The Drafting Board Blog

Updated for the Fall 2026 semester Helpful advice for architecture, interior design, engineering, drafting, CAD, and high school programs from a company that has been helping students prepare for class for more than 30 years. Every July and August, we start getting the same questions from students and parents across the country. "Do I really need everything on my supply list?" "Can I buy a less expensive drafting board?" "What is the difference between an architect scale and an engineer scale?" …

The PXB portable drafting board has been one of the most popular drafting boards for students, architects, engineers, and designers for many years. Both Alvin and Pacific Arc offer versions of the PXB board, and while the branding may differ, the boards use the same basic cable-and-pulley parallel bar system. Like most drafting equipment, a PXB board may need occasional adjustment after shipping or years of use. In most cases, a simple adjustment is all that's needed to get the parallel bar wor …

At Drafting Equipment Warehouse, we have always believed that finding the right tools should be simple—whether you are a student just getting started or a professional working on detailed plans every day. That’s why we have launched a newly updated website designed to make shopping for drafting supplies, equipment, and furniture easier, faster, and more helpful than ever before. We’re still the same family-owned business we have been since 1994, just with a better toolbox. Wha …

Looking for a replacement for discontinued Clearprint vellum rolls with 4x4 or 8x8 grids? Pacific Arc Professional Drafting Vellum offers the same non-reproducible grid options, dependable transparency, and durable cotton rag construction at a more affordable price. If you have been relying on Clearprint gridded vellum rolls with 4x4 or 8x8 grids, you have probably noticed they are no longer available. For years, these rolls were a go-to choice for architects, engineers, designers, and stude …

From simple tilt-top boards to portable drafting tables with parallel bars, this guide will help you choose the right portable drafting board for your major, workspace, and budget. Some school supplies are easy to buy in five minutes and forget by lunch. A portable drafting board is not one of them. If you are heading into architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape design, or another technical program, the right board can shape how comfortably and accurately you work from day one. …

Profession-Specific Drafting Kits for Trade Schools, Design Students, and Technical Programs Explore drafting kits built for plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, HVAC students, electricians, graphic design students, and industrial design programs. Whether you are starting a drafting class, entering a trade school program, or preparing for a design course, having the right tools from day one can make a big difference. At Drafting Equipment Warehouse, we offer profession-specific drafting kits …

What Is Drafting Vellum? Uses, Benefits, Brands, and How to Choose the Right Vellum Paper Learn what drafting vellum is, why architects, engineers, designers, and students still use it, and how to choose the best vellum for drawing, tracing, overlays, grids, and title block work. Drafting vellum has been a trusted drawing surface for architects, engineers, designers, and students for decades. Even in a world filled with CAD software, digital tablets, and 3D modeling, vellum remains a practic …

What Is a Drawing Board Cover? Benefits, Uses, Installation Tips, and Care Guide Learn what a drawing board cover is, why drafters use it, how to install it, and how products often called Vyco or Borco can help protect your drafting table and improve your work surface. If your drafting table does not have a board cover, you may be missing one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your workspace. A drawing board cover helps protect the surface of your table while creating a smoother, clean …

Drafting Pencils Guide: Lead Holders vs Mechanical Pencils vs Woodcase Pencils Learn the differences between lead holders, mechanical drafting pencils, and woodcase pencils, including lead grades, sharpening, refills, and how to choose the right pencil for drafting, sketching, and technical drawing. Drafting pencils are essential tools for architects, engineers, designers, artists, and students. Choosing the right one depends on the type of work you do, the line quality you need, and how you …

Holiday Gift Guide for Drafting Students, Artists, Designers, and Creative Professionals Shop thoughtful gift ideas for drafting students, architects, engineers, illustrators, artists, model makers, and hobbyists, including drawing boards, drafting kits, pencils, markers, technical pens, cutting tools, and craft tables. Finding the right gift for a creative person can be surprisingly tricky. Some want practical tools they will use every day. Others love upgraded versions of the basics they a …