Page 5 - Engineering drawing from first principles using AutoCAD

Preface vii

charge. We have not reached the stage where the computer can dispense with the
draughtsman. This fact needs to be broadcast very widely and regularly. It is definitely
not sufficient to only become a proficient keyboard operator. Computers cannot conceive
and produce original designs and drawings. With the aid of a computer though you can
produce clear unambiguous drawings provided you adhere to the appropriate National
and International Standards. This is the area where I hope to assist you and I am
convinced that to develop your talents you must keep your hands on the keyboard.
In the following pages are exercises which I am sure will put some basic knowledge and
skills into your fingers and also help generate some draughting speed. Do not worry or get
disheartened if the results are a little slow in coming - with computing it happens to us all.
As the title suggests, this book is about the production of drawings from basics. All of
these drawings have been prepared with the aid of the computer but of course there is no
reason why you could not redraw them on a drawing board if you so wish, as this would
certainly develop manual ability and gain a clear understanding of the principles of
Engineering Drawing. Not all drawing offices use CAD.
I started to teach this subject at evening classes in Hayes and the first drawing office I
walked into had the following words printed on a strip of paper above the blackboard:
'Little things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing'. As far as draughtsman-
ship is concerned there is a lot of truth in this short statement. In themselves, the rules are
relatively simple but they need to be employed accurately and consistently, and applied
thoroughly. The draughtsman also needs to be a quick and efficient operator and hence
the value of practice.

The computer provides a range of facilities which are available for selection by the
operator and often allows a job to be done in several different ways. With experience
you will make your own pet choice of methods and hopefully achieve the same results.
These graded examples start from a completely blank screen. I hope you will soon
develop confidence and enjoy draughting with the aid of the computer.
Please note that job vacancies are equally available in drawing offices for both sexes so I
wish to apologise for using the widely used collective noun of 'Draughtsman' to cover
Drawing Office Personnel. It definitely implies equality of status and it is a pleasure to
find an increasing number of young ladies enjoying employment in the drawing office.
Thank you again for reading this book. I wish you well and every success in your studies
and career.

The British Standards Institution was the world's first national standards body and
there are over 80 similar organisations world-wide which belong to the International
Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). BSI represents the interests and views of
British Industry.

The first edition of BS 308 to cover Engineering Drawing Practice was published in 1927.
It is currently published in three separate sections and available in reference libraries
throughout the country. The BSI catalogue lists over 10,000 publications and a Yearbook
is usually available in reference libraries. Each year new or revised standards are issued
to keep the technical contents up-to-date. Revisions encompass new materials, processes
and technologies.

Further information on BSI services can be obtained from:
BSI Enquiry Department,
Linford Wood,
Milton Keynes MI<14 6LE.
Tel: 0908 221166.

A completely revised edition of A ManualofEngineering Drawing Practice has been issued to