[Fundamentals of Mechanical Drawing]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

W i.-bS: I -1OSO
Document Reserve
TM 1-1050
a
WAR DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL MANUAL
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
March 24, 1943
NON-CIRCULATING
LIBRARY
OF
NORTH TEXAS
STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE
DENTON, TEXAS
TM 1-1050
1
TECHNICAL MANUAL No. 1-1050
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 24,1943.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
Paragraphs
Section I. General_____________________________________________ 1
II.	Equipment and materials________________________ 2-16
III.	Lettering and lines_____________________________17-18
IV.	Geometric constructions_________________________19-34
V.	Orthographic projection_________________________35-37
VI.	Pictorial drawing_______________________________38-42
VII.	Sectional views and threaded parts______________43-44
VIII.	Scales, dimensions, and notes___________________45-47
IX.	Technical sketching_______________________________ 48
X.	Sheet metal drafting____________________________49-52
XI.	Representative working drawings___________________ 53
Section I
GENERAL
Paragraph General____________________________________________________________ 1
1.	General.—a. (1) The design, construction, and repair of machines or structures involve a mass of detail with respect to specific parts. A complete written or oral description of detailed units would necessitate a lengthy, complex discussion which would tend to confuse and retard the progress of the workman. It is more efficient to present the various design1 features in the form of a drawing, showing various views, so that details of construction may be readily interpreted. The use of a drawing containing dimensions, notes, etc., for further simplification, presents to the workman clear, concise information.
(2)	A drawing is made with the aid of instruments and other equipment, in which form it is known as a mechanical drawing, or it is made as a freehand sketch. The execution of such drawings requires skill, accuracy, and an understanding of the subject matter. In the various industries, practices may vary as to the manner of presentation of information in mechanical drawings, but the manner of execution of such drawings is common to all.
513393°—43-1	1
127947
1
ARMY AIR FORCES
______________________________________ SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT CLASSIFICATION let,	change	date CHECKER
PATENT CLAUSE	___________________________________________________
_____________________I_____________________________
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES, LIMITS ON FRACTIONS	DECIMALS	ANOLES	------------------------------------------------------------
Gf BUFF	ROUGH MACH FINISH_____________________________________________________________________________
(gf HAND FINISH	of ROUGH FILE OR GRIND material finish [draftsman checker eng examined prooapp ho, refused on next assem.
(ffSMOOTH MACH FINISH & SAND BLAST	AA* CORPS
(jf REMOVE FINS ANO SPRUES	materiel div
 FINISH ALL SURFACES NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. HEAI TREAT DRAW,NG S,ZE -------------------------- p.cce number
Figure 1.—Army Air Forces drawing form.
2
127947
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING	1
(3)	The purpose of this manual is to familiarize the student mechanic with the basic principles of mechanical drawing and general practices relevant thereto. Only subject matter considered essential for use in basic courses in mechanical drawing has been included. Tables of limits, classes of fits, standard dimensions of threads, etc., have been omitted, as such subject matter more appropriately pertains to the more advanced and specialized courses in drafting. When the need arises for information of this type, reference should be made to handbooks containing such tables.
b.	As a rule, the use of original drawings would be impractical. The circulation of the drawing would be limited and would soon be destroyed or rendered illegible as a result of wear. Therefore, duplicates are prepared for use in the work of production, maintenance, etc. The drawing is first traced in ink or pencil, using translucent cloth or paper; or in some instances, the original drawing is executed on tracing paper. The drawing may be duplicated by exposing it to an intense light while in contact with an especially prepared sensitized paper. After exposure to the light, the exposed paper is treated with certain chemicals which develop the image. There are numerous printing processes and types of paper which may be used for drawing reproduction. The final product or print may have white lines on a blue background, white lines on a brown background, black lines on a white background, or red lines on a white background, depending upon the process and type of paper used. Blueprints, Van Dyke prints, Ozalid prints, and photostat prints are some of the most common types of reproductions.
c.	(1) There apparently is little uniformity in the size of drawings. In many instances the size of the sheet is selected to suit the object to be drawn. Often, however, the standard letter-size sheet of 8% by 11 inches is used for small drawings. For larger drawings, multiples of this size, as shown below, are used. This range facilitates folding prints into suitable sizes for filing in letter-size filing cabinets. The 42-inch size is an exception, but is used for purposes of economy.
