Architect pencil: 7 Of The Best Mechanical Pencils — Archisoup

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Pencils and Architects | Life of an Architect

The other day I was attempting to clean up my desk a bit and I moved a very large stack of drawings that was laying on top of about 50,000 other things. As I moved the drawings, a bunch of pen’s, highlighters, and a single pencil fell out from the pages. Despite the fit that I really like working in pencil, I hardly ever do it anymore. In fact, I haven’t bought any pencils for myself in probably 10 years … all of the pencils I buy now are for my daughter and they are typically quite flamboyant. Long gone from my pencil cup are the plain yellow Ticonderoga’s or the blue Staedtler pencils, now a days most of the pencils I use have zebra patterns or Halloween pumpkin images, etc. on the outside. That’s okay, I still like using pencils.

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Here are some interesting facts about pencils (none of which I knew):

* More than 14 billion pencils are produced in the world every year – enough to circle the globe 62 times.

* One pencil will draw a line 70 miles long.

* Pencils don’t really contain lead. That gray matter is graphite and clay.

* Two billion pencils are made in the United States each year.

* The pencil was invented more than 400 years ago, in 1565.

* Famous novelists Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck used pencils to write their books.

* Pencils didn’t have erasers on them until 100 years ago because teachers felt they would encourage children to make mistakes.

* It would cost $50 in labor and materials for a person to make a 10-cent pencil.

* One million pencils are used annually on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

* The average pencil can be sharpened 17 times, write 45,000 words or draw a line 70 miles long.

* A good-size tree will make about 300,000 pencils.

* Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” in pencil.

In America, the number on a pencil indicates the degree of hardness or softness of the writing core. The writing core is made from graphite and clay. The more graphite in a pencil – the darker the mark. The more clay in a pencil – the lighter the mark. Europe uses a different grading system. They use letters to refer to the hardness or softness of the writing core. The more graphite in a pencil – the softer the grade. The more clay in a pencil – the harder the grade. For example, H is hard, B is black, F is a fine point, and HB is hard and black.

1 / B – (extra soft / black)
2 / HB – (soft / hard black)
2.5 / F – (medium / fine)
3 / HF – (hard / fine)
4 / 2H – (extra hard)

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Another interesting fact is with regards to Dalton Ghetti. You may not know the name but it’s quite possible you are familiar with his work:

Dalton Ghetti sculpts items from the graphite within pencils … these are not assembled but rather carved using x-acto blades and sewing needles. Each of these sculptures can take several months to carve …

I was familiar with these carvings but not the sculptor who had created them. As it turns out, Dalton Ghetti was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, came to the U.S. in 1985 at the age of 24 and earned an Associate degree in Architecture from Norwalk Community Technical College in 1994.

These days he works as a carpenter and house remodeler.

One last fact that I find remarkable about these carvings and the man who created them is that despite world-wide attention for his work, including several on going exhibits and shows … he doesn’t sell these carvings, choosing to give them away to his friends.

Pretty amazing what a pencil can do and how it can be reinterpreted. I don’t know about you but there is something inherently creative about using a pencil. Maybe it has something to do with the ability to continually draw over the markings a pencil leaves behind. Maybe it’s the level of control you have just by applying different degrees of pressure of pencil to paper. I’m not sure what it is but every time I end up with a pencil in my hand, I always think “it’s been too long…”

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Cheers

even better stuff from Life of an Architect

Best Drafting Pencils 2021 – Buyers Guide – architectsresources.com

Though computer aided design (CAD) has taken over the major part of the architectural and engineering workload in this century, there is still plenty of room for old style paper and pencil drafting. Drafting, whether freehand or technical in natural, requires an incredible amount of skill as well as the best tools you can get your hands on. The tools that draftsman, designers, architects and engineers rely on most are drafting pencils, which is the instrument that takes what is inside the user’s head and allows them to communicate it to others.

Getting your fingertips on the best drafting pencils can be overwhelming given the wide variety of choices available. You can narrow down your search by making use of our buyer’s guide to get a better handle on the various features to look for when selecting drafting pencils. Once you are armed with this information, you can make use of our drafting pencils reviews in order to compare how each manufacturer implements various features into the design of their model.

