artwork.

Paper Cutters with Measurements

Architectural businesses need a quality paper cutting machine to place huge blueprints on to make accurate sizes. Companies that make cutting machines print measurements in small increments on the devices to assist with making paper the correct size. This grid of measurements covers the surface of the machine where paper is placed while it is cut. Ordering a machine from a well-known manufacturer leads to having limited warranties when a part breaks, requiring a repair. Employers buying paper trimmers want to order products with safety features to avoid injuries. The most common features are ways to lock the blades securely when the machine is not in use or covers over the sharp blades.

Guillotine and Rotary Style

Businesses that use these devices frequently will want to order models with self sharpening blades to making cutting items simpler. There are guillotine and rotary style paper cutters that are suitable for different types of projects. Despite having safety features such as finger guards to prevent lacerations and amputations, business managers must train employees how to use the paper cutters appropriately. Many businesses choose to keep a paper cutter in a particular location in a building where it is locked away from everyday use. To prevent injuries, only a few employees are permitted to use the machines. Companies making paper cutters also offer a variety of accessories such as specialized blades to make designs.

A few architectural styles of homes

Architectural style is described as certain characteristics of a structure that make it identifiable or able to be grouped into a category. There are many different architectural styles all across the world. One structure that has many versatile styles and designs are homes. Below I have outlined a few types of different styled homes and a little information about them.



Log Cabins

Log cabins started out as small and modest homes with only one room. They are built from logs, and in early times some used mud to fill in the gaps, while others used notches to link the logs, and some used nails. Their origin is unknown, but it is believed that around 3500 BC in Northern Europe is where they were first built; however here in America it was around the 1600's when they first started being constructed.








Colonial

Colonial style homes were also constructed around the late 1600's and early 1700's, and had many European influences. It is recognized for its use of symmetry and geometry, and the door is usually situated in the middle of the house. The windows, chimney, columns, etc. are all evenly proportioned and align with each other.














Victorian

Victorian style homes became popular in the United States in the late 1800's. The style of the Victorian home has many influences from Italianate to Gothic. They are usually at least 2 stories, if not more, steep/slanted roofs that could be round or pointed, and decorative porches, windows, etc. While they look similar, most Victorian homes are very unique and different from each other.
















Contemporary or Modern

Contemporary or Modern style homes have gained popularity from the 1950's and on. They are usually very streamline and sleek designs, with minimal decorative pieces, and usually have a very open floor plan. The materials that can be used range from glass, concrete, vinyl, wood, and more. They usually feature many windows, and a square flat roof more often than any arches or slants.

A few beneficial tips for engineering students

Here is a list of a few tips and techniques that can help engineering students in their quest for success in this field.

1. Make sure to include humanities and design classes in your studies. These classes will help you in the engineering field because you will learn how to understand as well as represent your ideas in new manners, by improving writing skills, vocabulary, and learning to present ideas in multiple formats.

2. It is crucial to attend your classes and not skip a class for something that isn't of huge major importance. In some general ed. classes this can be ok, but in your engineering classes missing too many will leave you lost and confused, even if you get the notes. You need to be there to absorb the information yourself to understand it best, so try to miss as little as possible.

3. Learn the value of teamwork, and immerse yourself into any organization, group, or even hobby that you would enjoy. Learning to work well and communicate with others is a highly important characteristic in your future career and life.

4. Don't be afraid to go to your professors for help when you don't understand something, or working with a tutor. Sometimes people let their pride get in the way of getting help in a class or a theory that they don't understand. A lot of theories build upon one another and it's crucial to understand some before you can comprehend the others. It's not worth struggling and pretending to understand when the time comes when you need to apply these theories and it't too late to ask for help.

5. Apply for an internship if you have the time, or at least work alongside one of your professors, etc. Try to get as much experience as you can before entering the job market. Use your free time wisely and try to make part of  your breaks/summer productive.

6. Develop of portfolio of your work, projects, designs, etc. This will give you an edge in the job market having hands on experience and the documentation for it. It shows future employers that you are a goal oriented person, and also that you already understand and have worked with some concepts already.

7. Learning to how to network is very important as well in this field. Get to know your professors, peers, and other people in this field as much and as early as you can before you start your journey in the job search. This way you have resources for help, advice, and references.

