How To Find Technical Drawing Supplies By Marc Alexander

A technical drawing is defined as a clear sketch which gives the dimensions, notes and specifications of a structure or object.  The process of creating these drawings is known as drafting.  Good technical drawings are important parts of the design and construction process, since it enables builders, architects and engineers to properly construct buildings, houses, cars and even everyday gadgets.  As such, draftsmen always draw these to scale to ensure exact specifications and proportions, and even use drawing symbols to provide the correct technical information.

Essential supplies for people engaged in technical drawing would include drawing boards, a T-square, triangles, either an architect’s or engineer’s scale, and a set of quality drawing instruments.  You can also include the drafting machine, a technical fountain pen, a parallel-ruling straightedge, and your ever reliable computer.  It’s easy to find computers these days, but you may wonder where you can find the other stuff needed for your technical drawings. 

You don’t really need to look so far with these tips:

Scour the good old Yellow Pages.  Yes, they still exist and are still quite useful.  You can find stores that serve companies engaged in architectural, engineering and drafting services.  If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a store near you.  Once you enter a store, it might be tempting to try out everything in sight.  Resist that urge and just stick to your list.  Ask questions. This way, you can establish a great professional relationship with your neighborhood technical drawing supplies store.

2. You can also get in touch with established architectural and engineering firms and ask them for referrals on where they get supplies.  At the very least, you know such supplies will have their stamp of approval.  You’re not looking for just any ordinary art supplies store.  Even pencils need to be classified as drawing pencils and not just any ordinary writing instrument, so referrals are key.
3. Your reliable internet search engines can also help you find a drafting supplies store near you.  Even if the distance is far, shipping will do the trick.  To be safe, you can choose a website that offers various delivery options.  Just make sure you check the shipping duration and their return policies for cases of mishandled gear.  Favorable return policies also help you if you end up getting the wrong brand or ordered an incorrect item.  Remember, these supplies cost money and you want to make sure you get the right ones for your needs.
4. Try local search engines and listings like craigslist.org. These give you the ease of use of a search engine, and are more convenient because the listings are mostly local. Therefore you won’t have to spend too much on shipping - if anything.
5. If it’s your first time placing an order, be it in person, on the phone or online, make sure you prepare for it well.  Consult an experienced drafter or designer, or talk to a reliable dealer, since it may be hard to distinguish quality tools from inferior instruments.  You can also ask for tips regarding the best quality tools and supplies.  They may cost more now, but end up saving you more in the long run!

Whether it's for engineering drawing or architectural drawing, one thing remains clear.  You need the best instruments if you want to create works of art and genius.  Spending some time finding the highest quality instruments you can afford may be one of the best investments you’ll ever make in your career.