By being well-informed and making comparisons of what models are available on the market, you can be prepared to make a well-qualified decision when it comes time to purchase the best drafting pencils to suit your needs and preferences.

Why do you need drafting pencils?

If you are already a draftsman, architect, engineer or designer, you already know the answer to this question. If you are a student who is learning to utilize drafting in one of the many trades or professions that require it, you need to understand that your drafting pencils are the most important tool in your kit along with your square.

What benefits can you expect from drafting pencils?

A quality drafting pencil can help you communicate the design details in your head on a sheet of paper so that others can understand and create the vision that you have. From a drafting pencil you can create intricate details with crisp thin lines or bold layouts demonstrating what your finished work will look like. All of the elements of your vision are dependent upon various aspects and features of the drafting pencils you use.

What are some features to look for in drafting pencils?

What particular individuals look for in drafting pencils varies depending on personal tastes as well as budget considerations. However, there are some general features that you should keep in mind when selecting the right drafting pencils for your particular type of drafting and style. Here are some of those features:

Lead Sizes

The amount of precision varies from one particular type of drafting to another. Lead sizes are of major importance when it comes to the clarity and precision you desire for each specific task. Here is a quick guide to lead sizes to keep in mind:

• 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. This extra-fine point is most often used in detail drawings and fine writing is small spaces. These leads are very brittle and will break easily if you apply too much pressure while using them.

• 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. Those who exert heavier pressure while drawing sometimes opt for these sizes of lead. These leads are not quite as good for clarity and precision in smaller, finer details, but they are the most common size used in mechanical drafting pencils.

• 0.9 mm and up. Bolder writing, sketches and thicker lines on drawings often require these thicker leads. In addition, some draftsmen prefer these thicker leads in a lead holder, which they sharpen to various levels of fineness for different types of drawing and writing needs. These lead sizes tend to last longer and don’t break as often.

Drafting pencils only accommodate one size of lead, most draftsmen will purchase a set of pencils with a broad range of lead sizes to accommodate all of the various requirements. These sets are often color coded in some way for quicker size recognition.

Pencil Grip

Drafting typically requires a lot of long hours with a pencil between your fingertips. This fact makes the pencil grip an important feature to examine closely when choosing drafting pencils. There are two considerations to keep in mind when thinking about pencil grips:

• Diameter. A wider grip is most often preferred by those who have larger hands or who simply prefer a thicker feel to the instrument. Another consideration for a wider grip is related to those who have difficulty gripping smaller items due to health conditions like RSI or arthritis. Users with smaller hands are typically more comfortable with a grip of smaller diameter.

• Material. The most common types of grip materials are plastic, metal, silicone and rubber. They can also come in combination. Rubber and silicone grips have a squishy or pillowy feel to them. Metal and plastic grips are usually scored in some way to prevent them from slipping during use. The weighty feel of a metal grip is often preferred because of their longevity and because they tend to remain cool to the touch.

Next to lead size, grip is one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to choosing the drafting pencil that best suits you.

Longevity

Because drafting pencil sets can be a pretty significant investment, getting pencils with plenty of longevity becomes an important feature as well. Consequently, pencils with metal barrels throughout or with metal in the cone and top of the pencil tend to be top choices. Pencils with metal mechanisms with greater durability and ease of function are also preferred because they do not break down as quickly.

Additional Features

We have already covered the most important general features of drafting pencils to keep in mind as you shop. There are some other features which may or may not attract your attention to certain pencils as well. These additional features include:

• Lead Colors. Many draftsmen place red lead in separate pencils to use for “redlining” drawings or pointing out corrections and blue lead for writing notes or creating guidelines that will not show up in blueprint processing.

• Lead Advancement. Advancing lead is something that you will be doing often. Find a style with which you are comfortable among push button, shaker, twist, bend or knocker, and automatic mechanisms.

• Retractable Tip. This feature protects the fine metal tip that holds the lead in your pencil. Being able to retract it can be a selling point to some.

