Pencils

Make: Traditional pencils are made from special wood with lead of compressed clay and graphite. They are widely available in 19 graphite grades, ranging from very hard (containing more clay) to very soft and dark (containing more graphite)

Grade HB is regarded as the most versatile for general drawing and sketching. Commonly used are H, F, HB and B especially for beginners for setting out line, fine work and rough sketch on cartridge papers. The degree of hardness or softness is always indicated near the end of the pencil or lead and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Shape (section): The standard length of a traditional wooden pencil is 175mm. Common cross-sections are

-          Hexagonal

-          Circular

-          Triangular

The hexagonal cross-section is more common as it is easy to hold and does not roll of the board or table.

The Architect’s Metric Scale Rule

In architectural drawings, it is not always possible to represent objects at their actual size. Therefore, drawings must be made showing the objects greatly reduced or magnified in size.

In order that such a geometrical representation shall be of use, it is necessary that every part of the drawing shall bear the same ratio of proportion to the original object. Such a drawing is said to be drawn to scale.

The scale, being the ratio of proportion, is one in which the graphical representation bears the original object e.g. 1cm=1m. The instrument on which the scale is marked is called The Scale Rule

Set Squares or Triangles

They are primarily used for drawing vertical and inclined lines with the T-square as a guide.

Materials: wood. Metal or plastics

The best are clear plastics because they allow visibility of the work underneath.

Types

-          45⁰ set square

-          60⁰/30⁰ set square

-          Adjustable set square

The adjustable set square is the most versatile as it can be set to any angle because of the protractor scale attached to it. It also has a good finger-lift facility.

Quality

All the working edges should be square or stepped not bevelled to avoid smudging or blotting.

Sizes

The size of the set square is measured by the length of its longest side (hypotenuse)

-          150mm

-          200mm

-          300mm.