It would not be diplomatic to say that all the options are on the table if we say it for the drafting table in relation to their usage and multiplicity of purposes. Drafting tables are still in vogue and are a preferred choice since they provide the home and office users with an opportunity to have it for multifaceted utility.

A historical backdrop to drafting table is that they were used as an antique that was hand-crafted from solid oak styled with brass fittings used to be a symbol of status. Though we have become more practical and of course demanding in the contemporary life style but still it is of great significance as it is a more secure way to protect intellectual property.

Contemporary times have almost completely changed the way we live and how we conduct our day to day operations. But despite of the emergence of computer aided design mechanism, architects and structural designers still rely on pencil made blue prints on their drafting table. They have multiple purposes like drawing, writing and sketching on a large sheet of paper as they were used during pre-industrial times and now they have been replaced by modern day plotters that magnify the picture or a sketch to multiple times for precise technical illustrations or displays.

Drafting table is also sometimes called mechanical table since different drawing instruments like square set, protector; French curve, stencil etc are used. Modern day tables are mostly made up of steel, because of the reason that steel made table is light in weight as compared to the antique ones and also provides strength and is easy to carry. A typical drafting board comprises of a thick sheet of compressed fiberboard with formica lamination screwed with the rest of the frame.

The steel made drafting tables have an option to install mechanical connections to control height and angle of the board surface. A single foot pedal is more often used to control this movement and a heavy counterweight made of lead is also linked in so that if the foot pedal is accidentally released, the drafting board will not spring into the upright position injuring the user.

A board covering made up of thin vinyl sheet is used to provide optimum surface for drafting and also provides cover against compasses and dividers that might damage the wooden surface the table. Board cover if not cleaned properly to prevent graphite to build up on the surface of the board can make new drawings dirty. At the bottom edge of the table a multipurpose tray is built to serve as a place to rest drafting pencils.

Another advantage of drafting table is that accomplices can be attached to them like a permanent parallel ruler that is equal to width of table and moves parallel in upward and downward direction to the table. Some also include pre-calibrated scales and built in protectors to provide accurate measurements.

Electric motors are now recently being introduced as an innovation to these tables, incorporated just to adjust the angle of drafting surface. These steel made tables are as heavy as old oak wood one but they have a push button adjustment system and are much more facilitating than earlier ones. But at the same time if you opt for a push button drafting table its portability might be compromised because they are incorporated with heavy motors and actuators that has brought its weight back to same old solid oak counterparts.

A handful of features and designs with multifarious options that a table offers to furnish the resolve of both sketcher and an architect; it has become an inevitable part of every home and office. If you are looking for a high value proposition then a drafting table presents a rewarding experience in your work life in many ways.