• Dual Clutch. A dual clutch continues to hold the lead which is being used in place while moving the next lead into the barrel behind it. This prevents wasting lead and provides for continuous feeding of lead while you work.

• Auto Lead Rotation. A new type of technology designed to keep the tip of your lead sharp while you work to provide greater precision.

The features we have discussed should have you already considering exactly what you are looking for while considering your drafting pencil purchase. The reviews that follow should be a great way to compare how these features are implemented in the design of the various models in order to narrow down your buying decision further.

Top Rated Best Drafting Pencils Reviews

Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil PG525A

The Pentel Graph Gear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil is a fixed sleeve 4mm drafting pencil which uses 0.5 mm lead for larger template work and common drafting. It has a metallic-mesh grip on a plastic body and utilizes automatic lead advancement and comes with an eraser in the top.

Pros

• This is a well-balanced pencil with durable construction.
• The metal-mesh grip has a cooler feel and sure grip between your fingers.
• It uses one of the most common and versatile size of drafting leads (0.5 mm).

Cons

• It does not come with tip retraction.
• Automatic lead advancement is fastidious to some users.

A Great Choice If…

You are looking for a stable, well-balanced and durable pencil with a cool touch. You might not like the automatic lead advancement feature.

Rotring 800 Lead Holder Clutch Knock System

The Rotring 800 Lead Holder Clutch Knock System is an older style of drafting pencil most often referred to as a lead holder rather than a mechanical pencil. This style of pencil utilizes 2 mm lead which is sharpened periodically to various point widths. It comes with a metal knurled grip on a metal brass barrel with gold accents and comes with push button lead advancement.

Pros

• The advantage to this style of drafting pencil is that you do not break lead as often.
• There is no need to change to a different pencil whenever you move to a different drawing or lettering function.
• This pencil is constructed with a brass barrel and includes a metal knurled grip for a cooler touch while working long hours.
• Breaking the sleeve of this pencil is less likely making it safe to place it in your pocket.

Cons

• This style of pencil requires a sharpener (not included).
• You have to be mindful of the sharpness of the point on your lead while you work.
• You can buy entire sets of pencils for the same price as this single pencil.

A Great Choice If…

You want an all-in-one pencil with plenty of durability and longevity. Keeping this pencil sharpened to the right point and price-tag might not be for everybody.

Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 0.3mm, PG1013E

Fine design work can’t be accomplished with a more elegant and stylish pencil than the Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil. This is a high-end pencil for professional use with a 0.3 mm lead for fine detail work, fine writing and intricate drawing. It includes a metal barrel and grip with inlaid soft latex-free pads. Lead advancement is automatic and it comes with a removable pocket clip as well as a retractable tip.

Pros

• The grip on this pencil is going to feel better in your hand than just about any other you can get your fingers on.
• The retractable tip feature is certainly a positive.
• Its attractive design and metal barrel combine to create a pencil that is both durable and elegant.
• The removable clip is an added feature that is hardly ever seen on other pencils of its class.
• In a set, these pencils are color coded for various sizes of leads.

Cons

• Automatic lead advancement can be a little bit irksome to some users.
• The eraser that is included is really small.
• This is one of the least often used lead sizes because it is so brittle.

A Great Choice If…

You require a durable and dependable pencil for template and fine detail work. You might not be overly pleased with the automatic lead advancement feature and brittleness of the lead.

rOtring 1904444 600 Mechanical Pencil

Some draftsmen are impressed by the rOtring 1904444 600 Mechanical Pencil and for good reason. This pencil comes with a durable full metal body for better balance and a metal knurled grip for a cooler touch during those long hours of work. The 0.7 mm lead used in this pencil is a little bit heavier so you aren’t breaking lead as often. It has a brass mechanism for longevity and lead is advanced using a push button style.

Pros

• This is a durable, well-balanced pencil with plenty of longevity built into its metal body and brass mechanism.
• Its hexagonal shape keeps it from rolling on your drafting table.
• It uses push button lead advancement.
• A two year limited warranty is included with this pencil.

