Drafting Tables with Boards
The table (Figure 2-5, frames 1 through 4) should be high enough for you to work in a standing position without stooping or holding your arms in a raised position. The drawing board has hinged attachments for adjusting the incline; your line of sight should be approximately perpendicular to the drafting surface. Your drafting stool should be high enough in relation to the table for you to see the whole drafting board but not so high that you are seated uncomfortably.
You should consider only the left-hand vertical edge as a working edge for the T-square if you are right-handed (the right-hand edge if you are left-handed). You should never use the T-square with the head set against the upper or lower edge of the board, as the drafting board may not be perfectly square.
The drafting board should be covered. A variety of good drafting board cover materials are available. Available cover materials are cellulose acetate-coated paper, vinyl, and Mylar® film. Vinyl drafting board covers have the added advantage of being able to close up small holes or cuts, such as those made by drafting compasses or dividers. In general, drafting board covers protect the drafting board surface by preventing the drafting pencil from following the wood grain, by reducing lighting glare, and by providing an excellent drafting surface.
Since you will be constantly using your eyes, your working area must be well lighted. Natural light is best, if available and ample; although in the majority of cases acceptable natural light will be the exception rather than the rule. Drafting rooms are usually lighted with overhead fluorescent fixtures.
Ordinarily, these fixtures are inadequate in quality and intensity of light. Adjustable lamps will improve the lighting conditions. The most popular type of adjustable lamp is the floating-arm fluorescent fixture that clamps onto the table. Arrange your lighting to come from the left front, if you are right-handed; from the right front, if you are left-handed. This arrangement minimizes shadows cast by drawing instruments and your hands.
Never place your drafting board so that you will be subject to the glare of direct sunlight. North windows are best for admitting daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Conservation of vision is of the utmost importance. You must make every possible effort to eliminate eyestrain.
The table (Figure 2-5, frames 1 through 4) should be high enough for you to work in a standing position without stooping or holding your arms in a raised position. The drawing board has hinged attachments for adjusting the incline; your line of sight should be approximately perpendicular to the drafting surface. Your drafting stool should be high enough in relation to the table for you to see the whole drafting board but not so high that you are seated uncomfortably.
You should consider only the left-hand vertical edge as a working edge for the T-square if you are right-handed (the right-hand edge if you are left-handed). You should never use the T-square with the head set against the upper or lower edge of the board, as the drafting board may not be perfectly square.
The drafting board should be covered. A variety of good drafting board cover materials are available. Available cover materials are cellulose acetate-coated paper, vinyl, and Mylar® film. Vinyl drafting board covers have the added advantage of being able to close up small holes or cuts, such as those made by drafting compasses or dividers. In general, drafting board covers protect the drafting board surface by preventing the drafting pencil from following the wood grain, by reducing lighting glare, and by providing an excellent drafting surface.
Since you will be constantly using your eyes, your working area must be well lighted. Natural light is best, if available and ample; although in the majority of cases acceptable natural light will be the exception rather than the rule. Drafting rooms are usually lighted with overhead fluorescent fixtures.
Ordinarily, these fixtures are inadequate in quality and intensity of light. Adjustable lamps will improve the lighting conditions. The most popular type of adjustable lamp is the floating-arm fluorescent fixture that clamps onto the table. Arrange your lighting to come from the left front, if you are right-handed; from the right front, if you are left-handed. This arrangement minimizes shadows cast by drawing instruments and your hands.
Never place your drafting board so that you will be subject to the glare of direct sunlight. North windows are best for admitting daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. Conservation of vision is of the utmost importance. You must make every possible effort to eliminate eyestrain.
