B111L| ENGINEERING DRAWINGS AND PLANS

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE
DESIGN PROCESS

MODULE 2
DRAWING INSTRUMENTS

This module provides a discussion on the different types of drawing instruments

needed for constructing drawing works.

Objectives

• To familiarize engineering students with the types of drawing instruments.

2.1 Introduction

Since instrument drawings is the standard method of expression, most drawings

are made “to scale”, with instruments used to draw straight lines, circles and
curves concisely and accurately. Different types of instruments are needed for
the construction of engineering drawings. Since drawing is composed of different
types of lines, different types of instruments are needed.

Standard work depends on the instrument’s standard. Therefore, if we want to

have high quality drawing, instruments of high quality shall be used. Instruments
should be maintained in good condition and should be cleaned before and after
use.

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2.2 Drawing Instruments and Their Uses

1. Drawing Board

Drawing board (also drawing table, drafting

table) is a kind of multipurpose desk which
can be used for any kind of drawing, writing
or impromptu sketching on a large sheet of
paper or for reading a large format book or
Figure 3.1 Drawing
other oversized document or Board(https://civilseek.com/civil-
for drafting precise technical illustrations such engineering-drawing-instruments/)
as engineering drawings or architectural
drawings. (Wikipedia)

In engineering drawing, this is the most

important instrument used. It is made of fine
wood. But modern drafting tables typically
rely on a steel frame. Steel provides as much Figure 3.2 Drawing
strength as the old oak drafting table frames Board(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D
and much easier portability. rawing_board)

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2. T-Square

T-Square is used to draw straight lines. It is

composed of two parts: the blade which is
the long part where measurement marks are
found, and the head which is the short part.
These two parts are fixed with each other at
90° angle. For the purpose of drawing
Figure 3.3 T-Square
horizontal lines, the head of the T-Square is
(https://civilseek.com/civil-
held firmly on the left corner of the drawing engineering-drawing-instruments/)
board and can move up and down.

3. Set-Square

Set squares are generally made of celluloid.

They are used in conjunction with T-Squares to
draw accurate angles. There are two main
types of set-squares: the one with angles of
45° and 90° and the other with angles of 30°,
60° and 90°. With the help of the set-squares,
all the angle of a multiple of 15° can be Figure 3.4 Set-Squares
(https://civilseek.com/civil-
constructed as well as perpendicular and
engineering-drawing-instruments/)
parallel lines.

4. Compass

A compass, also known as a pair of

compasses, is a technical drawing instrument
that can be used for inscribing circles or arcs.
As dividers, they can also be used as tools to
measure distances, in particular on maps.
Compasses are usually made of metal or
plastic and consist of two parts connected by
a hinge which can be adjusted to allow the
Figure 3.5 Thumbscrew and Bow
changing of the radius of the circle drawn.
Compass
Typically, one part has a spike at its end, and (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compa
the other part a pencil, or sometimes a pen. ss_(drawing_tool))

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5. Divider

This engineering drawing instrument is like a

Figure 3.6
compass, but the pencil is not used in it. Divider
Both of its legs have needles at the ends. This (https://www.
is used for taking straight and curved quora.com/
What-is-
measurements. It is also used to transfer any
useful-about-
measurements to some other place. a-divider)

6. French Curves

A French curve is a template usually made

from metal, wood or plastic composed of
many different curves. The shapes are
segments of the Euler spiral or clothoid curve.
This is used to draw such curves which have
no uniform radius and that a compass cannot
be used. They are of different shapes. The
place where the irregular arc is required, Figure 3.5 French Curve
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_
there three points are selected and are
curve)
joined by French curve.

7. Protractor

A protractor is a measuring instrument,

typically made of transparent plastic or glass,
for measuring angles. Most protractors
measure angles in degrees (°). Radian-scale
protractors measure angles in radians. Most
protractors are divided into 180 equal parts. Figure 3.6 Half Circle Protractor
Some precision protractors further divide (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protract
or)
degrees into arcminutes.

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Figure 3.9 Set-square with Integrated

Figure 3.7 360 Figure 3.8 400 Protractor
degrees Protractor gon Protractor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protract
Marked in Marked in or)
Degrees Radians
(https://en.wikipe (https://en.wiki
dia.org/wiki/Protra pedia.org/wiki
ctor) /Protractor)

8. Pencils

Various types of pencils are available. They

contain lead mostly. Some of the pencils are
hard while some are soft.
These grades of pencils are written on them.
The softest pencil is 10B while the hardest one
is 10H.
Pencils from H to 4H are generally used in
engineering drawing for drawing different
lines.

Grades of Pencil.

Following are the different grades of the

pencil:
Hard Grade.
Figure 3.10 Lead Grade
This category includes grade H pencils. These (https://www.jetpens.com/blog/the-
are available from H to 9H in the market. best-lead-grade-for-every-
Generally, such pencils are used in drawing application/pt/475)
work.

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Medium Grade.
Such pencils are used generally in ordinary
drawing work. HB grade pencils are included
in this category.
Soft Grade.
Such pencils are used generally in Artwork
and Shading purposes. B grade pencils
include in this category.

9. Sharpener

A pencil sharpener is used to sharpen a

pencil. Ordinary types of sharpeners sharpen
a small portion of the pencil. Sharpener of
good quality should be used which can
sharpen to at least 10 millimeter lead. Figure 3.11 Sharpener
(https://shop.coolmaterial.com/prod
ucts/classic-crank-style-pencil-
10. Scotch Tape
sharpener)

Transparent Tape is used for sticking the

drawing sheet on the drawing board, which
is known as Scotch Tape. This tape is applied
at the corners of the sheet.

11. Eraser

An eraser is used to remove extra lines. The

eraser should not be very hard otherwise
there is a danger of tearing of the sheet.

12. Scale Reduction Ruler

Reduction Scale Ruler is a great tool when

you're doing technical drawings. It allows you
to create accurate lines at an appropriate Figure 3.12 Scale Reduction Ruler
and consistent scale. Before using an (https://shop.coolmaterial.com/prod
architect's scale or ruler, it is important to ucts)

know the scale of the drawing or item that is

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being measured. Once the scale of the

drawing has been ascertained, select the
correct scale on the ruler.

References

Frence and Vierck, The Fundamentals of Engineering Drawing and Graphic

Technology, Fourth Edition

https://civilseek.com/civil-engineering-drawing-instruments/

http://www.technologystudent.com/despro_flsh/ssquar1.html

Disclaimer and Fair Use Statement

This module may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have
been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The material contained in
this module is distributed without profit for educational purposes. This should
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