Drawing Instruments and Tools

The Drawing Board

The drawing board is any flat surface with one smooth straight edge could be used as a drawing board.

Materials: Some common materials include wood, plastic and steel. The best drawing boards are constructed from wooden precision slats that are battened at the back. Materials like metal or ebony are used to define the true working edge.

Sizes: The commonest sizes are

A₀ – 1270mm x 920mm

A₁ – 920mm X 650mm

Smaller and bigger sizes are also available

Special Qualities

-          The faces must be perfectly smooth and flat.

-          The board must not buckle or twist with normal use.

-          The edges must be at right angles to one another.

Care of the Drawing Board

-          The true working edge surface must be protected from knocks and scratches – A smooth relatively thick paper base sheet under the drawing paper or above the drawing surface could be used to enhance this.

-          The true working surface should be covered if left flat or when not in use.

-          When inclined against the wall, the true working surface should face inwards and the true working edge should be at the top.

-          Avoid exposure to heat and moisture as all tend to distort their true shape for wooden and plastic drawing boards.

-          Avoid cutting on the true working surface

Fixing paper on the board: There are 3 common methods

-          Use of drafting/masking tape at the corners of the paper

-          Use of the drawing board clips provided the board is big enough on the drawing board

-          Use of push pins – This is not recommended because they damage the surface of the drawing boards.