Drafting Glossary

Architect Scale

A specialized scale designed for measuring architectural drawings, often with increments specific to architectural needs, such as 1/4", 1/8", and other common scales.

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Blending Stump

Soft, felted paper rolled into sticks with double-pointed ends, used for smoothing and blending charcoal, graphite, pastels, and other materials. They provide a controlled way to achieve gradients and shading effects in sketches and drawings.

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Bond Paper

A standard multi-use paper available in various weights, with 20-pound weight being most common. Often used in the drafting industry for its durability and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for printing, sketching, and preliminary drafting work.

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Borco

A brand name for durable vinyl covering, typically used as a drafting surface for tables. Also known as a type of Drawing Board Cover, it provides a smooth, protective layer for consistent drawing or drafting.

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Craft Table

A lightweight drafting table primarily designed for craft and home use. These tables often come with small-drawer storage and are portable, offering an affordable, versatile workspace for various hobbies.

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Drafting Chair

A chair designed for elevated drafting surfaces, featuring ergonomic adjustments for comfort, a foot-support ring, backrests, and optional armrests. These chairs allow users to sit comfortably for extended drafting sessions at taller tables.

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Drafting Compass

A metal tool used to create precise circles or arcs in drafting. Drafting compasses are available in bow or beam styles, and are commonly used in architectural and engineering drawings.

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Drafting Machine

A mechanical device that attaches to a drafting surface to provide accurate, mechanical guidance for drawing angles and straight lines. Drafting machines are typically in track or elbow styles.

Note: Drafting machines have been discontinued and are no longer available.

Drafting Machine Scale

A precision straightedge designed for use with drafting machines, allowing for accurate measurements and line drawing directly on the machine. These are typically made from durable plastic.

Note: Drafting machine scales have been discontinued and are no longer available.

Drafting Scale

A specialized ruler used for scaling in drafting, available in flat or triangular shapes and made from wood, plastic, or metal. It comes in standard increments for easy measurement conversions and precise drawing.

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Drafting Stool

An elevated seating option for drafting that lacks a backrest or arms and usually has a fixed height. Stools provide economical seating, especially in classrooms or studios where adjustable height is unnecessary.

If you need help choosing a drafting stool, please see our page on How to Choose the Right Drafting Chair

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Drafting Table

A table with an adjustable tilt and height specifically designed for architectural, engineering, and artistic drafting tasks. Drafting tables provide stability and ample workspace for detailed projects, and can also be used for drawing, painting, crafts, or general writing.

If you need help choosing a drafting table, please see our page on How to Choose the Right Drafting Table

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Drafting Tape

A low-tack tape similar to masking tape, used to secure drafting media on surfaces without damaging the paper when removed. It allows for repositioning of paper and is a staple in studios for securing work.

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Drawing Board Cover

A vinyl cover, such as Vyco, made to provide a smooth, durable drawing surface on drafting boards. It cushions the drawing area, making it ideal for precise pencil work. Vyco is currently one of the most widely used options, available in multiple colors.

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Drawing Table

Synonymous with drafting table, it includes adjustable height and tilt features for comfort and precision in drafting or drawing work.

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Drafting Brush

A soft-bristled brush used to clear eraser shavings, graphite dust, or other debris from the drafting surface without smudging or damaging delicate drawings.

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Engineer Scale

Similar to an Architect Scale, this is a scale used to measure engineering drawings, commonly divided into decimal-based increments for engineering projects.

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Erasing Shield

A thin metal or plastic sheet with variously shaped cutouts that allows for precise erasing in small or intricate areas without disturbing nearby lines.

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Equal Spacing Divider

A tool similar to a compass, used to divide spaces into equal sections. Commonly employed in architectural or engineering drafting where precise spacing is essential.

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Flat Files

Large, flat storage drawers and cabinets for storing large-format documents such as blueprints, maps, or technical drawings. Flat files are available in metal or wood and are sometimes referred to as Plan Files or Map Files.

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Hanging Clamps

An organizational system for securing and storing large-format plans for easy access. Clamps are adjustable, usually made from aluminum, and are used with either wall-mounted or mobile rack systems.

If you need help choosing a Hanging Clamp or Blueprint Rack, please see our page on All About Hanging Clamps and Racks

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Lead Holder

A mechanical pencil device designed to hold 2mm drafting leads, allowing for precise, adjustable line widths in technical drawings.

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Mechanical Pencil

A refillable pencil that holds fine graphite leads, suitable for technical and drafting work due to its consistent line width and convenience. Available in metal or plastic bodies.

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Parallel Bar

A straightedge tool that attaches to drafting surfaces, offering precise alignment for creating horizontal lines. Essential for any drafting table setup.

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Planimeter

A mechanical device used to calculate the area of irregular shapes, often in maps or architectural plans, by tracing the perimeter of the shape.

Portable Drafting Board

A drafting surface with a carrying handle for easy transport, typically equipped with a parallel bar. Ideal for students or professionals who need a mobile drafting setup.

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Pounce

A fine powder used for cleaning drafting surfaces, like vellum or sketch paper, by removing graphite dust and smudges. Available in shaker cans or bag applicators.

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Rub Rail

The front wooden edge or lip on some drafting tables, designed to prevent tools from rolling off and to provide wrist support.

Straightedge

A tool used for drawing straight lines, made from metal, plastic, or wood. Used commonly in drafting and layout design.

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Technical Pen

Fine inking pens with different tip diameters to provide consistent line widths, commonly used in technical drawings.  Available in both refillable and disposable forms.

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Tortillon

Similar to blending stumps, tortillons are slender, rolled paper tools used for blending and shading but with a single pointed end for fine control.

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Vellum

A translucent drafting paper made from cotton fiber, highly valued for architectural and technical drawings due to its durability and compatibility with ink or pencil.

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Vyco

A durable vinyl material used as a drawing board cover, providing a protective and cushioned surface for drafting work.

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