Monday, April 11, 2011

Drafting Tables Make All The Difference

By Adriana Noton


Good drafting tables are an indispensable aid to many art, architecture and drafting students and professionals. They are specialized tables having a hinged top that can be raised from flat to upright and at any angle in between. There is a lip or edge running along the stationery edge that allows one to rest pencils, pens and other drawing or drafting implements. The lip also keeps the artwork, designs or blueprints in place when the table top is at an angle. Parallel rulers may also be incorporated into the table top.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the drafting table was found in many gentlemen's studies or libraries. These were big pieces of furniture, elaborately carved and made of fine woods like oak. They were designed for use while standing. A gentleman would use his table for drawing studies and other artwork. They were also used for holding heavy books and open newspapers.

Drawing, painting and design became less the province of the gentleman during the Industrial Revolution. The drafting table became more of a office or shop fixture. It was designed to be less heavy and cumbersome and made of less costly materials. The function was unchanged but the distribution and popularity of these essential tables greatly increased.

They were also found to be a useful part of the clerks offices in the courthouses. Legal ledgers can be quite large and are difficult to handle or move. The drafting table's upright position is ideal for this purpose. Libraries also use a fixed type for the display of newspapers and magazines.

Mostly, though, the modern drafting table is used by artists, designers, architects and some engineers. They still perform the basic functions but there are a wide range of styles and types available.

Students and amateur artists will be able to learn about and select their tables through researching the art supply stores advertising on the internet. A student table is usually fairly lightweight and is simply designed for easy dismantling and transporting. The tops have a durable, scratch and cut resistant covering over a plywood base. These basic models are readily available and reasonably priced.

There's also a full range of professional models available. The pulley system is still an intrinsic part of many professional tables. Often, however, more expensive tables will have the raising and lowering capabilities performed by machinery. Accuracy is paramount in architecture and the more sophisticated models are designed to assist in that exacting work.

There are many stores online that have a full range of student and professional drafting tables available. Art stores will usually offer a selection ranging from a budget or beginner table to a top quality Drafting Table. You should consider what you really need in a table. The cost can vary widely as can the utility and function of each particular brand or model. It's a good idea to check and see if the table is to be assembled by you or if it is shipped ready to use. Also you probably want to compare shipping costs and see how the online prices plus shipping compare with your neighborhood art store's offering. This purchase is a major one for art and architecture students and professionals and a wise selection will serve you well.




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