8. Try to balance work and play to make sure you keep your passion for the subject and don't burn yourself out. Engineering is a touch field, but it is also a rewarding one. Learn to balance your time, integrate yourself the ways you need professionally and academically, but give yourself time to relax and have fun in the process.

Visit our site www.draftingsteals.com when in need of low cost engineering and drafting supplies! It's perfect for for students, recent graduates, as well as professionals.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec- A famous draftsman

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a famous draftsman and artist who worked with many different types of mediums. He made drawings, paintings, illustrations, prints and more. He was from France, and was well known as a Post-Impressionist. He was born to a rich, aristocratic family in 1864, yet lived a rough life after his one year old brother passed away and lead his parents to split. He was raised by the nanny until he was 8 years old, and then went to live with his mother in Paris, France. In Paris is when he began to start drawing and painting.



Growing up Henri suffered from a genetic disorder that caused his legs to grow improperly and stunted his growth. Because of this he was unable to participate in many activities thus immersing himself in art forms instead.

 He is most famous for his works that portray the Bohemian lifestyle in Paris in the 19th century, as well as a series of 30 posters that influenced poster artwork as a whole. In his lifetime and career he completed 363 posters/prints, 737 canvas works, 275 watercolors, over 5,000 drawings, along with some other mediums like ceramic work and more.

Another focus of Henri de Toulouse's paintings was the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris. He made many canvas paintings with this as the subject matter including the dancers, the patrons, and their lifestyle.














Henri passed away in 1901 at the young age of 36 in his families estate. After his passing his mother and his art dealer promoted his artwork and created a museum in 1922 to hold many of his works. The museum is called the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, and is located in Albi, France.

Landscape Architecture

A landscape architect is someone who would plan and design landscaping, gardens, yards, or any outdoor space. Landscape architecture was actually started here in the United States and in 1889 the American Society of Landscape Architects was formed. As with sustainable architecture landscape architecture create designs that preserve the nature within that area. It is also usually a very aesthetically pleasing designs.

Gardens are a large part of landscape architecture, and there are many different types of gardens. In every country there are different types of gardens. As well as different religious gardens, flowers, herbs, and countless more. Pictured is an example of a beautiful Chinese garden.

A lot of landscape architecture is done for landmarks, parks, restorations projects, urban designing, universities, and much more! A landscape architect must know more than just architecture too. They must know a lot about how nature works, geology, etc. to help in the design process to create sustainable works.

Sustainable Architecture

Sustainability has become a fad nowadays, and going green is new cool thing to do! However sustainability is far more important than a new fad, it is important because it helps the environment and the world we live in. That's why sustainable architecture is so amazing! Sustainable buildings will last for a long time to come, and also not deplete or destroy natural resources along the way, its a win-win!

A sustainable building not only lasts for many years to come, it also has little up-keep which means low maintenance costs! Who wouldn't want that? Solar panels are a great item to use when building a sustainable building. Solar panels can provide electricity for any use without negatively impacting the environment.











Another reason using sustainable items when building is because they actually make the building a healthier environment; the sustainable materials emit almost no toxins! Another way to incorporate sustainable materials is using recycled materials, also buying local is a great way to support your community in the process!








So if you want to minimize your carbon footprint, help the environment and your local community then think about building sustainably, or incorporate sustainable materials into something that has already been constructed. It's worth it!

Clear The Clutter: Are Blueprints Taking Over Your Space?

Keeping paper organized is a challenge in any office. Blueprint storage can be even more problematic. The size of the normal blueprint makes it difficult to use standard office file cabinets for storage without folding the documents.

What Are Your Options?

Many professionals use a rack system. Unlike the large, flat drawers used for storing blueprints, the racks are open. The racks allow you to clip the plans at one end. The plans then hang vertically, keeping them organized, unfolded and unwrinkled.

Blueprint filing cabinets are bulky and heavy. They require a significant amount of floor space. Storage racks are available both as a rolling cart and as a stationary wall rack.

Things to Consider When Choosing Storage

You likely will want a variety of blueprint storage items to meet your business needs. You will want some storage available in the working area. You will also likely want to designate an area for long term storage of completed projects. Finally, you may want portable storage that allows you to easily take blueprints from the workspace to the meeting space or conference room.

The wall racks are ideal for long term storage for completed projects, while the rolling carts are easy to move about when there are multiple people working on a project, or when the plans are needed in a meeting. The cabinets are also an option for long term storage, if you have the floor space available.

