Drafting tables are specially designed with a slanted top to provide the optimum placement for a drafter's design work. The tables are sized appropriately to accommodate large sheets of paper and several tools as needed. A built-in tray provides a space to store drawing pencils, markers and erasers. The raised lip design of the tray keeps drawing implements from rolling off the table. Many tables are equipped with an adjustable height feature and lighting fixtures.
A drafting compass is used to draw arcs and circles on engineering plans and architectural plans. One arm of the compass is equipped with a needle, and the other arm contains lead. The drafter sets the width of the compass and then places the compass needle in position on the paper. As the compass is rotated by the user, the arm containing the lead sweeps across the paper to create a curved line with perfect proportions.
A drafting triangle looks similar to a ruler, but it is shaped like a triangle with three fused sides. It may be made out of clear plastic, colored plastic or metal. Drafting triangles are typically constructed with at least one 90 degree right angle, and they may also be made with additional angles of 30 degrees, 60 degrees or 45 degrees. The tool is used to draw a line at a specific degree and to create angles as needed.
Drafters often utilize trimming tools to cut lengths of paper to size for design plans. Cutting tools may be as basic as an exacto knife, a cutting mat and a ruler. The cutting mat provides a safe surface to cut, and the edge of a ruler guides the exacto knife in a straight, even cut line. Some drafters may also use a guillotine or stack cutting device designed to provide an even, measured cut line across multiple sheets of paper.