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Post by vigillink on Apr 23, 2018 10:50:15 GMT -5
My first Instructable was how to build a drafting table for $50, take a look to get a feel for the design. It does it's job just fine but I'd like to improve upon it. First of all, I don't really have a system to raise/lower the table- I've just been propping it up with boxes and stuff. I'd like to have something attached to the table so that it can easily be adjusted and I'll have a few less pieces to lug around. Second, I need to put a rail on the edge of the drawing surface to keep work and tools from sliding off. I found a small drafting table that I ended up giving to a friend with a rail like the one in the picture below. It's sort of like a metal ruler with L shaped holes in it for screws- so you can lower the rail if you don't want it in your way. Where can I get something like this- or would I be able to make one?
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pedro
Young Hound
Posts: 78 
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Post by pedro on Apr 23, 2018 23:59:13 GMT -5
I can’t see the picture but the tool tidy/shelf should be relatively easy to make if you have the right tools. Most do-it-yourself stores stock aluminium strip or you might find you already have a piece of some other suitable material - eg an old carpet doorway strip. Use a set-square to mark out the ‘L’s at say 200mm /8inch intervals. You then drill a row of holes where you have marked out the Ls. Use a centre punch to give the drill a place to ‘bite’ so that it doesn’t wander off target. Then use a file to open up the holes to make the Ls. Check your work as you go along to make sure the Ls are all equal and aligned. I would put ‘toes’ on the Ls to stop the strip from accidentally dropping down and spilling your best drafting pens on the floor. You don’t have to use aluminium strip, anything will do that you can cut cleanly and accurately and that is not too brittle that it breaks as you are making it.
I am not sure what you are asking in the first part. If you want something to alter the angle of the board to the horizontal , you could devise a light frame similar to an old-fashioned deck chair where a bar at the end of one part of the frame drops into grooves in a second part. If the angle you want is from the vertical, you could do the same or do what I did on my drafting board (made from a piece of old hollow core door). I made a pair of legs, joined near the bottom with a crossbar to form a U or H, and attached these to the top of the edge of the board. The angle of the frame is controlled by a leather strap (an old belt) from the crossbar to the bottom of the frame.
If you want something to raise and lower the height of the board from the floor - thst is a different question.
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Post by jonwalter on Apr 24, 2018 6:53:21 GMT -5
Hey, One couple tips about table:It would have been nice if you hinged the sides. That way you could have folded it all up when not in use. The one I have doesn't so I keep it under my table saw out feed table when I am not using it. It is a store bought one. Although I didn't buy it in a store. It has one of those big tops you don't like.   |
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Post by Dabeagle on Apr 24, 2018 16:09:38 GMT -5
I have to say, I'm impressed a question like that was asked and the solid answers provided. You guys amaze me!
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