The Need for Drafting and Drafters

Everyone in the world speaks a language. The definition of language is the expression of thoughts in an understandable way. And if we want to be understood, we learn as much about our language as possible including learning other languages as well. Facts are that I really do not know too many people who prefer to be misunderstood. And to become more proficient, we read books, magazines, newspapers, and practice composition in order to become completely familiar with our language.

However, if we try to describe in words the geometry, appearance, and details of a fixture, machine, house or building, it can be down right impossible using just words in most cases. This is where we need to use another language called the “Graphic Language of Drawing”. So that when our words fail to give a complete or accurate description we look to literature that uses diagrams, pictures, and drawings to better explain the concept of whatever it is we are studying or attempting to build.

This is where drafters come into play. A trained drafter is able to draw an image from many different perspectives so that there is very few questions what a finished object will look like when fabricated. This professional drafter not only creates a pictorial representation of an object, but also gives dimensions and instructions that can be understood in any workshop or construction site.

In the past, the tools of the drafter were pencil, pen, paper, tee square or parallel bar, drafting board, scales, dividers, and templates, but for the most part, with the invention of computer aided drafting tools or CAD for short, the professional can create accurate drawings that can be easily understood by most anyone. That’s not to say that drawing on a drafting board is a lost art. It’s still very common today and a excellent way for the drafter to keep up his discipline and skills.

About the Author

My name is Tim Davis and I draw architectural and mechanical plans for a living. I also teach others how to draw house plans, site plans, mechanical and shop drawings and other types of drafting that I have been trained to do in a virtual classroom on the internet called 101 Info Dot Org at http://101info.org