Width (inches)		8H	11	11	17	17	17	22	25	34	34	34	42	42
Length (inches)		11	17	34	22	42	66	34	42	42	66	88	66	88
(2)	In addition to dimensions and notes, certain other data are associated with a drawing. These data usually include the title, number, scale, material, finish, changes, patent clauses, etc., set out in blocks. Figure 1 shows the arrangement of such data on a drawing form used by the Army Air Forces.
d.	The subject matter and illustrations contained in this manual,
3
1-3
ARMY AIR FORCES
with respect to line work, arrangement of views, symbols, sectional views, dimensioning, and screw thread representation, is generally in accordance with principles approved by American Standards Association in publication entitled “American Standard Drawings and Drafting Room Practice.” 1
Se	ction II
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS 2
Paragraph
Drawing board____________________________________________________________ 2
Paper and cloth__________________________________________________________ 3
Pencils____________________________________________________________.____ 4
Erasers__________________________________________________________________ 5
T-square_________________________________________________________________ 6
Triangles---------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Irregular curve__________________________________________________________ 8
Triangular scale________________________________________________________  9
Protractor-------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Ruling pen-------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Lettering pens________________________________________________________   12
Compass_________________________________________________________________ 13
Dividers________________________________________________________________ 14
Bow instruments_________________________________________________________ 15
Care of equipment------------------------------------------------------  16
2.	Drawing board.—A drawing board or table is used to provide a flat, smooth surface for the paper while the drawing is being made, and also provides a straight edge for guiding the T-square. A typical drawing board, with T-square and drawing paper in place, is shown in figure 2.
3.	Paper and cloth.—a. Drawing paper is available in a variety of grades, in sheets or rolls, in colors of white, cream, or buff. For general pencil work, a paper with slight grain and good erasing qualities is desirable. Thin, tough, translucent paper which is transparent with close contact is used to trace copies in pencil or ink. Tracing paper is also used for original pencil drawings. Fine linen cloth, treated so as to make it translucent and smooth, is generally used for ink tracing. The dull side of the cloth is used and, prior to inking, the surface is lightly sprinkled and rubbed with powdered chalk or soapstone. Where an erasure has been made, the cloth is again treated with chalk or soapstone.
b. The paper should be placed with one edge near the left edge of
1 Permission granted by American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
2 The subject matter and illustrations on use of equipment are based upon information contained in publication “Use and Care of Drawing Instruments,” by Eugene Dietzgen Co., with their permission.
4
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING	3-4
the table or board, and with its top edge parallel to the upper edge of the T-square blade when the head of the T-square is held firmly against the left edge of the board. The corners of the paper are then fastened by means of an adhesive (masking or cellulose tape), care being exercised to have the paper smooth. Thumbtacks are occasionally used but are not as suitable as tape.
4.	Pencils.—a. Drawing pencils are graded by letters from 6B (softest) through 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB (medium soft), F, H (me-
Figure 2.—Drawing board with T-square.
dium hard), 2H. 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H, 8H, to 9H (extremely hard). Grades 4H and 6H are generally used for drawing lines while grades F, H, and 2H are preferred for lettering and sketching.
b. The pencil is sharpened with a knife or pencil sharpener so that approximately % to % inch of the lead is exposed. A conical point of desired fineness may be obtained by rubbing back and forth on a sandpaper pad (fig. 3) rotating the pencil at the same time to avoid irregularly shaped sides on the point. The double bevel wedge point may be used for straight-line work. This type of point does not require sharpening as frequently as a conical point.
c. When drawing lines, the pencil is held almost vertically (slightly tilted away from draftsman) with only a slight incline in the direction
5
4-6
ARMY AIR FORCES
of pencil movement. If the pencil has a conical point, frequent rotation will help preserve the sharpness of the point.
5. Erasers.—a. A soft rubber eraser is required for erasing pencil lines, while a medium hard rubber eraser is best for erasing ink lines. A soft gum eraser is satisfactory for cleaning finished drawings.
A When using an eraser, light, firm strokes should be made in one
Figure 3.—Method of pointing pencil lead.
Figure 4.—Use of erasing shield.
direction only, keeping the paper taut with the thumb and second (middle) finger. An erasing shield (fig. 4) should be used whenever practicable to protect parts of the drawing which are not to be erased.
6. T-square.—a. The T-square (fig. 5®) generally consists of a wooden blade with transparent celluloid edges, securely fastened at right angles to a head by means of screws.