Cons

• 0.7 mm lead is a little bit too heavy for smaller detail drawings.
• It does not have a retractable tip.
• It is a bit pricey for a single pencil.

A Great Choice If…

You want a very durable pencil with all of the best features and balance you can get and don’t mind paying a little bit more to get it. When it comes to finer detail work, this pencil is not going to do the job.

Pentel Graphgear 1000 Automatic Drafting Pencil, 5 pc Set

The same fine design and drafting work that you get from a single Pentel Graph Gear Automatic Drafting Pencil can be had in a package of five pencils. All five pencils come with a metal barrel and the same metal grip with inlaid soft latex pads, the same removable pocket clip, the same lead hardness indicator and the same retractable tip. The package comes with pencils that accommodate five common lead sizes for various drawing, lettering and drafting functions including: 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5, mm, 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm leads.

Pros

• The grip on these pencils are going to feel better in your hand than just about any other pencil you can get your fingers on.
• The retractable tip feature is certainly a positive.
• Their attractive design and metal barrel combine to create pencils that are both durable and elegant.
• The removable clip is an added feature that is hardly ever seen on other pencils of its class.
• This is a set with all of the lead sizes you are likely to need and they come color coded for easy selection while you are working.

Cons

• Automatic lead advancement can be a little bit irksome to some users.
• The eraser that is included is really small.

A Great Choice If…

You require a durable and dependable set of pencils and want them to perform a wide range of functions. You might not be overly pleased with the automatic lead advancement feature.

Pentel Arts GraphGear 1000 Premium Gift Set PG1000BXSET

This Pentel Arts GraphGear 1000 Premium Gift Set PG1000BXSET is the perfect gift for a graduating designer, architect or engineer, but you can also give the gift of this quality set to yourself if you like. It comes with all of the leads, erasers and pencils that any draftsman might need. These pencils come with the same features as the pencils we just reviewed above, but leave out the 0.4 mm size pencil and utilize a dual-action, push-button retractor instead of automatic lead advancement.

Pros

• This is a durable set of pencils with plenty of longevity built into its elegant design.
• They have the best cool to the touch grip you can get your fingertips on and are well balanced.
• Their dual-action retractor helps to protect the tips and leads while also preventing it from scratching or damaging other objects.
• The set comes with 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, and 0.9 mm lead size pencils as well as lead and eraser refills.
• The different sizes are color coded for quick selection while you work.

Cons

• There is a stress point in the lead advancement mechanism which threatens the longevity of these pencils.
• Refilling leads can be something of a challenge with these pencils.

A Great Choice If…

You need a durable and long-lasting set of pencils for a wide variety of functions in one convenient pack. Refilling issues might not be something that you want to deal with.

Staedtler Mars Drafting Mechanical Pencils 4 pk, 925WP4

One of the most trusted names in lead holders presents the Staedtler Mars Drafting Mechanical Pencils 4 pk, 925WP4. This set comes with a 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm pencils in order to help you complete a wide variety of drafting, lettering and drawing tasks. These pencils feature push-button lead advancement in a high-quality plastic barrel. They feature scored rubber grips, a chrome-plated, metal pocket clips and hardened aluminum tips. Along with this set of pencils come lead refills as well.

Pros

• You get a broad variety of lead sizes for the various tasks you might encounter with this set.
• The set comes with lead refills.
• The scored rubber grips on these pencils are longer to accommodate various styles of gripping.
• This is an affordable way to get started with decent quality drafting pencils.

Cons

• The plastic barrels and rubber grips on these pencils is not quite up to long-term professional standards.
• The lead advancement mechanism in these pencils has a little bit of play in them.
• These are not typical of Staedtler Mars quality.

A Great Choice If…

You need a solid starter pack from a well-reputed manufacturer to get you by until you can afford a higher quality set of pencils. Do not expect these pencils to perform up to the standard of higher grade Staedtler Mars lead holders.

