WEEK: 1

Subject: Basic Technology

Topic: Drawing Practice
Sub-Topic: The Use of Common Drawing Instruments
Class: Year 7.
Lesson Objectives: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able to;

(i) mention at least 3 common drawing tools

(ii) state the function(s) of each of the tools

Drawing Practice

Technical Drawing is a universal language used among technical people such as engineers,
designers , builders, draughts men e .t .c for communication. Study of drawing helps us to
communicate and express ourselves easily without talking or asking questions. Therefore,
learning of drawing is very important because;
(a) It shortens long statement (in written form).
(b) It conceals (hides) some secretive information except to the learned in the field.
(c) It shows the uniqueness of a profession.

The Use of Common Drawing Instruments

Drawing Instruments: Drawing instruments are non-consumable items used during

technical drawing. If well taken care of, they can remain for a long time.
In order to draw accurately, we make use of instruments and materials.
Some of these instruments are; T-square,
Scale rule, Drawing board , Set-square(60 by 30 deg.and 45 deg.types),French curves,
Drawing paper clips(adhesive tapes) , Drawing paper e.t.c.
1. Drawing board: A platform (flat surface), on which drawing sheet is stretched (laid)
before drawing starts. We have two types namely, “Half imperial” and “Full imperial”
but half imperial is recommended for secondary school students.

2. Tee-square: A tee-square is a T-shaped wooden/plastic/metallic drawing tool, used in

drawing horizontal lines. It is also used for setting paper on the drawing board and for
supporting the set square during drawing. It is placed on the drawing board, with the
“stock” at the left hand-side of the board.

3. Set-squares: These are triangular-shaped plastic drawing instruments, used for

drawing vertical lines or diagonal(slant lines).

4. Scale Rule: This is a 30cm wooden or plastic ruler, used for measuring lengths and for
dimensioning scaled drawings.

(5). Protractor: The protractor is a plastic semi-circular instrument, used for measuring
angles.
(6). French curves: This instrument is used to draw different types, sizes and shapes of
curves. The flexible curve is used for the same purpose.

(7). Drawing Set: This is a pack containing different drawing items like pair of compass,
divider, etc.

(8): Compass: A compass is used for drawing circles and arcs. There is the small bow
compass and the large –size compass.

Drawing Materials

Drawing materials are items that gets consumed with use. They get exhausted with time.

This means that the difference between drawing instruments and drawing materials is that
while drawing instruments do not get consumed as one makes use of them, drawing
materials gets used-up when drawing.
Drawing materials include the following:

(i). Drawing paper: The paper commonly used for technical drawing is the A3 paper.

Standard size of drawing sheets are:

Designation Size (mm)

A0 ----- 1189 x 841

A1----------- 841 x 594

A2 ----------- 594 x 420

A3------------ 420 x 297

A4 ------------- 297 x 210

A5 ------------- 210 x 148

(ii). Pencils: The grade of pencil lead is marked on the pencil. For instance, HB denotes
medium grade.

Increase in hardness is shown by value put in front of H such as 2H, 3H, etc. For instance a
3H pencil is harder than a 2H pencil.

Softer pencils are marked as 2B, 3B, 4B, etc. Pencil marked 3B is softer than 2B pencil.
Pencil marked 4B is softer than 3B, etc.
Starting a drawing may be made with H or 2H pencils.
Lettering and dimensioning should be done with H and HB pencils.

(iii). Pencil sharpeners: This is a material used to sharpen all pencils to a conical point
shape. It contains a blade on plastic or metal frame.

(iv).Emery cloth: Instead of re-sharpening the pencil, this material is used to restore
sharpness to the pencil when the pencil lead is rubbed on it.
(v). Dusting Brush: The brush is used to remove dirt from the paper after erasing. Tissue
paper can serve the same purpose.

(vi). Eraser: As the name implies, this material is used to remove (erase) mistakes. It is
made of soft quality rubber.

(vii): Drawing Paper File: This is a file where drawing paper (A3) is neatly kept.

Care of Drawing Tools/Materials

Just as we care for ourselves, so also our drawing instruments should be cared for or
handled with care:
A. Drawing board: Do not use pins on the drawing board. Use tapes (or adhesives). Always
Cover the board face when not in use.
B. Tee-square: Never use the tee-square like a walking stick or sword. Never use any sharp
tool along the edge (blade) of a tee-square and keep it clean always.
C. Set-squares , scale rules, protractors and French curves should not be in contact with
sharp objects . Keep them safe in a cupboard/drawer/tool-rack.
D . Pair of compasses/Dividers: Never use these as paper-holders. Do not use their needle-
point to punch holes.
NB : Generally, all instruments should be kept in their packets after use . A cupboard is
ideally used for keeping drawing tools.

Assignment:
1. mention three common drawing tools and state the function(s) of each of the tools

2. Attempt the questions in Exercise 9(Nos 1-3) of Fundamental Facts in Basic

Technology Bk1(P.66).
3. State at least 3 ways of caring for drawing tools and materials.

TEACHER: MR. ALVAN

PHONE NO: 07034725512