All About the Alvin Pantograph

The term "pantograph" describes a tool that's commonly used in art. The drawing tool has a variety of distinct functions. It's capable of minimizing, enlarging and even copying graphics and artwork alike. People who work in the engineering field often have to use pantographs. These convenient drawing instruments have been in existence since all the way back in the seventeenth century.

Pantographs are popular because they're capable of minimizing, enlarging and copying drawings a maximum of 10 times in scale. These instruments are equipped with "arms" that were created using seasoned hardwood. Chromed steel hardware is connected to the hardwood. Some related elements of the seasoned hardware are also connected to the hardwood. Pantographs are not made for ratios of 1:1. These tools are equipped with several spare leads and even table clamps.

A person who works as an engineer may find the use of an Alvin pantograph to come in very handy. Alvin Wood pantographs are made for use on boards that are either horizontal or inclined. They're appropriate for both dotting and tracing. Some of the various highlights that are associated with these noteworthy pantographs include die-sunk graduations (complete with holes that ensure enhanced precision), hardwood bars that feature transparent gray lacquer finishes, nylon tracer points, and adjustable thumb screws that are beneficial for even and fluid motions. Other key parts of Alvin pantographs are instructions and nickeled table anchors. Since these pantographs come with convenient instructions that are simple to understand, people can generally begin using them with ease.

When it comes to accurate and effective drawing replication, there are few other drawing instruments out there that can truly compete with the pantograph. If a person is lucky enough to have a pantograph available, he can create an exact copy of his desired drawing. He can also minimize, enlarge or even scale it. The choice is 100 percent up to him. If he carefully reads the instructions that came with his pantograph, he'll be able to learn exactly how the drawing instrument functions.

These drawing tools typically are available in three different sizes. These sizes are 18 inches, 21 inches, and two feet.

Drafting Tools and Uses

Architects, artists and engineers all frequently need to use tools in drafting work. There are many diverse options in drawing instruments and drafting tools. These professional tools are designed for precision, accuracy, efficiency and convenience. Some examples of the many drafting tools that exist include triangles, compasses, scales, rulers, pencils and dividers.

Drafting scales are common drafting tools that are seen in the offices and work spaces of many skilled professionals. These scales are suitable for metric engineering, engineering, architecture and even mechanical drafting. People can choose between various different sizes in drafting scales. They can also choose between a handful of different materials that depend on their individual tastes and preferences. Common materials for drafting scales include aluminum, plastic and wood. When people look for drafting scales, they can search many distinct categories. Some of these categories are engineering scales, architects' scales, metric scales and combination scales. If an individual needs to create an architectural drawing, she'll likely want to purchase an architects' scale. If she wants to create an engineering drawing, on the other hand, then she'll likely opt for an engineering scale. Combination scales are appropriate in many types of situations. Engineers and architects both frequently use combination scales, to be specific. Combination scales are also often used for metric graduation purposes. Draftsmen, last but not least, generally use mechanical drafting scales.

Proportional dividers are another important type of drafting tool. Draftsmen and artists often rely on proportional dividers as a means of keeping scale ratio when they move design components from pictures, drawings or three-dimensional items to different surfaces.

Ruling pens are yet another major drafting tool. Whether an individual needs assistance with lettering or illustration, there may be a good chance that he could use the help of a good ruling pen. Ruling pens are suitable for manual drafting purposes.

Drafting tools are effective for a vast number of reasons. Some professionals simply depend on them to take measurements. Others use them to make curves that have even surfaces. Some use them to draw or measure angles. Protractors are often used for angle drawing and measurement.

Art Hobby Table

Specialty Tables for Artists

Anyone with a hobby can benefit from having a specialized flat surface to hold supplies such as paintbrushes between sessions. An art hobby table is a wise financial investment that is meant to last a lifetime, and the best way to find one is in a store that carries numerous brands, sizes and styles. Take careful measurements of the space available in an office or home before shopping for a table for sketching or painting to have the correct size.

Choose Slanting Art Tables

Three well-known companies that manufacture furniture for architects, drafters and artists are Futura, Alvin and Vision. Artists require adjustable tabletops designed to hold a sheet of paper or vellum at the correct angle. In addition to a tabletop that slants at a variety of angles, an artist should have adjustable table legs that make it possible to sit on a high stool or regular chair. In some cases, artists need to stand while they paint, and they want a tabletop that becomes a flat easel.