A The T-square is used for drawing horizontal lines and as a guide for drawing lines with triangles. When placed on the board (or table), the head of the T-square is held firmly against the left edge of
6
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
the board, and only the upper, or working edge, of the blade is used. The T-square is moved by sliding the head along the edge of the board with the left hand. After the working edge is located as desired, the left hand may be used to steady the blade. Left-handed draftsmen use the right side of the board and the right hand. If a drawing is removed from the board before it is completed and the work is again resumed, the drawing should be trued with the T-square and one of the lines of the drawing, not with the edge of the paper.
/] \ 30° \
y | CELLULOID EDGE----____________ 45°\
d EAD	45°	3O°-6O°
(D T-SQUARE	(2) TRIANGLES 7 * * * * * *
____________________________o___
HORIZONTAL	VERTICAL	15°
@ DRAWING LINES WITH T-SQUARE AND TRIANGLES Figure 5.—T-square, triangles, and their application.
7. Triangles.—a. Triangles commonly used are of two types, the
45° and the 30° to 60° (fig. 5®), and are usually made of transparent
celluloid.
b. Triangles, in combination with the T-square, are used in the con-
struction of vertical and inclined lines. Figure 5® illustrates the
common angles constructed with the use of triangles and the T-square.
Arrows indicate the direction in which the lines are drawn.
7
7-9
ARMY AIR FORCES
c. Two triangles may be used to draw a line parallel to a given line AB, figure 6Q. Place a triangle in position so that one of its edges coincides with the line and place a second triangle against an edge of the first triangle. Hold the second triangle firmly in place, slide the first triangle to the desired position (fig. 6(2)), and draw the parallel line. A line perpendicular to the parallel lines could be drawn with the same position of the triangle, as shown in figure 6@. A T-square blade may be used in place of the second triangle.
8. Irregular curve.—a. The irregular or “French” curve is used to draw a smooth curve which is not a true circle or an arc thereof. Points are first determined to locate the curve which is to be drawn, and the irregular curve fitted to match these points (fig. 7). When drawing the curve, successive sections are blended into one another to form a smooth continuous outline. A common procedure is to
PARALLEL LINE	PERPENDICULAR LINES
A	/ /	/AZ’-GIVEN LINE AB
GIVEN LINEAB-v/ f
GIVEN LINE A	/ ff
/	triangle held/^^^^X^]	/
/ s'	FIRMLY	/// --------------
2—_____________ / ——~1
/ ® 6 @ ®
Figure 6.—Method for drawing parallel and perpendicular lines.
carefully draw the curve, freehand and lightly, before accomplishment with the irregular curve.
A Individual irregular curves of various shapes are available in sets. Individual curves are used in the same manner as the composite curve shown.
9. Triangular scale.—a. The mechanical engineer’s or architect’s triangular scale (fig. 8®) is generally used in the preparation of mechanical drawings. The scale is intended only for measuring and should not be used as a straightedge. It has eleven sets of graduations or scales. At each end of the scales (except the full-size scale) is a number indicating the size of the main divisions on that scale. Numbers (upright) at the right end are read to the left, and those (upright) at the left end are read to right. When a scale on the left end is used, foot measurements are read to the right of the zero point and inch measurements are read to the left (fig. 8@). Conversely, when a scale on the right end is used, foot measurements are read to the left of the zero point and inch measurements to the right (fig. 8@).
8
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
9
b. The full-size scale is used for drawings of the same size as the objects they describe. This scale (fig. 8(2)) is indicated by its number, 16, which denotes that it is divided into sixteenths of an inch. An object which is too large to be drawn to full-size scale is drawn to reduced scale. A reduced scale permits the use of smaller measuring units on
Figure 7.—Use of irregular curve.
the drawing; however, dimensions are never divided mathematically to reduced values but are always given full size. All reduced scales, except the %2- and %-inch scales, are divided into twelve or more parts on the inch side of the zero point, representing the 12 inches and fractions of inches of that scale foot. The %2- and %-inch scales have only six subdivisions on the inch side of the zero point, each subdivision representing 2 inches. Care should be exercised in reading the inch divisions in order to determine the correct inch unit or fractional
9
9
ARMY AIR FORCES
inch unit for the particular scale. Examples of scale reductions are as follows:
(1)	The scale of 3 inches equals 1 foot, marked “3” (fig. 80), is used when the representation of the object is to be reduced so that 3 inches on the drawing is to be equivalent to 1 foot on the object. Accordingly, the 3 inches on the scale is divided into twelve 1-inch
divisions; each inch division is further divided into eighths. The figure shows how 8% inches would be measured using this scale.
