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Drafting Machine Advantages

Drafting is mechanical drawing and is used in many settings. Drafts are drawn to make scale models of machines. Drafting is also widely used in architecture in making blueprints of buildings. Anything that can be manufactured or built will usually have a draft made before starting to build. Tools of drafting include a protractor, ruler, pens, pencils, compass, triangle, and eraser. A drafting machine can also be used. A drafting machine attaches to the drawing board and has a pair of scales and an articulated protractor head. These drawing machines make the job easier and more precise.

Protractor Head Movement
- One advantage to a drafting machine is the fact that the protractor head can move freely across the drawing board as it glides with its two guides. A drafting machine has a T-square, scales, protractors, and set squares combined. The two guides can be locked into place and act independently of one another. The guides are made of a celluloid material and are perpendicular to each other. This facilitates the drawing of straight lines, perpendicular lines, inclined lines, and parallel lines. This reduces the amount of time needed to prepare a drawing.
Easier Angles
- Another advantage to a drafting machine is it makes drawing two lines that meet at an angle much easier to draw. Drafters commonly have difficulty making two angled lines meet at a point. With a drafting machine, what used to be a tedious task is now much simpler to do. The pantograph is the part of the machine that allows the drafter to make a precise angle and modify angles with greater ease.
Vertical Drawing
- Different kinds of drafting machines can also provide specific advantages. The track drafting machine, for example, is one type of drafting machine. The main advantage of this type of machine is the ability to work with the drawing board in a vertical position. These machines have flat face-bearing rollers that allow smooth movement in any direction. Tracking is performed effortlessly and fluidly no matter in what angle the drawing surface is positioned.
Movements
- The movement that can be achieved with a track drafting machine is a big advantage. A track drafting machine has vertical and horizontal components that allow very precise positioning of the scales and the protractor head. The vertical track slides to the right and left on the horizontal track. The protractor head is attached to the vertical track. Both tracks can be rotated to make any type of angle. The mechanism that positions the protractor is called a floating head and it enables movement without smearing or accidentally tearing the paper.

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