drafting table plans

[trevorjim]

Hi,

I am interested in building a drafting table for my studio and wondered if anyone had plans or measurements of there own or where I may find plans

Trevor

[Frankie Wolf]

We're just sort of making it up as we go in my studio, but I started with the idea of using unfinished kitchen cabinet/drawer units from Home Depot as the legs.

I wondered out loud to my significant other if it would be possible to use them in that fashion and it's turned out well. He used stain grade plywood to make the work surface and a piano hinge in order to lift the top (there's a two x four "ladder" on the back wall that I can use to "prop" the table top up at various angles).

It turned out to be heavier than expected, so he added a counter weight that runs up into the attic.

I know I'm not explaining this well, and I'm sorry that I can't show you sketches (no digital camera or scanner at this time - I always have to borrow them).

There is an old pic from about a year ago in the studio layout post (on page 4 or 5 I think). This pic really only shows the drawer unit "legs" before the main top was added, but it might give you a place to start.

I've ended up with a work surface that is 3 feet deep and 5 feet across along with 8 drawers within easy reach of my chair (although the room is not finished yet, so I'm still working with portable items - sketchbooks and a french easel). If I remember correctly, the unfinished cabinet/drawer units are about 36" high to begin with, so the top will be at least 3/4" higher. Mine is about 2" higher.

Like I said, we did a lot of "making it up" on the fly...so it's probable that there are better design ideas. I'm fairly certain that we would do some things different if we were starting over from scratch (like find a way to make the top lighter - part of the heaviness came from an early mistake).

I started out with rough ideas of what I wanted in a studio, mostly lots of work surface, and lots of various types of storage space, along with areas specifically designed for certain tasks. I also wanted it to be beautiful in an "old world" way, warm and interesting. I definitely wanted to avoid anything that looked industrial. There's a celtic knot/oak tree theme running throughout.

Anyway, although I couldn't provide you with specific plans, I hope this might spark some ideas for you.

Take care,
Frankie

[CaptainCanuck]

Hey thanks for the tip Frankie. I've been mulling over the differtent possibilities on how to relace my old drawing table. This was one of the things I considered because I have limited work space and I need to combine my computer and drawing areas. Most of the computer desks out there are overpriced and useless as art tables. Storage on most of these units are equally frustrating. Odd shaped cubby holes and inaccessable shelves don't make very good studio sense.
I will, after reading this post, most certainly be looking at building something myself. I have about 10 years experience with aircraft blueprints and assemblies so I'll try to post my results.
Hey Trevor, good to hear from a fellow Islander. I wasn't born there but my parents were and I actually got to live there for ten years. Welcome to WC!

[Tony Perrotta]

Hi everybody, The way to go is to do it yourself. It will be cheaper for sure and you can make it to any specs. you want. I have an old drafting table top that was my fathers it's about 11/4 thick solid as a rock, and just set on top of an old big metal desk. I cut the top to make it a little narrower and I have access to the drawers in the desk. Any thing you can use that you have already or get for free is better than paying top dollar for something that has questionable quality. JMO

Tony

[trevorjim]

Captain,

Good to hear that you spent some time on the island. I'm born and bred Newfoundlander and I love it here. Great province for painting and an incredible amount of talent.


Thanks for the welcome

Trevor

[Winky2]

Hi Trevor,

I'm Newf true and blue as well... and a new member of WC! I also came up with my own idea for a table top easel. One thing is for sure is that if you want to paint you'll always find a way to do it reagardless of resources!!!
:cat:

[trevorjim]

Winky,

Welcome to WC! You are right. I will paint no matter the situation. I have a large easel in my studio where I paint my acrylics and I use the kitchen table for watercolors.

Good to have a fellow Newfoundlander on WC!

Trevor