The Drafting Board

Learn what drafting scales are, the differences between architect, engineer, metric, combination, and mechanical scales, how to use a scale ruler, and how to choose the best drafting scale for your work. When it comes to drafting, accuracy matters. Whether you are working in architecture, engineering, design, or technical illustration, the scale you choose affects how real-world dimensions are represented on the page. A good drafting scale helps you measure clearly, draw accurately, and keep …

Back-to-School Guide for Architecture, Interior Design, and Drafting Students Learn which supplies architecture, interior design, and drafting students need for school, what to expect in studio courses, and how to prepare for a more organized and successful semester. Starting a new school year in architecture, interior design, or drafting can feel exciting, inspiring, and just a little overwhelming. There are supply lists to figure out, studio expectations to learn, and a lot of new tools, m …

The Ultimate Guide to Storing Blueprints, Plans, and Artwork Learn the best ways to store blueprints, engineering plans, maps, posters, and artwork with flat files, rolled storage, hanging clamps, vertical plan files, identification tags, and large document folders. Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to protect blueprints, plans, maps, posters, and artwork from damage over time. The right storage method can help prevent creases, curling, dust exposure, and general wear while also maki …

Learn which manual drafting tools architects use, including T-squares, triangles, compasses, architect scales, templates, drafting pencils, vellum, erasers, drafting tables, parallel bars, and other hand drafting essentials. Manual drafting remains an important part of architectural training, sketch development, and traditional design practice. Even though digital tools now handle much of the production work, many architects, students, and designers still value the clarity, control, and tact …

The Pacific Arc Template Guides are the ideal perfect circle guide for geometry, drawing, plans, and sketches. Made of a strong translucent green plastic, these templates are perfect for use on any surface and will not obscure the surface you are working on. Modern templates make it easy, fast, and accurate to repeat, create, or insert almost any shape onto literally any surface-paper, vellum, fabric. Available in different styles for landscaping, architecture, plumbing, lettering, electric …

In September of 2020, Alvin & Company decided to close it's doors after 70 years in the drafting and art distribution business. The Alvin brand of drafting equipment was purchased late 2020 and is set for relaunch in the Summer of 2021. Alvin will bring back a very focused selection of all it's best products, a collection of about 400 products. The focus is on all the hand tools and supplies in the categories of drawing, drafting and design.At this time Alvin has no plans to b …

This is the original VYCO board cover that was distributed by the old Alvin drafting supply company. The product is still being manufactured at the original factory in Denmark. This durable 5 ply vinyl cover will protect any surface with a soft, smooth, self-sealing and stain resistant cover for your creative workspace. It helps make any surface the perfect surface to draw on. The soft vinyl layer creates just the right amount of give when applying pressure to your paper. It’s self sealing …

It is with sadness that we announce that Alvin has gone out of business and is no longer shipping products or accepting returns.  Alvin was a leading brand in the drafting industry for 70 years!  They supplied Drafting Equipment Warehouse with high-quality drafting equipment and supplies for 25 years, even before we had a website.   We still have stock in our warehouse of some Alvin brand supplies.  As these items sell out, we will have alternatives available for pu …

Drafting Equipment Warehouse is pleased to announce the Mayline plant move to Iowa is on schedule. We are now accepting orders on the temporarily suspended Mayline Ranger Drafting Table beginning today, October 23, 2018. The Mayline Ranger is available in a wide variety of colors and top sizes. This is a make-to-order drafting table, please allow 14 - 16 weeks for delivery. We hope as Mayline gets settled into their new manufacturing location we will see lead times lessen. We will continue to up …

In our last blog we discussed the permanent and temporary discontinuation of some of the Mayline Flat Files as the new owners change manufacturing locations. Below is an updated list of more Mayline products that are now discontinued as well as a list of alternate products. Please see our other informational blog relating to the Discontinuation of Mayline Flat Files and the Replacement Options: Mayline / Safco Flat File Chart Mayline Drafting Furniture Replacement Chart Mayline Discontinue …