June 6, 2011. Paul Hixon
Perhaps one of the most basic tools that an architect or an engineer needs is a draft table. Also known as a drawing table, this table is used to be a multipurpose desk designed for writing, drawing, and sketching purposes.
Places a drawing table can be found
In most cases, the draft drawing table can be found in an architect’s study or office. However, these tables were also used together with a pedestal desk in a private library especially during the early industrial and preindustrial eras. These days, even students studying the trade can also have their own desks in their specified areas.
Draft office table in recent years
These days, the drawing table is used by draftsmen and engineers when modifying or making drawings with the use of a pencil or ink. There are also different drawing instruments that are used together with the table in order to draw perpendicular, parallel, or oblique lines onto the large paper. Some of the said equipment includes the set square, protractor, and rulers, and T-squares. There are also other instruments that are used to draw curves, arcs, circles, and symbols. These equipments include the stencil, compass, French curve, and many more.
However, with the introduction of the computer and the development of computer aided drafting and design, otherwise known as CAD or CADD sometime during the 20th and 21st century, the use of the drafting chair and table have decreased significantly. This does not mean, however, that this desk has totally been removed or replaced since there are still a lot of professionals who require its use especially when making simple changes, or the most basic of drafts.
Drafting tables as writing tables
Although initially used by draftsmen, these desks can also be used as writing tables. In fact, many writers find drafting tables very useful when they write their piece. Later models of drafting desks are equipped with many functional add-ons to improve its use and application.
Updated June 6, 2011. Published January 15, 2011. Paul Hixon
