Drawing Boards
For painters and artists, architects, draughtsmen, students, home hobby crafting and graphic artists, tiltable drawing boards offer a far more comfortable working experience than traditional flat desks. There are many different forms of drawing board but most fit into four broad categories.
Tabletop Drawing Boards
Tilting table top stands are, by their nature, compact and convenient and are available in several configurations. First is the architects' drawing board with a parallel straightedge, L shaped rule and geometry sets that include set squares marked with protractors. These are perfect for technical drawing where space is at a premium.
Parallel Motion Boards
These tilting tabletop boards have a single parallel motion controlled by nylon or steel wire pulley systems which are often counterweighted to accurately keep the rule in position. Generally available in A1, A2 and A3 sizes, they feature adjustable tilt angles, commonly in 15 degree increments.
Artists Table Top Easels
As with other table top drawing boards, artists tabletop easels can be tilted to an angle that best suits the needs of the artist. Made of wood, the easels have a lip along their bottom edge to securely hold the canvas.
Drawing Board Tables
Drawing board tables range from the classic draughtsman/architect style with parallel motion on a fixed or wheeled stand, to self-assembly units complete with various storage configurations and stool. There are some tables and stands available with acrylic boards enabling the paper to be backlit for tracing.
Key Purchasing Considerations
Choosing the right drawing board depends on several factors. For architects, draughtsmen and other technical drawing professionals, the choice is easily definable. However, for hobbyists, art students, crafters and others, choosing the right drawing board will include such considerations as the space available to site the board, the size of paper to be used plus the preferred working height and portability.