Drafting

Drafting fields vary by the type of drafting they specialize in. The various fields are architectural, structural, electrical and electronic, mechanical or machine, boundary and topographical, general, illustrative, and tracing or reproductive. And each of these fields have their own methods of getting an idea across on paper with similarities that tie them together as a certain type of trained professional.

A good drafters qualifications are: accuracy, technique, speed, economy, and neatness and also a fluent grasp of how to draw in many of the various CAD programs on the market today as well as use of the drafting board. Like many fields, drafting used to be mostly a mans vocation, but no longer because women have entered the work force and showed that they can be just as useful and skilled as any man creating complex drawings.

Accuracy is the greatest of these qualifications. A mistake should be considered as a reflection of the drafters character and every effort should be made to create habits of doing the most accurate work possible.

Technique should be studied and developed thoroughly, because without technique the drafters work looks like it was done by an amateur.

Speed in drafting is the result of mental processes as well as manual dexterity or skill with the mouse and keyboard using CAD. It naturally follows quick thought when the subject is understood and technique is mastered. And with speed comes economy. Speed can be attained by close attention to what details, dimensions, and shading are needed and also what is not required.

And then neatness is the final form of efficiency in light of the other qualities. It should be developed into a habit, and will usually be noticed in the work of those possessing the other qualities.
About the Author

Tim Davis is a drafter who has mastered many different types of drafting known as disciplines. He teaches drafting at http://101info.org and is the webmaster of Drafting, CAD, & Design Articles at http://draftingservice.us/drafting/