(2)	The %-inch scale reduces 1 foot on the full-size object to % inch on the drawing. To reduce a dimension of 3 feet 7 inches to this scale (fig. 80), count three of the foot divisions to the right of the zero for the foot measurement, and seven of the inch divisions to the left of the zero for the inch measurement.
10
#	\	0 I 2	12 I
ff'	0 2 V 9 9 01 29
//	1*2 02 91 21 9 V 01
hmlilMililihiy
(T) TRIANGULAR SCALE
0 I 2 3 In 3	6 9
(2) FULL SCALE	(3) 3" SCALE
i*  l0- _ j
jrn 1111 h bwwwiW]
8 I 0	2	4	1	6	C ,0	3 e 4	2 O 4 I
@ t" SCALE	(5) 1" scale
I*—9-2°——	I----e'-’i   
•	t	lM
£ 0	4	8	12	16	20 J >	o	4
@ SCALE	(7) SCALE
Figure 8.—Mechanical engineer’s or architect’s triangular scale.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING	9-11
(3)	The }4-inch scale reduces 1 foot on the full-size object to 14 inch on the drawing. To reduce a dimension of 4 feet 10 inches to Uiis scale (fig. 8@), count four of the foot divisions to the left of the zero, and ten of the inch divisions to the right of the zero.
(4)	The %-inch scale reduces 1 foot on the full-size object to y8 inch on the drawing. To reduce a dimension of 9 feet 2 inches to this scale (fig. 8@), count nine of the foot divisions to the right of zero and one 2-inch division to the left (each division is 2 inches).
(5)	The %-inch scale reduces 1 foot on the full-size object to % inch on the drawing. To reduce a dimension of 2 feet 7y2 inches to this scale (fig. 8©), count two of the foot divisions to the left of zero and seven and one-half of the inch divisions to the right.
c. The civil engineer’s scale (not illustrated) consists of inches subdivided into tenths, twentieths, thirtieths, etc., and is adaptable for work on charts, maps, etc.
10. Protractor.—The protractor (fig. 9) is used for setting off or measuring angles. The protractor illustrated is graduated from 0° to 180° in divisions of 1°. Protractors are also available with smaller divisions. The protractor is placed with its reference line over the line on the paper and its center mark or hole at the point on the line where the angle is to be drawn. The required angle may then be found on the outer edge of the protractor and the paper marked at this division. With protractor removed, a straight line is drawn through the point just found and the point with which the center of the protractor coincided, thus giving the required angle.
11. Ruling pen.—The ruling pen (fig. 10©) consists of steel blades attached to a handle, and a thumbscrew for adjusting the distance between the points (nibs) of the blades to obtain the desired width of line. The ruling pen is used for inking straight lines and irregular curves. The pen is filled with ink (fig. 10@) by means of a quill which is fastened to the stopper of the drawing ink bottle. The height of the column of ink in the point should not exceed *4 inch. The pen should be held in a nearly vertical position against the straightedge with the nibs parallel to the edge (fig. 10@), and the handle inclined slightly in the direction of line. If the pen point is inclined toward the straightedge it will raise the inside nib, causing the ink to run under the straightedge and resulting in a blotted line. If the pen point is inclined away from the straightedge, it raises the outside nib, resulting in a ragged line. The pen is supported by the second finger with the straight blade adjacent to the straightedge, and held between the thumb and first (index) finger as shown in figure 10@.
11
12-13
ARMY AIR FORCES
'	a°	90 'oo	/ '
X. The compass is used with one hand. It may be opened with the second finger and thumb (fig. 13®) and set to the desired radius by placing the needle point at the center mark, adjusting the spread with the second and third fingers (fig. 13®). After the radius is set, the thumb and first finger are raised to the handle (fig. 13®). The compass is started at the near side of the circle to be drawn and revolved clockwise as shown in figure 13®, inclined slightly in the direction
12
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
13
(T) RULING PEN
(2) FILLING THE PEN	(3) CORRECT AND INCORRECT
POINT POSITIONS
@ CORRECT POSITIONS OF RULING PEN
Figure 10,—Ruling pen and method of use.
PAYZANT	CROW QUILL
HOLDER
SPEEDBALL
STUB
BALL
Figure 11.—Lettering pens.
(T) COMPASS
(2) pen	(5) EXTENSION BAR
Figure 12.—Compass and its parts.
13
13-14
ARMY AIR FORCES
of the line. To draw a circle with a radius of approximately iy2 inches, the pencil leg may be straight. For a larger circle, and always when using the pen leg, the legs of the compass should be adjusted perpendicular to the paper (fig. 14®). The extension bar is used to lengthen the pencil or pen leg of the compass to permit the drawing of large circles. Adjustment of the compass, using the extension bar, is shown in figure 14®. To avoid changing the radius, a circle is never drawn by holding the legs of the compass.
