(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best drafting tools & drafting kits

Sorry, I'm still not really understanding the measurements you took. What do you mean by you "measured from the blade to the end of my table saw top?" The important items you need to figure out are:

1. Is the blade parallel to the miter slots? I assume your saw is a cabinet-style saw with the trunnion mounted to the cabinet - in which case you'd need to slightly rotate the table top to bring the miter bars into alignment.
   
2. Is the blade parallel to the fence? The fence should be adjustable to accomplish parallelism.
   
3. Is the fence 90° to the table? Again, the fence should have some adjustment for this.
   
4. Are you able to set the blade at both 90° and 45° accurately? I use a drafting triangle to check this.
   
   Check out this video by Marc Spagnuolo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxRSarTJLMU. There is a part 1 and a part 2.

better deal on these appliques:
http://www.amazon.com/Chartpak-DAF8-Self-adhesive-drafting-applique/dp/B000DZ9WE2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1333738327&sr=8-3

I like the Safe-T compass

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Resources-Safe-T-Compass-Pack/dp/B07NC7RBDQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32L0V4XMMQUO6&keywords=safe-t+compass&qid=1558482307&s=industrial&sprefix=safe-t+com%2Cindustrial%2C127&sr=1-2

What kind of turntable are you using? If you have a technics with an s-shaped tonearm the Technics Alignment Tool is the bee's knees.

Otherwise I like the mirrored protractors you hook on the spindle and align by eye. They're more tedious to use than the alignment tool but not too bad.

This is the one I own: Cartridge Alignment Protractor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OS7VO2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y3y8ybFW7BR6Q

I think hobby lobby has them actually


Edit: also, be sure to check with local independent art supply stores.

Edit: actually look here

I would bet it has something to do with mis-alignment or anti-skate.

The needle is most likely riding in the groove incorrectly.

If you printed your alignment protractor, make sure it was printed correctly. It needs to be exactly right. Might wnat to buy one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Sleeve-City-Cartridge-Alignment-Protractor/dp/B00OS7VO2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468248741&sr=8-1&keywords=alignment+protractor

Test your antiskate on a blank disc.

Pencil and paper.

You might need a straight edge, scale, curve set, compass, and a pink pearl or magic rub.

Haha. Same. I didn't realise they were a big thing, but you can still get them on Amazon.

The sides are divide by parts of the inch. In your picture, the top is tenths of an inch; the bottom is 50ths of an inch. the other sides will say 20 30 40 and 60. This was made sometime before the marks were changed after German reunification in 1990. When the marks changed depends on the company. Source: I have both the engineer and architect scales from Staedtler from around 1991 and they are marked W. Germany. See a similar item here


Edit: you were looking for /r/whatisthisthing

This clear plastic one doesn't have nearly the cool factor, but carries the same functionality. It's quite the nostalgic tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Transparent-Shatterproof-Plastic-Straight/dp/B07QW5DP8C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ruler+bendable&qid=1574064789&sprefix=Ruler+be&sr=8-3 here.

Right on. I'm thinking about getting this:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Compass-Protractor-Geometry-Students/dp/B01F4HU076/
Only $10 shipped...

I have one and it comes in very handy. Here is the link.

Paperweights. Similar:

https://www.amazon.com/PAPERWEIGHT-Drafting-Engineering-General-Catalog/dp/B00AQS8A08

Gedess Lead Pointer

http://www.amazon.com/QUINT-GRAPHICS-Electronic-Symbols-Template/dp/B0045OG83K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413259920&sr=8-1&keywords=circuit+stencil

buy one of these. 1/5th" scale, same as your engineering paper. If you're an EE you'll use it.

What kind of transparency film are you using? It's not all the same stuff. Here are some films designed for use with color inkjet printers:

https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Transparency-Inkjet-Devices-Clear/dp/B01EXL6LBI/

https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Multi-Function-Transparency-Inches-VUF1000E/dp/B001GX8CRS/

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Transparency-Printers-Sheets-CG3410/dp/B00004Z6HM/

Look at this shit
Its even got an alphabet stencil and you know that'll come in handy

That is a sharpener for lead holders (I'm not sure what size lead). Specifically it is the Gedess Lead Pointer (Amazon link)

The tip looks all out of proportion. If its going to be a spear point it needs more symmetry, or if its going to be a drop point it needs less drop.


If you have trouble drawing smooth curves, you may find that a cheap drafting compass and a set of french curve templates go a long way.

Interesting. I though I was done screwing with the cartridge, maybe not :( I ended up using this protractor instead of printing one. I thought it would be better to have "the real thing" but the mirrored coating makes it a pain in the ass. Do you know whether that's Stevenson? I don't know much about the ins and outs other than what to do with what I have. There is surprisingly no mention whatsoever in the listing or the reviews what standard it is. I assumed it was Stevenson since it's so commonly used.

Should the tonearm actually be completely parallel on the Orbit?