A little off topic about CAD, but still with drafting

[CADLee]

Sorry, I really didnt know where else to put this for people to see. I do CAD with a few programs. One of the things that I really like to do though, is to draw manually. The old way with a drafting table, T-Square, triangles, and mechanical pencils.

 

I was wondering if anyone knew of a forum out there for that style of drafting. Is there a thread in here that deals with that type of drafting.

 

I was just wondering. Just having a few issues and maybe I thought a Forum would be nice to talk to ask about stuff like that. It seems that with all the technology and CAD and it being able to get it done 90% quicker, it just seems that no one really talks about it no more or really even uses it as far as I know any way.

 

But when you take classes for Architecture, that is one of the first things they teach you. Well at least it was that way for me. I had to do a complete set of drawings for a house. I guess that is what got me hooked. I enjoyed it so much and thought it was really cool.

[ReMark]

I do manual drafting from time to time after I've blown all the dust off my triangles, scales, etc. LoL

 

What issues are you having?

 

The first architectural drafting class I took was taught on the basis of manual drafting not CAD. Later on I took an architectural CAD course.

[ReMark]

Posted at the website for the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College's "Intro to Drafting Tools" course.

"Hand drafting has proven to be one of the great tools for learning concepts important to the drafting process. Students learn and retain concepts better when they have to physically manipulate the content. Even though most technical working drawings are now created using CAD; the individual who has developed a basic understanding of drafting presentation principles through hand drafting will ultimately be a more knowledgeable and skilled drafter."

[CADLee]

From time to time, it seems that I cant keep my vertical lines square and straight. I use a T-Square, and always make sure it is tight against the side. But for some reason, like I said, they are not straight.

 

I am a perfectionist. They might only be off about 1/4" inch on a 1/4" = 1' scale. But to me, it is still not straight. Guess I just want it to be right all the time. Anyone else had this problem. Is it really that big if a deal, or is it just me being to ****.

 

Another thing is that I like using 2H or 4H to draw my light lines, then go over with H or HB when I have them right. I have been told by a few others, that it is always best to always start with HB to see the lines better.

[ReMark]

Swap out the T-square for a board mounted parallel rule. You should not be "off" anything.

 

I always used a 4H pencil or a 2H Lumograph pencil (blue) by Staedtler. Personally I would not use a HB pencil for laying out my drawing initially.

[f700es]

Might need to switch to a parallel bar. I found back in the old days that he helped me keep my lines straighter than my old T-square ever could. So yes I had this as well but I thought it was just me not being careful enough.

[f700es]

Oops, took me too long to hit the reply button

[Murph_map]

A few tricks for you other than the parallel bar vs. the Tee Square. One pull the lead holder towards you as you draw, if you are left handed that means start the line at the right end point and "draw" the line to the left, vise-versa if you're right handed. Also from the top down for vertical lines(either handed). Next don't rest the hand on the straight edge but if you need to rest it, rest it on the board above the straight edge. Don't look at the lead/end of the lead holder but look at where you want to end your line at. Next as your pull the lead across your paper rotate the lead holder between your thumb and two fingers, this keeps the point sharp and the line the same weight from end to end. Practice practice and then practice again.

[CADLee]

Another issue or question I have, that I need to use Vellum. Everytime I do, I get smears all over it from the lead and my hands. I tried a few tricks I saw others do. Such as put a piece of paper under your drawing hand, so the oil from yur hands does not get on the Vellum. Another trick is to tear a little piece of paper off. Get some duct tape and roll it so it is sticky all over. put that on the little piece of paper, then tape it to the part of the hand that rests on the paper. Those two things still leave smudges and smear marks.

 

I was wondering how those Dry Dusting Pads work? Do they get rid of the smudges completely, or just clean up the drawing a little? The ones that are like a little bag.

 

Thank You for all the replies!

[ReMark]

You're referring to pounce cleaning powder for vellum. I used it like salt on popcorn! LoL

 

Worst time of year for drafting on vellum was summer...without air conditioning.

