How to Choose the Right Drawing Equipment for Your Business
Whether you run a design firm or a manufacturing company, you must have the correct drawing equipment if you need to do any precision drawing.
From set squares and rulers to protractors and compasses, a wide variety of tools are available to help you create accurate drawings. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which ones are right for your business?
This blog post will break down the different types of drawing equipment available and help you select the right tools for the job.
Rulers and Set Squares
Measuring the length of an object is an essential skill for designers, architects, and manufacturers. And wood, metal, and plastic measuring tools are often used for this task. Rulers have a rectangular base and can measure in inches or centimetres.
Set squares are plastic or metal squares that can be flipped from one angle to another. They are typically used for interior layouts but can also be used for measuring distances in the physical world.
Rulers and set squares are essential for making accurate measurements when drawing lines and angles. A ruler is a straight, flat piece of metal or plastic with markings along its length to indicate inches or centimetres, while a set square is a right-angled triangle that can be used to draw perpendicular lines.
Most rulers also come with a set square attached, but if you need to use them separately, ensure the two angles of the set square match up correctly. Both are essential tools, and both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Rulers offer flexibility and ease of use but aren't as accurate as set squares for drawing straight lines. Set squares have a small point for drawing smaller lines and angles, but they can also be difficult to manipulate if you're working on a large drawing.
Protractors
Another essential tool that designers, architects, and manufacturers use to draw precise angles is protractors.
Protractors are used to measure and draw angles and come in both circular and triangular shapes. The circular protractor has a 360-degree scale around the edge, while the triangular protractor has scales in degrees and radians.
These simple tools are used to draw angles that don't exist in nature. There are two types of protractors:
- The first is a woodworking or carpentry protractor, with a ruler in one of its main angles. This style of protractor measures angles in degrees from 0 to 360. A 0-degree angle would be horizontal, and a 90-degree angle would be vertical.
- The second type of protractor—or a surveying protractor—is frequently used for measuring angles in the physical world from 0 to 90 degrees. This is because a right angle (90 degrees) is best measured in the physical world. A protractor with markings in this range is useful when measuring angles on the house, for example, to determine which wall should be framed first.
When buying a measuring tool, make sure you buy one suitable for the type of drawing you'll be doing. If you're working on an outdoor layout and want to draw angles, a woodworking protractor will be easier to use than a surveying protractor.
Compasses
A compass is a handheld tool used to draw circles and arcs. It consists of two metal points connected by a hinge and can be adjusted to create different sizes of circles.
Compasses are often used in drafting and engineering, where precision drawings are required. Several types of compasses are available on the market, from simple plastic to high-end magnetic compasses.
When choosing a compass, you need to consider the work you will use it for. If you need a compass for heavy-duty use, you should invest in a quality magnetic compass with a sturdy build. If you only require a compass for occasional use, then a simple plastic compass will do the job.
So don't forget to consider your project's needs before selecting a compass. A magnetic compass may be a better choice for heavy-duty tasks, but you may need a plastic compass for routine use.
Drawing Boards
Drawing boards are flat pieces of wood or plastic that are used as a surface on which to draw. They come in various sizes, and some boards have built-in rulers or other markings to help draw precise lines and shapes. Artists and architects most commonly use drawing boards, but they can also be handy for anyone who needs to do precision drawings.
When picking a drawing board, you need to consider the required size. If you plan on doing large drawings, you'll need a board at least the size of an A1. A small A6 commission will be enough for basic sketches and diagrams if you're starting.
You should also consider the type of material the board is made from. Boards made from natural materials such as wood or bamboo have a nice feel and can add extra precision to your drawings, while plastic boards are more durable and easy to clean.
A word of caution: most drawing boards don't have a ruler built in, so you'll need to get one separately.
Conclusion
Drawing equipment is an essential part of any design or engineering business.
In this blog post, we've outlined different types of drawing equipment and provided tips on choosing the right tools for your needs.
If you need to do any precision drawing, you must have the correct drawing equipment.
- Rulers and set squares are essential tools for designers, architects, and manufacturers to measure the length of an object.
- A protractor is a measuring tool that is used to draw angles.
- A compass is a handheld tool used to draw circles and arcs.
- Several compasses are available, from simple plastic to high-end magnetic compasses.
- Drawing boards are flat pieces of wood or plastic that are used as a surface on which to draw. They come in various sizes, and some boards have built-in rulers or other markings to help you draw precise lines and shapes.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you require help selecting the right drawing equipment for your business. Our team of experts will be happy to help you find the perfect tools for your needs.