Organizing Well Increases Efficiency

Utilizing a storage system for your blueprints not only creates a cleaner, neater work environment, but it also increases your efficiency in the workplace. For example, if a client calls with a question about a project then it is much easier to find the blueprint needed when the pages are neatly organized and arranged in a storage system, as opposed to sitting in piles.Organizing and storing your blueprints also creates a harmonious work space, which can increase productivity simply by eliminating any mental impression of clutter.

Damiani-Holz & Ko wood fin office building is quite unique!

Damiani-Holz & Ko is a construction company that is located in Italy, and had the MoDus architects create quite an interesting design for their office building. The construction company specializes in timber, so the MoDus architects wrapped their office in "wood fins". The building is very unique and visually appealing, while also representing what the company does in a very interesting way, and this is precisely what they wanted.











The office buildings ceilings also feature finished wood in a variety of different ways to create different visual effects in different parts of the building.




















The building is four stories high and 12,885 square foot, and features 424 geometric plywood fins! The fins are coated in a copper sulfate solution that is weather resistant, while also allowing the natural tone of the wood to be preserved. While MoDus spent a few years designing this building, and then DH & K constructed the building themselves!

Engineering Ruler Scale

Engineering is a profession that relies on precision to create plans for buildings, equipment and more. In order for engineers and technicians to perform to the best of their abilities, they need the best equipment available. One piece of equipment many engineers rely on is the engineering ruler scale, which is used when creating drawings or models of products or buildings. Available in a variety of sizes, ruler scales can accommodate virtually any project.

Most ruler scales are available in sizes ranging from 4-12 inches, though some that are used in large projects can be up to 24 inches long. Depending upon what scale is being used, a ruler scale can be laid out in parts per inch or parts per foot. Most engineers use triangular scales that are laid out in graduations ranging from 10-60 parts per inch, though flat scales are available for those preferring a more traditional type of ruler.

While engineering ruler scales offer many practical uses in the daily course of a job, they can also serve a purpose when it comes to promoting a business. Many scales can be custom-imprinted with the name of an engineering firm or company to be used as a gift during the holidays or at other occasions. Scales are available in a variety of colors including white, black, hi-impact yellow and silver to cater to an individual's preference.

For many engineers, one of the most popular ruler scales is the five-pack of mini ruler scales. Made from aluminum, they are easy to carry in briefcases and can also be used as giveaways to thank clients for their patronage. Available in such popular colors as blue, red, gold, silver and black they serve a useful purpose as both a functional piece of equipment and a promotional item.

No matter what type of project is being planned, ruler scales are available to handle any job as well as any preference an engineer or technician may have. Whether it's a mini-ruler or one that's 24 inches long, these scales have been and will continue to be important tools for any drafting job.

What to Look for With a Student Drafting Table?

Whether the student in question is studying architecture, design or art, a student drafting table is one of the essential tools that he or she will require. A drafting table is different from a standard desk or drawing surface in that it can be set to whatever angle and height the student desires. That means that rather than being hunched over the working surface, the student can sit up straight, something that is quite important to his or her comfort.

When considering the purchase of a student drafting table, there are a few factors which must be kept in mind. In the first place, the surface's size needs to be considered. The more space the student needs, the larger the table's surface should be. Drafting tables come in all sizes, so be sure to check the measurements.

The second thing to ask is whether the table folds up, and if so, how small does it fold up? Many students of all ages are living in small spaces, and there might not always be enough space to keep the table out at all times. Similarly, if the student is on the move, a table that collapses is a good choice, as it can be moved more easily.

It is also important to think about how the table is adjusted. In most cases, the angle of the drafting table is adjusted by knobs, one on each of the table's legs. Is going to be convenient for the student to get to those knobs? Some artists have physical disabilities that prevent this from being as simple as it should be.

Finally, the price of a drafting table for students should be considered. A high end drafting table can cost more than a thousand dollars. A budget should be created and considered. Drafting tables for students are quite serviceable, and as time goes on, they can be replaced.

When shopping for a drafting table for a student of any sort, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Look for the table that is going to best suit the user, and move forward from there!

Artist Desk

Art is seems to be very surreal and otherworldly. One can almost imagine the artist in another realm sometimes. In truth an artist works like many other people, at a desk or board, in the performance of their work. An artist works in this world and needs the correct tools for their trade. An art drawing desk may be one of the most important tools an artist might possess. The perfect desk for the artist will be slanted and its form will exhibit functionality and storage for the needs of the artist.

