When we need to draw or plan out something, we sure would need a good table so we can comfortably sketch ideas that form in our minds. In situations such as this, drafting tables would truly be helpful. However, what exactly is a drafting table?

We all know that drafting tables have been used by architects, designers, artists, and engineers for centuries. In the 19th century, drafting tables were known as multipurpose desks wherein one can draw or do impromptu sketches on large paper or documents. Drafting tables are also useful in penciling in accurate and defined technical illustrations. Because of its use, drafting tables are also referred to as drawing tables, drawing boards, and architects’ tables. During the 18th and 19th centuries, drafting tables were sometimes called mechanical tables. However, unlike real mechanical tables, drafting tables have limited mechanical parts – these being ratches, notches, simple gears, levers, and cogs used in elevating and reclining the working surface.

In the early days, drafting tables are typically made of wood. There were also drafting tables that were made of brass. Drafting tables made of plastic and steel first became popular during the Industrial Revolution, when they became more utilitarian.

Drafting tables of this age are usually made of steel, providing almost the same strength as that of the oak drafting tables of the earlier centuries. Steel drafting tables of today also prove to be more portable. Normally, modern drafting tables have thick sheets of compressed fiberboards. They also have laminated formica on its surfaces. The drafting boards are also often screwed in place and can be removed later on for transportation. Steel frames are also standard features of modern drafting tables, wherein one can install mechanical linkages on it for use in controlling the angle and height of the surface of the drafting board. Most modern drafting tables also have foot pedals that control the clutch that clamps the drafting board to the desired position. There are also heavy counterweights attached onto the mechanical linkages so that when one accidentally releases the foot pedal, the drafting board will not spring to an upright position which can potentially injure the user.

As have been mentioned, surfaces of modern day drafting tables have laminated formica or vinyl sheets that are referred to as board cover. The board cover gives optimum surface for drafting using a pen and/or pencil. It also allows users to work with dividers and compasses without having to damage the wooden part or surface of the drafting board. Oftentimes, the bottom edge of modern drafting tables have strips of aluminum or steel, and even purpose built trays, for holding drafting pens and pencils.

Several other innovations have been introduced to modern day drafting tables, including detachable drafting machines, parallel rules, pushbuttons, and electric motors.