Build a Parallel Straightedge Drafting Table!

Intro: Build a Parallel Straightedge Drafting Table!

Like many makers, I have a lot of stuff and space is at a premium. As a result, I try to make things dual purpose when possible. Have a look at my fantastic sewing machine for example. When you stow it away, it makes a nice drawing surface.

I recently developed a need for a drafting table and having a parallel straightedge is very handy. Here I'll show you how to make a parallel straightedge that you can add to any tabletop for under $30.

STEP 1: Tools & Materials

Tools

• Tape measure
• Drill & bits
• Tap & Die set (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Hacksaw

Materials

• 1/16" wire rope (cable) Thinner if you can find it.
• Suitable straightedge surface (I'm using an aluminum yardstick)
• Suitable gripping handle (I'm using ¼" x 1¼" aluminum bar)
• Screen door rollers (4-8 ea. depending on where you have to route the cable)
• Suitable screws or bolts.

STEP 2: Theory of Operation

The way this works is easy enough to understand, but routing the cables to make it happen can be tricky.

We'll begin by assuming the most basic configuration. That is, straightedge protruding over the sides of the table with four rollers under the table.

• The cable attaches to the left side of the straightedge and passes through the top left roller.
• Next it passes through the bottom right roller and attaches to the right side of the straightedge.
• From there it passes through the top right roller and goes to the bottom left roller.
• Finally it reattaches to the left side of the straightedge.

When you push up on the straightedge, the cable is fed from the bottom, and because of the routing it is also taken in at the top. It's pretty clever and once you align it square, it will remain square.

STEP 3: Make the Straightedge

You can use any hard material for the straightedge. I like the look and feel of aluminum, plus I'm going to use this to cut pieces for models so I want something my blade won't gouge. Wood or plastic would work too if you're just drawing on it.

I found a nice wide yardstick to use as a straightedge and cut it to protrude over the sides of the table top, but I wanted a handle on it. A thick piece of rectangular aluminum bar would do nicely. Rounding the edges would make for a nice gripping surface. Did you know that a router with a carbide tipped blade will work just fine on aluminum? Well it will! I cut it to length and rounded over the edges on my router table. A little bit of sanding and it was ready to attach to the yardstick.

Drill two holes in each end and tap them if you're able. Screws and nuts work well too if you don't have a tap & die set. Also cut two small pieces of aluminum to clamp onto the cable. Drill matching holes in the clamp pieces and run the screws through.

Set this aside for now.

STEP 4: Establish Your Cable Routing

For this application, it wasn't practical to route the cable under the table, so I routed it on the sides and around the back. It took a couple extra pulleys, but it turned out nice. I recommend using pulleys with bearings in them if you can afford it. I didn't, so eventually, these will wear out and need to be replaced.

The main thing here is that the cable routing be exactly the same length on both sides and that the tops of each side be routed to the bottoms of the opposite sides.

STEP 5: Thread the Cable

Using a cable clamp, make a small loop in one end of the cable. This application needs a little bit of flex, so I added a spring to the end of the cable. In most cases you can live without it. Route the cable through your pulleys and attach the other end to the loop. You can use a small turnbuckle, a screw and nut with washers, or just another loop and clamp.

STEP 6: Attach and Square the Straightedge

Loosely run the cable through the clamps on both sides of the straightedge. Measure from the bottom of the table to the straightedge. When you're confident that it's square, tighten the clamps.

Try it out! It should slide smoothly across the table and remain square. Mine had a little binding that I was able to fix by sanding the clamps. The sharp edges were digging in to the wood of the table.

The biggest issue most people encounter with these is cable tension. If your cable is loose, it won't stay square. If it's too tight it will bind. You can see in this case, because I added the spring, I'm able to stretch the cable and get the straightedge up onto the top shelf of the table to access the sewing machine.

Happy drafting!

Comments

[Jellybeansartmom]

Can I use these instructions to add a parallel bar to my drawing board?

[Marsh]

That is quite clearly the objective.

[chloemd]

Four years later. But so grateful you put this up, Marsh! Beautiful multi-purpose piece of furniture! I picked up a large, vintage (40's?) portable wood parallel straightedge. Due to age, the string that allowed the rule to slide broke. I was puzzled as to how I would replace and repair the string and get it taute. I wish I could just connect the two ends somehow, but it was cut to size and not tied anywhere.Your great instructions gave me a better idea of operation. And the replies of others gave me options on string. I have thin, plastic/rubber-coated wire I was thinking of using. Still, you mention the importance of keeping it level which is a concern. I am a little closer to figuring this thing out. If I can edit it in, I will post a photo of my piece. Although, it is realized this comment may not be seen due to time passed fr original instructable was shared. Still, I thank you SO much for your time and effort. And I adore that lovely sewing/drafting/drawing table as much as your ingenuity.

[M L G]

This is great! I love the dual purpose! Yesterday I picked up a drafting table off free cycle but having never owned one before didn't quite appreciate how huge they are?! This one is about 10 years old, you know the kind that has the weights on the cable? I don't really know how to thread the parallel bar on? My cable has the weights hanging, I'm sure this is wrong as it kinda defeats the point of having a "parallel" bar if the cables are slack?!!!??? Anyone know how they are supposed to be threaded? Personally I really can't be bothered with this whole cable set up? Anyone have any ideas how I might construct or indeed add one of those new style parallel bars? You know the type that are only attached on one side of the table by what looks to be a groove and then the bar has little wheels almost like a drawer rail system? The other thing I want to do is replace the table top. It's crappy chipboard and the screws aren't biting in as securely as I hoped. The main reason though is that it's just to huge and I can imagine my wife will have something to say about the space it's taking up?!!! Any suggestions? I look forward to answers from all you ingenious makers out there! Cheers

[JGDean]

For those looking for thin, strong cord, look at 95 or 110 paracord (approx. 1.6 mm or 1/16") and 95 or 110 pound tensile strength. These are available on line from many different suppliers and even some craft stores. You can also make a parallel straight edge by mounting 4 small pulleys on your bar and threading it in an H pattern, going from lower-left, up to then across the straight edge to the right side and continuing up to top-right, across to the top left, down to the straight edge and across to the right again, then down to the bottom right. This was the standard method of stringing a straight edge on a drafting table 50 years ago. They used stippled pulleys to avoid slippage and cloth-covered stranded steel cable similar to picture hanging wire.

[SoccerDadof22]

Love the adaptation of the sewing desk -- and that you still have the ability to use it as both a sewing desk and parallel straight edge. I would also recommend a sheet of velum or other semi-rigid, thin veneer you can stick between the straight edge and the table surface -- it will keep you from poking through your paper on the slots between the wood and/or the decorative groove on the filler panel.

You could also likely get by using even thinner cable/wire (you don't put much tension on the cable -- just enough to keep it parallel, so it doesn't have to be very strong).

Thanks for posting!

[Marsh]

Thanks, I have a self healing cut pad for when I'm cutting and a thin piece of smooth linoleum for when I'm drawing. Both roll up and stow in the drawer.
I know the cable is way overkill, but it was all that was available. Bicycle shift cable would have been ideal, but I couldn't find a source to get it in bulk.