Basically, a drafting table, also known as a drawing or draughting table, is a worktable with an adjustable top. Initially it was created to accomplish many purposes: drawing, drafting technical representation, writing or sketching on a large sheet of paper, reading a book or documents of large format or cartography (the art of map drawing). In the 18th century they were frequently seen in a gentleman's office or library and they were manufactured of wood and brass. Later, in the 19th century, as drawing and drafting became specialized trades, they started being made more of steel, plastic and less of wood. By the end of the 20th century, computers (CAD programs) have started being used for drawing and drafting and drafting tables have begun to lose their importance.
Drafting tables haven’t disappeared totally because some people still use a real pencil to draw, instead of a computer, and also because of a drafting table’s multiple facilities: it is a perfect large working surface, easy to fold and store without using too much space; permits work from different angles, without forcing you to a head-down position, which usually causes neck and back pain; they have easily accessible knobs and wheels and they can be angled up to 45 degrees. That's why, today, the drafting table is used not only by architects, but also by many types of designer, commercial artists, advertising layout specialists etc. Usually it goes along with a drafting chair (a chair that can be raised or lowered to achieve the needed height).
Drafting tables are purchasable in many different styles (contemporary, traditional, antique) and models (simple or elaborate, portable or stationary). Their tops can be made of a variety of materials: glass, wood, plastic or metal and they can be customized to perfectly adjust to your requirements.
If you need to buy a drafting table, you should also consider an electric one. The electric drafting tables are the ones which adjust the height and the angle electrically. It very easy to move it!
A folding drafting table will be a great help if you have to take it with you to work, outside of your office, or home. After folding, it looks like a big suitcase and it is easily transported.
A drafting table plan is a table that not only adjusts to the height and angle required by the user, but is also provided with a light (neon usually) - which is placed above the table (not too low to disturb the user with the glow, but also not too high, so the whole working surfaced is lighted) and a small support for pencils and other drawing articles.
Antique drafting tables
As one says, to posses an antique drafting table is a dream come true for a person who works on these kinds of tables. They used not only for their basic function, but also as a furnishing and art piece. They are made of hardwood (oak, walnut), sometimes combined with iron. To buy one you have to check out the used office supply places, search the Internet for on line offers, or go to different auctions.
One of the most appreciated antique drafting tables, are the ones made by Hamilton. The company has been active on the furniture market since 1944. Their antique drafting tables are highly appreciated because of the quality and design. Some of them are endowed with electric outlets, electrically height adjustable with manual tilt, and a horizontally and vertically adjustable top.
When buying a drafting table consider the following: take at least a 30" x 40" table (and if you are short of space, take a folding one; check how easy the height and the angle can be adjusted; take a chair which is also height adjustable; buy a table cover in order to keep the top smooth and flat; don't buy something very cheap if the quality is not good enough; take one that is sturdy and if possible, one that doesn't weigh too much.