6 Pack Draft/Matic Mech Pencil by Alvin

This 6 Pack Draft/Matic Mech Pencil by Alvin is meant to keep you in drafting pencils over the long-haul. You get six quality built pencils with 0.7 mm lead and a very well-functioning, push-button lead advancement mechanism. The grips on these pencils is made of knurled stainless steel and you also get built in stainless steel pocket clips to carry them wherever you might need them.

Pros

• These are durable, well-balanced pencils with a great deal of life in them.
• They have a cool to the touch metal grip.
• The push-button lead advancement mechanism is well designed for longevity.
• They work well for those who need a little heavier, all-purpose size of lead.

Cons

• The fact that all six are 0.7 mm lead size is disappointing.
• This set is pricy, especially given that there is only a single lead size.

A Great Choice If…

You want to buy all of the drafting pencils you will ever need in one package. The problem with this set is that you will probably need other sizes of pencils, but you have already blown all of your money.

Pilot H-325 Drafting Mechanical Pencils

Students who simply don’t have the means to get into a higher-end drafting pencil will appreciate these Pilot H-325 Drafting Mechanical Pencils. This set of three affordable drafting pencils might not come with all of the style and elegance of those professional pencils, but they do include the functionality and will get you through until you can afford the others. These pencils have a plastic barrel with a longer scored grip to accommodate different styles of grips. They utilize push-button lead advancement and are essentially a disposable drafting pencil.

Pros

• This set provides you with three disposable drafting pencils at an affordable price.
• Push-button lead advancement makes them easy to use.
• The longer scored grip accommodates various styles of gripping.
• There is no need to worry about refilling.

Cons

• These pencils are neither durable nor elegant in their design.
• They only come in the 0.5 mm size, so if you need thicker or thinner lines, you will have to buy another set.

A Great Choice If…

You are on a very tight budget and simply need functional drafting pencils to get you by. If you expect them to perform like the other professional grade pencils, you will be very disappointed.

Mario Botta: Architect’s pencil • Interior + Design

The famous Swiss architect Mario Botta designed the limited edition Fixpencil for The Caran d’Ache.

Fixpencil, an automatic pencil, was invented in 1929 by the Swiss engineer Karl Schmid: it was the first such writing instrument in the world with a patented mechanism. Swiss architects and designers welcomed the conservation of the local cedar, from which the much-needed pencils were made, so Schmid’s invention came in handy.Since then, 25 different Fixpencil models have been released, and each new instrument has gained worldwide popularity.

For Mario Botta, Fixpensil is more than just a sketching and sketching tool. He said more than once that a pencil is an extension of the architect’s hand and must provide “a direct connection between the movement of thought and the result on paper.” Botta chose a checkerboard pattern and a hexagonal shape. The drawing reminds him of the brick walls so often used by the architect in his buildings.Connoisseurs see a special intrigue in this pattern. The release of the pencils coincided with the opening of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoma), renovated by the Norwegian bureau Snohetta. In the new building, out of respect for the previous author Mario Botta, one brick wall is left intact.

The length of each brick in the pencil case is 1 cm. So designers can use it like a ruler.

Architect Mario Botta constantly reminds of himself, showing talent in related industries. He acts in a range from large architecture to the scale of decor and design: in 2016 he created a masterpiece for Lalique – the Geo vase, and for Riva 1920 he offered the Clessidra stool in new fashionable finishes.

Black graphite pencil deVENTE ARCHITECT 5032702

Opi saniye

Black lead pencil “deVENTE.ARCHITECT “TM, lead diameter 2 mm, hexagonal, sharpened, natural lacquered body

Also in the” Architect “collection

Pencils – For Architect – ART-market

The pencil for the architect can rightfully be called his main assistant, without which the creation of most graphic works can not do.It is its quality that largely determines the clarity of the image and durability, the time for drawing diagrams and drawings and the amount of effort expended. In some cases, drawing pencils are used as an independent material, in others, they are used to create a preliminary sketch.