[CADLee]

Yep I have found that out. Especially here in Texas. Its already summer. 80's yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. Not going to be good for drafting, or the tape. either. But I found that a piece of scotch tape over the drafting tape, but not on the paper, helps keep it down better.

[ReMark]

Can't say that I ever recall problems with drafting tape. Now that I think of it we used plain old masking tape.

[neophoible]

Never liked drawing on the board, but I can accept that it appeals to some people.

 

If you don't want smudges, don't touch the drawing, not with your hand, not with your instruments. The latter is practically impossible, but you can try to keep your instruments clean (and dry), especially on the side next to the drawing and along the edges. The former is somewhat easier for some people. Better to just live with a few smudges. If you are a real perfectionist, then develop a technique to darken like a raster plotter. Better to just live with a few smudges.

 

For perfectly straight lines, the point must follow a perfectly straight path; that's not possible, but you can get closer with the above advice and by realizing that side (x-y) pressure can actually deflect straight edges, not just wear the side of the lead.

 

Have fun!

[neophoible]

Posted at the website for the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College's "Intro to Drafting Tools" course.

"Hand drafting has proven to be one of the great tools for learning concepts important to the drafting process. Students learn and retain concepts better when they have to physically manipulate the content. Even though most technical working drawings are now created using CAD; the individual who has developed a basic understanding of drafting presentation principles through hand drafting will ultimately be a more knowledgeable and skilled drafter."

 

I had not heard this before, but it sounds reasonable. I've noticed that calculating by hand or even using a slide rule beats using a calculator if you want to have a better feel for quantities. I suppose just about anything "hands-on" is better for getting a feel for smth.

[ReMark]

For long lines if a parallel rule wasn't an option I used a 48" long steel straightedge with one side beveled.

[rkent]

Another issue or question I have, that I need to use Vellum. Everytime I do, I get smears all over it from the lead and my hands. I tried a few tricks I saw others do. Such as put a piece of paper under your drawing hand, so the oil from yur hands does not get on the Vellum. Another trick is to tear a little piece of paper off. Get some duct tape and roll it so it is sticky all over. put that on the little piece of paper, then tape it to the part of the hand that rests on the paper. Those two things still leave smudges and smear marks.

 

I was wondering how those Dry Dusting Pads work? Do they get rid of the smudges completely, or just clean up the drawing a little? The ones that are like a little bag.

 

Thank You for all the replies!

 

Use blue lead (as mentioned already) for layout, then ink instead of lead.

 

The eraser pads work to clean a drawing up, but it is eraser material and will erase everything if too much pressure is applied.

[Dana W]

A "scum bag" as we used to call the bag of ground rubber merely turns the vellum to a uniform shade of gray all over.

 

It's the HB lead, triangles, and T square that are mostly smearing up the drawing. If you think about it your hands are on either the straight edge or the triangles 90% of the time.

 

I always used 2H for my object lines, 3H for most everything else, but layout. Used 4H for layout, and normally just left the layout lines there. Most of my preferred lead choices are probably too hard for a drawing that will be scanned, but they worked fine for the old Diazo machine. I had to add Diazo to the spellcheck dictionary. Wonder why.

 

I've broiled steak with charcoal harder than HB lead. I've always refused to use it for anything but shadow lines and tree foliage.

[Dana W]

I recently bought a T square from Dick Blick. My dog's tail is straighter than that thing. That's what I get for paying only 25 bucks for it. I think it was made of recycled Chinese fireproof roofing plywood. I'd offer it to someone but what would one use it for?

 

I have a nice Itallian styled 36" x 42" drafting table that I bought years ago that I still use. I used a 42" parallel (cables) straight edge on the table and loved it. Now the cables have gotten frayed and my fingers get steel fibers in them so I have removed it. It's an art project table right now, but when I find a new source for a parallel edge cable set I will put it back to use.

 

I'm just typing until dinner is ready, really. Our hot neighbor has invited us to dinner. Pork roast, and I get to look at her too. Woops, time to go.