Design like a pro...
Welcome back to Jewelry Design Basics.
In the Intro, I outlined the first portion of the series, Jewelry Design Tools.
In this portion of the series, we are going to take a look at useful and affordable tools we can use to up our game in 2020.
Today we are going to talk about drawing boards and other surfaces used in the design process.
Drawing Board Sizes
A drawing boards are flat and stable surfaces used to firmly hold paper in place and are used by designers, engineers and other professionals.
A good drawing surface is indispensable when learning the basic principles of design and technical drawing.
Drawing boards come in a variety of sizes. To understand the system used to define the available board sizes, we need to briefly discuss how paper is sized.
The international standard, also known as the ISO 216 Standard, is used throughout the world. It is based on an aspect ratio of the square root of two, like the side of a square and its diagonal.
The most convenient and distinguishing characteristic of ISO paper is that each format has an aspect ratio equal to the square root of two (1:4142) which makes it simple to enlarge or reduce a document for printing on another ISO paper format.
The most popular series of the ISO standard is the A series. The most widely used paper of this series is the A4 format.
All paper sizes of this series have a name that consists of an A followed by a number. The larger that number, the smaller the paper.
A Series | ||
Format | Millimeters | Inches |
A0 | 841 x 1189 | 33.1 x 46.8 |
A1 | 594 x 841 | 23.4 x 33.1 |
A2 | 420 x 594 | 16.5 x 23.4 |
A3 | 297 x 420 | 11.7 x 16.5 |
A4 | 210 x 297 | 8.3 x 11.7 |
A5 | 148 x 210 | 5.8 x 8.3 |
The basis for the whole system is the A0 format which has an area of one square meter. With an aspect ratio equal to the square root of two, a sheet of A0 paper ends up being 841 x 1189 millimeters.
Figuring out the dimensions of the subsequent paper sizes does not require any real mathematical strain since each ensuing size can be created by simply folding the paper in half with the crease parallel to the shortest sides.
If you do this with an A0 sheet of paper, the resulting dimensions will be 594 x 841 millimeters, or the A1 format. Take note that the height of A1 is equal to the width of A0.
The various sizes of drawing boards correspond to the size of paper available in this system.
Thus, an A4 drawing board will accommodate the A4 size paper and so on.
A3 Drawing Boards
I decided to choose the Frylr Metric A3 Drawing Board Drafting Table with Parallel Motion and Angle Metric Measuring System
Dimensions – 15.5 x 2.3 x 21.6 inches
This board will hold the larger 11.5 b y 16.5 inch paper and any smaller sizes with ease.
The A3 size is also small enough to make it easily portable, making the A3 board much more versatile.
Let’s take a look at the features, functions and extras that influenced my decision to buy this model.
Features and Functions
To get an idea of what to look for in a drawing board, I researched a few of the higher models, such as Staedtler, and made a list of the features noted on their products.
Here is the list and below you can see how my model stacks up.
- With parallel drafting arm, with double-sided scale
- Convenient single-hand double locking mechanism for setting at any position on the rail
- Twin rail for especially smooth, even gliding of the ruler
- Color indicator shows whether locked or unlocked
- Sheet clamping strips on both sides of the drawing board for fastening of paper
- Scale with needle hole for precise compass radius setting
- Made of sturdy, break-resistant plastic
- With non-slip rubber feet
This unit is very sturdy and constructed with high quality materials.
The non-skid rubber feet can be adjusted to two different tilt settings.
The slot in the top right corner, allows you to insert the paper here for added security when using a larger sheet.
You can use an paper up to size A3 in this model of drawing board.
A3 –297 x 420 mm – 11.7 x 16.5 inch
As shown here, the paper is secured on the left and at the bottom of the board.
One press on the indicated spot, lifts both paper locks at once, allowing you to change paper easily.
Accessories
Parallel Drafting Arm
As you can see, the parallel drafting arm is scaled for measuring on both the top and the bottom.
The arm locks into position on both the left and right sides of the board and can easily be positioned and moved anywhere along the board.
What you can not see well in pictures, is that the parallel arm, as well as the accessories are all fitted with parallel tracks for ease of movement along the board or the arm itself.
The locking mechanisms work well and on either side of the board.
This allows you to flip the arm to the other side if you are left handed, which I am.
Neither the parallel arm nor the two accessories have a needle hole for using a compass, but they feature protractor markings to assist you with this functionality, should you need it.
Rotating Drafting Square
- Adjustable Square
- Locks into positions using dial
- Opposite-running protractor scales from 0 – 90°
- Automatic settings at 1° interval
- Uninterrupted drawing of right angles possible
Rapid Set Square
A set square or triangle is an object used in engineering and technical drawing, with the aim of providing a straightedge at a right angle or other particular planar angle to a baseline.
The accessories are fitted to align and slide along the parallel arm making it a snap to draw perfect angles, straight lines and so much more.
Drafting Pencil and Replacement Leads
The Frylr Metric A3 Drawing Board Drafting Table with Parallel Motion and Angle Metric Measuring System
also includes a very nice Mechanical Pencil and plenty of replacement leads for your convenience.
Unboxing Video
Additional Tools
- Protractors with open center
- Variety of set squares
- Protractors
- Erasers
- Variety of Pencils & Leads
I hope you find value in this article and that you will join me for the rest of the series.
In the next post, we will explore Jewelry Design Templates.
This is a great year to take your hobby to a whole new level and learn to design like the pros.
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