/
3
Figure 13.—Use of compass.
14« Dividers. This instrument is similar to the compass except that both legs are equipped with points (fig. 15®). It is used to transfer measurements on drawings, and for dividing a line into equal parts. Figure 15® shows the method of dividing a line into three equal parts by use of the dividers. The spread of the instrument is adjusted to approximately one-third the length of the line. This spread of distance is stepped off as shown by alternately swinging the divideis to either side of the line. If three of such distances do not
14

FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
14-16
equal the length of line, the setting of the dividers is increased or decreased (as the case may be) by one-third of the error. This trial and error method is continued until exact division is obtained.
15. Bow instruments.—The use of the bow instruments (fig. 16(f)) is confined to small dimensions. For major adjustment of the bow instrument (fig. 16®), time is saved and wear of the threads avoided by holding the legs together while turning the adjusting
Q WITH PEN
(2) WITH EXTENSION BAR AND PEN
Figure 14.—Adjustments with pen leg and extension bar.
nut. After adjustment, the legs are gently released. A minor adjustment is made with the instrument in position and the point slightly raised as shown in figure 16®. After use, the instrument is opened to almost its full spread to release spring tension.
16. Care of equipment.—Proper care will lengthen the service of equipment and promote neat and accurate work.
a.	Each drawing instrument should be kept in its proper place in the instrument case when not in use. The drafting table should not be cluttered with idle instruments and tools.
b.	A knife edge or abrasive should never be used to clean instruments. Such cleaning should be accomplished frequently with a soft cloth.
15
16
ARMY AIR FORCES
c.	Ink should not be permitted to dry in the nibs of the ruling pen or ink leg. Dried ink should be removed with a moistened cloth.
d.	A lettering pen is not dipped into the ink; use the quill for the ruling pen (fig. 10). Frequently wipe the points on a soft cloth to prevent clogging. Clean the pen before putting it away, using warm water, and thoroughly dry it with a soft cloth. Never change the kind of ink on one point without first cleansing the point.
e.	The joints of the compass and dividers should not be oiled.
(?) DIVIDERS
(D USING THE
Figure 15.—Dividers
DIVIDERS
and their use.
/. After considerable usage, pen nibs may become dull and worn. The nibs may be restored to their slightly rounded original shape by stroking them (screwed together) with a pendulum sweep on a fine Arkansas stone. The nibs are then separated and individually sharpened on the outside with sliding and rolling motion. The nibs should match perfectly and should not be beveled or scratched on the inside. When the pen is properly sharpened-it will draw the finest lines without leaving ragged edges or cutting the paper.
g. Care should be exercised to avoid damage to triangle and T-square edges. Celluloid equipment may be cleaned with a little soap and cold water.
h. Care should be exercised when a compass or dividers are adjusted on the scale, as the needle points may damage the surface of the scale.
16
FUNDAMENTALS OF MECHANICAL DRAWING
17
@ MAJOR ADJUSTMENT
(3) MINOR ADJUSTMENT
Figure 16.—Bow instruments and manner of adjustment.
Section III
LETTERING AND LINES
Paragraph
Lettering___________________________________________________...----------- 17
Lines_____________________________________________________________________ 18
17. Lettering.—Lettering, in addition to numerals, is employed on drawings to provide legible presentation of notes, dimensions, and other information. Single stroke (lines forming the letters being the width of one stroke of the pencil or pen) vertical and single stroke inclined letters are commonly used in mechanical drawings. These styles of lettering may be easily accomplished, and present a simple,
513393°—43---2
17
DIVIDERS	PENCIL	PEN
Q THREE TYPES
17
ARMY AIR FORCES
balanced appearance. Vertical capitals are generally used in the title block, while vertical or inclined capitals, or capitals and lower-case letters, are used for notes.
a. Vertical.—The proportions, method of accomplishment, and spacing of vertical letters (and numerals) are shown in figure 17.
(1)	To insure accurate alinement, light guide lines-are drawm to limit the overall height of letters. Guide lines may be drawn with the T-square or with a guide-line triangle (fig. 18).
[ A V fc H* 1 K L W T W X V W i
[ T Z - F © J © G F V - C '$ ]
L 0 Q
2 3 4 5 6
L 9 T 135917351 £88168164163
s-S-AVIATION ^AVIATION 1
[ 6W	i j ih 'i| m