Simplified draughtsmanship for engineering students

By E. Skelton

Subjects: Engineering drawing, engineering graphics, Basic Draughtsmanship

Description: Engineering drawing is the language of the engineer. Unlike the artist's drawing it is not an end in itself, it is only a stage in the manufacture of a component, its installation in a machine or plant for the purpose of producing a product for the consumer. It is not very many years since elaborate penmanship was the hallmark of the professional draughtsman, and the artistic appearance of a drawing was regarded as being equal in importance to its practical value. Drawings were then made on cartridge paper and as well as being given the fullest delineation of linework they were also coloured. Cast iron was coloured grey, steel was distinguished by a blue tint whilst brass parts were shown in chrome yellow. Sections of parts were denoted by flat washes of colour in place of the now conventional section or cross-hatching lines, and a narrow edge of the appropriate colour was applied inside the boundary line to each component in the assembly drawing. Although the conception of engineering drawing today is more austere the basic technique has not changed to the same degree as its contribution to design and manufacture processes. Method study investigations into manufacturing problems have brought to light great improvements in design and production methods, yet the product of the draughtsman has until recently had little or no method study applied to it. Although the draughtsman may obtain some personal satisfaction by a professional pride in meticulous linework, accuracy of scale and painstaking detail, he must, however, accept the fact that yesterday's techniques are not compatible with today's competition. The more advanced student who has read the author's previous book, ***Basic Draughtsmanship for Engineering Students***, may be a little confused by the principles expounded in this volume.