Our catalog contains a variety of offers from well-known manufacturers ( Color-It, Marco, Faber-Castell, Koh-i-Noor and others). Pencils for professionals have fundamental differences from ordinary, “school” counterparts.Expensive wood is used as a material; the basis for the lead is an oil or wax filler with natural pigments. Such a lead is more flexible, sharpens quickly and accurately and easily fits on a paper sheet. Professional pencils have a wider range of hardness and softness of the lead, several variations of the section and a variety of shades (the number of which is indicated on the frame, ie the body). Persistent saturated color, the possibility of a smooth transition of colors and skillful transfer of a wide variety of color nuances – these are the advantages that attract buyers of this category of goods.

Sets of professional pencils in Ukraine are very popular not only among professional architects. This is a useful acquisition for graphic artists, fashion designers, murals and hand-made artists.

Colored pencils (54) Pastel pencils (3) Graphite pencils (25) Mechanical pencils (19)

Popular products

Technical pencil KRASIN Architect

2M (2B), hex, sharpened

pcs

• Wooden lacquered body
• Natural wood-colored body
• Diameter 6.4 mm
• Length 177 mm
• Honed

2M (2B), hex, sharpened

The product description has been compiled based on the data provided by the manufacturer.The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes without prior notice. in the design, packaging or manufacturing technology of the product, not deteriorating its consumer properties, in order to improve its technical characteristics.

Every pencil used by celebrities has its own secret life, a special sharpening, a crack or a special nip. After all, this is the main inspiration, and the form and brand are the tenth thing.

The pencil is called the “symbol of creativity”. See what the luminaries of the creative industry are like.

French designer and architect Philippe Starck works with a mechanical pencil.

Norman Foster works with a carefully selected and neat set of automatic pencils.

Architect David Adjaye uses a blue hand-sharpened tool.

British fashion designer Paul Smith owns a £ 3,000 vintage mechanical pencil. Made from black and pearl marble with gold trim, the instrument was a gift from Jonathan Ive, Apple’s chief designer.
“Simple tools like a pencil are less cliché, which means results can be more interesting.You make mistakes, and mistakes can make great ideas! ” Smith said.

Pencil by British architect and designer Thomas Heatherwick, founder of Heatherwick Studio. The pencil is inserted into a well-worn metal pen-case.

This is a pencil by Anish Kapoor, a contemporary British-Indian artist, sculptor and member of the Royal Academy of Arts of Great Britain.

Sir James Dyson, British inventor and industrial designer, invented the pioneering G-Force upright vacuum cleaner, founded his own company, Dyson, in 1993.Dyson invests £ 3 million a week in new technology and engineering, but every idea starts with a sketch.

One of the world’s best car designers, Ian Callum, has an ice pencil.

Wooden pencil by Tracey Emin, contemporary English artist.

In this book – The Secret Life of the Pencil – 110 photographic pencil portraits of famous British artists, designers, architects and other creative people.Posted by designer Alex Hammond and photographer Mike Tinney.

“ Your sense of self, reflected in your handwriting, which is unique after all, is best defined with a pencil. In fact, your pencil is you , ”writes Scottish writer and screenwriter William Boyd in the book’s foreword.

“ Pencil like wheel, umbrella, fork and so on. These are the fruits of human ingenuity, which, in spite of all the technological things that disturb the mind, remain irreplaceable, super effective and therefore flawless in their own way “.

Pencil Architecture and Design Program (basic level)

Purpose of the program: Teaching children the basics of architectural creativity and applied design, developing the creative abilities of children, taking into account individual characteristics.

Program objectives:

Personal:

– to develop an aesthetic worldview;

– to cultivate perseverance, hard work, accuracy and patience;

– to form moral and spiritual values;

– to foster a culture of behavior in the classroom, a culture of communication in a team;

– foster a sense of patriotism, love for your area;

– foster respect for the nature around us;

– to form a culture of perception of works of architecture and design.

Metasubject:

– to promote the development of communication skills and abilities that ensure joint activities in a group;

– to teach how to apply the project method using the example of creating layouts;

– to develop the artistic and creative abilities of children, imaginative and associative thinking, fantasy, visual-shaped memory, emotionally, aesthetic perception of reality;

– to contribute to the formation of the ability to plan their activities, to keep their workplace in order;

– develop fine motor skills.