Over the years as a draftsman, I have mastered several Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs. AutoCAD, Generic CADD Level 3, Generic CADD 6, Generic CADD 3D, CadVance, TurboCad, and most recently, Chief Architect. Facts are though, I have been a drafter since the 1970’s and the one thing I keep coming back to is the drafting board. You might ask me why would I return to the old hammer and chisel method of drafting with all these fine programs are available to me.
Honestly, I go back to the drafting board for one thing and one thing only, the discipline. I learned on the drafting board. I was able to concentrate better using it and it takes me back to a time when I was less hurried and more able to take pride in the skill of using the tools of the trade. Discipline is something rare today in our instant society. People want it now. What’s wrong with that approach? Ever heard the saying: “if you want it right, it’s worth waiting for”? Well, that is true.
I am very interested in “drafting board” drafting, especially mechanical drawing. Thank you so much for your site and your introductory free lesson on drawing the cabin plan. I will be going through the lesson as a break from PHIL 330 and CJAD 405 for the next eight weeks, and then HIST 494 and CJAD 203 after that (and then four more course @ 8 wks each and I’M DONE APRIL 23RD! Woo-hoo!).
Being 56, I find myself drawn towards the mechanical aspect. I’ve got some nice tools, but I could probably use some templates. I’m retired by health, and really enjoy doing things myself.
Thank you again for your site. It really is appreciated. If you can think of any old-school books for a novice that are easy to follow (I’ll have my head full of Emmanuel Kant and Aristotle) feel free to give me a shout.
Thank again Timothy,
Chris Ottinger
13 N. Greenwood Ave.
Columbia, MO. 65203
cgottinger1@cougars.ccis.edu
573-239-4088
There are quite a few manual drafting books in google books that are free. Just search for drafting and set the date for the 20th century and free Google ebooks. You’ll be surprised what you find…
Your comment is an inspiration. Thanks!
Tim
I did what you told Christopher Ottinger about looking up the old books Tim. I read quite a few of them and they just don’t quite do it the way you did it with your other courses. I can’t wait til you get this one up and running.