While some artistic mediums require the artist to stand at an easel, such as painting, many sit at a desk and do their work. Having a usable, comfortable desk area is key to not being distracted from their work. A slanted surface may also be a help for those artists who spend long hours drawing.

Anyone who uses a desk in their work knows the importance of functionality. A desk which does not fit the work will be inefficient. A desk without the necessary drawers or proper storage area will hinder work rather than help. It is therefore important that an artist have an art drawing desk to assist with their labors.

A desk for drawing should be slightly slanted. This will allow the artist ease of sight and reach while working on a project. An area where the artist can clip their work so it will not move might also be a welcome addition. Storage for pens or carbons an artist uses would be welcome. Paper storage, for normal size pages, would compliment the artist's needs as well.

Nearly every type of work requires tools. The work of an artist is no exception to this rule. An artist must have a place to work and a space upon which they can work to draw. A desk which fits the exact needs of the artist while drawing will make work easier, less distracting and assist in the completion of projects. A slanted work desk with storage for the artist's tools is the perfect accessory for an artist's work area.

Poster Storage Cabinets Help Protect Your Treasured Pieces

Congratulations! You have obtained a large enough poster collection to warrant protecting your investment. Perhaps you have a collection of popular movie posters. Maybe you have a wide supply of posters that would look perfect on the wall of a fraternity house. Maybe your collection is every single cat poster every printed! Whatever your collection, you will want to protect each poster so you can enjoy it for years to come. You will also want your posters organized. It isn't much fun to have a terrific collection of posters if you are never able to find that one poster you want to showcase. There are many solutions available for protecting and storing the posters in your collection. Our recommendation is to obtain quality poster storage tubes and a poster storage cabinet.

Poster storage tubes are similar to the tubes used by architects and artists to store their work. The paper is tightly rolled into a compact cylinder. The paper is then slipped inside of the tube with a cap placed on top of it. The paper is now sealed away from dirt and accidents. It is also now easy to store and transport. These same tubes can be used for posters. Your posters will be safe and protected from harm. You will also be able to easily sort and relocate your collection.

A poster storage cabinet is the best place to store these storage tubes. You can write the name of your poster on the cap of the tube. Next, simply slide the tube onto the rack inside the cabinet. The cabinet can be closed for an elegant look inside of any room. It will look simple and clutter free. However, inside you will be able to find all of your posters from your poster collection stored safe and sound.

Posters can be a terrific investment. For example, original movie posters can be sold at auction for hundreds of dollars. However, these sales are only able to be made because someone took the time to store their posters correctly. Protect the beauty and the value of your poster collection. Consider getting poster storage tubes and a cabinet for your posters today!

What are Technical Drawing Supplies?

Technical drawing, otherwise known as drafting, is a valued professional skill as well as an enjoyable hobby for many people. The purpose of these drawings are to create blueprints or schematics to demonstrate how to create something, at least moderately complex or to explain how something works. They can include everything from architectural to mechanical drawings, including those used for building homes or for engineering.

What Supplies are Needed for Technical Drawing?

Technical drawing supplies cover a wide range of tools and materials needed for successful drafting. One of the most basic items is a drafting board, which is a smooth and durable surface used for technical drawing when light tables or other stable work areas are not available;or when it is preferable to drawing something upright instead of lying flat. An easel is also an excellent basic tool to have available. Along with these, a wooden T-square and triangles are useful. These help to ensure straight lines and proper angles. Likewise, a compass is among the best tools for drawing circles to ensure that they have the proper radius. A semicircular protractor is great for arcs or semicircles.

Architectural and Mechanical Technical Drawing Supplies

Kits are a great way for drafters in specialized areas to be sure they have all the basic tools they need for architectural, mechanical, or even engineering drafting projects or studies. While many tools are the same for these types of technical drawing, additional specialized tools are also included in a good quality kit, such as additional tools for curves or a more sophisticated compass or triangle set. These kits provide a good foundation or starting point for someone interested in technical drawing or a professional who wants to refresh their own toolkit.

Overall, drawing supplies for technical drawing or drafting tend to include instruments that allow for greater precision than a drafter could manage using freehand drawing techniques. Many of these supplies are available in tool kits, some of which are specialized for the type of technical drawing involved. These are suitable for professionals, students, and hobbyists.