Drafting Equipment and Supplies

Much Needed Drafting Equipment and Supplies
Drafting equipment and supplies were once the domain of engineers and drafters. Today, this type of material and supplies extends into graphical design and construction design and planning. For a fully ergonomic and utilitarian workplace, it is important to outfit the workspace with state-of-the-art equipment and supplies.

Building a Comprehensive Workspace
To begin with, decide whether your work requires a drafting table or drafting desk and table. This is one of the most important pieces of equipment for any design work. Choose glass or wood topped drafting tables with a solid base. To store design supplies, consider a drafting table with additional storage drawers beneath the table top. Another essential accessory to add to the design workspace is an ergonomic drafting chair. For designers and draftspersons that spend much of their time sitting and standing, a comfortable drafting chair is a necessity. Check how much adjustability the chair should offer for optimal comfort while working.

Proper Lighting for Designers and Draftsmen
All designers and drafters spend many hours pouring over blueprints, design plans, and schematics. Good lighting is as important as the right drafting table and chair. The traditional style of drafting lights is the "swing arm" lamp that is easily attached to the drafting table. Be sure to check the wattage of swing arm drafting lamps so that work is proper.

Miscellaneous Drafting Supplies
In addition to drafting equipment for drafting and design work, several other supplies are convenient and handy tools to complete projects. These include:
. Drafting instruments, compasses, and dividers
. Drafting triangles
. Drafting scales for architectural and engineering design work
. Protractors, ruling pens and rulers
. Curve tools and arcs
. Pantographs
. Equal space and parallel dividers
. Rolling parallel rulers

Other supplies can also include a filing cabinet specially made for drawings, drafting paper, T-squares, cutting mats, calipers, and micrometers. Precision cutting tools and scissors should also be part of drafting supplies that are readily available at each workstation. Light tables and light boxes are handy for illuminating graphical designs and artwork. Determine daily use of equipment and supplies and also the quantity required.