Glass or Wood Tables

Depending on the space where an artist is working, they can require a table on wheels that is easy to move. Students may want a table that folds in order to transport it to a classroom. Some artists require a glass tabletop that is marked with measurements and easy to see through to have additional natural light. Alternatively, when a craft table is placed in a living room, an artist might prefer a wood tabletop made of cherry or maple that matches the other furniture in a room.

Choose Tables with Accessories 

Art hobby tables have other features and accessories that make creating sketches or paintings easier. Some of the features that artists may enjoy are drawers underneath the tabletop that will hold supplies such as tubes of paint or colored pens. Many artists want a tabletop with a raised edge that prevents pens and pencils from rolling off the bottom. Additional accessories include trays attached to the sides of the tables to hold wet paintbrushes or broken pencils.

Looking For Modern Drafting Tables

Professionals who are looking to purchase engineering and architectural tools for their careers have to cover many diverse bases as far as supplies go. If an individual is employed as an architect, he may want to explore his choices in modern drafting tables. Drafting tables are essential items not only for architects but also for engineers and many artists in general. These tables, in short, are even foundations that enable these types of professionals to read and draw blueprints with ease and convenience. They generally have numerous applications.

Although draft tables are task-oriented supplies, they can also be attractive and contemporary in appearance. Some of them are classic and rather simplistic, with basic wooden constructions. Others, however, are very contemporary and sleek in style with pleasant glass tops. For user convenience, modern draft tables generally have tops that are adjustable. People can typically purchase them in drafting or desk height depending on their specific requirements and tasks.

Height adjustable drafting tables are beneficial because they give people the freedom of choice when they're busy working. If an architect prefers to stand up while he's hard at work, then an adjustable height table lets him do that. If he prefers sitting down when he's hard at work, on the other hand, an adjustable height table lets him do that with equal ease and convenience, fortunately.

When people select drafting tables for their offices or homes, they can choose between many lovely styles. These tables are commonly made using solid white oak, for example. They also frequently feature lovely oak veneer finishes. Some of them are constructed with glass and have table tops that are made out of safety glass that's a combination of blue and silver. When it comes to drafting tables that are available for sale in the modern day, the options are indeed abundant.

Many people who buy drafting tables look for those that enable them to change their board incline angles. If they're able to easily change their board incline angles, they can enjoy drawing positions that are significantly more relaxing, especially when they have to work for lengthy periods of time.

Rapidograph Pen Basics

Rapido graph pens refer to technical pens that are frequently used by architects, engineers, designers, artists and drafters. These pens are often hailed due to their impressive handiwork. They're designed to operate and move in any directions necessary, similarly to pencils. These pens don't, however push or rip into their working surfaces.

These pens are appropriate for use on a number of different surface options. These options include vellum paper, tracing paper and drafting film. Rapidograph pens often make it easy for architects, engineers, designers and artists to successfully put their visions onto paper for others to see.

When people shop for these kinds of pens, they can choose between a vast array of point sizes. Some of the points are very narrow while others are rather wide. This diversity enables users to easily employ various distinct drawing methods. These methods include highly detail-oriented styles and rapid sketching.

If users want to be able to quickly and easily identify their specific rapidograph pens, they're in luck. The caps of these drafting pens feature colors that make it a piece of cake for people to be able to swiftly select them when necessary.

The caps of these drafting pens are also particularly tight. They're actually air-tight. This tightness is to stop the points from quickly becoming overly dry and, therefore, impossible to use.

People can opt to purchase these pens individually. If they believe that they may need several of them at one time, they can also choose to purchase them in sets. These sets generally consist of a handful of pens, often four or seven of them total. When people buy rapidograph pens in these sets, they receive durable carrying cases, complete with useful storage compartments. These compartments are located inside of boxes that have hinged lids. The boxes are also equipped with push button releases and, as a result, are very simple and quick to manage.

Many professionals go through these drafting pens very quickly when they work. Because of that, stocking up on them and keeping extras around can sometimes get a little costly. Buying them in sets rather than individually, however, is generally more affordable.