Drafting Table Hardware (Arm or Rail?)

[Carroll Courtney]

SMC'er thanks for all the feedback on making a drafting table.I have receive alot of ideals.After applying these ideals,the biggest expense is the hardware.That is the arm type or the rail type or both.The auction site is loaded with all types and not to bad on cost compared to new.My question is for the draftsman is which one do you prefer?The arm or the rail,which one is more flexable?The table will have to fit in the footprint that is available so the rail type will have to come close.I don't have a 6' space that the commerical table require.I have look on CL's and several are available,but just to big.Thanks again for responding and advice!!! Carroll

[Chuck Lenz]

Do a search for Portable Drafting Boards.

[Dan Barr]

i was going to post some pics of my drafting table i built a few months ago. here are the pics.

[Dan Barr]

here you go

cheers,

dan

[Jamie Buxton]

Back when I used one of those -- several decades ago -- I perferred the arm type. However, this is one of those personal-preference things. The question is what you prefer.

[Lee Koepke]

and what you are drawing....I liked the arm, but I also liked the large format of the bar.

Then we went to autocad

[Ron Jones near Indy]

It's a matter of preference. I felt more comfortable with the rail type machine. You should also consider a parallel straight edge--a t-square guided by cords or cables. I believe one is pictured above--at least part of the setup is there.

[Wes Bischel]

As mentioned, it is a personal preference. I always used a Mayline parallel rule. I liked the full length handle. Plus I didn't have a need for a machine. I also really liked Borco (the green covering for drafting tables) though it was replaced by Strathmore hot press board for multi media projects. (i.e. disposable).

Good luck getting it all together!

Wes

[chris ormsby]

Carrol, I have an arm that might work for you. It is an arm with a protractor with stops at 15, 30, 45 etc. I ritired the table due to shop space. I scrapped out the table but couldn't bring myself to throw out the arm. I will check the size tomorrow.

[Dan Barr]

I only spent about $50.00 to build mine. (excluding lumber only)

i bought random hardware, glass, knurled nuts, a few washers, etc.

ciao,

dan