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Stuff Every Drafting Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Drafting merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Drafting Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Statics and Forces

Why do drafters use templates?

Short answer: To avoid drawing repeated symbols from scratch

Templates help create recurring objects and common symbols without redrawing them each time.

Groan of the day: Templates save you from repeating yourself.

Sources: Technical drawing

What is a section view used to show?

Short answer: An imaginary cut through an object

Section views show an imaginary plane cut through an object, which is useful for showing voids.

Groan of the day: A section view gets right to the inside story.

Sources: Technical drawing

What is an auxiliary view used for?

Short answer: Showing a surface not aligned with the main axes

Surfaces not in line with the three major axes need their own projection plane to show true shape and size.

Groan of the day: Auxiliary views help the odd surface out.

Sources: Technical drawing

What do pattern drawings show?

Short answer: The flat shape needed to bend into 3D

Patterns, or developments, show the size and shape of a flat piece of material needed for later bending or folding.

Groan of the day: Patterns unfold the plan.

Sources: Technical drawing

What is an as-fitted drawing?

Short answer: A record of completed work as actually built

An as-fitted drawing records completed work, updated to reflect changes during construction or manufacture.

Groan of the day: As-fitted drawings tell it like it is.

Sources: Technical drawing

What do working drawings cover during manufacturing?

Short answer: Architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings

Working drawings used during manufacturing include civil, architectural, structural, mechanical systems, electrical, and plumbing drawings.

Groan of the day: Working drawings are on the job.

Sources: Technical drawing

What does a patent drawing need to show?

Short answer: Every feature of the invention in the claims

A patent drawing must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims and follow office rules.

Groan of the day: Patent drawings claim to show it all.

Sources: Technical drawing

What does CAD stand for?

Short answer: Computer-aided design

CAD stands for computer-aided design, which automates and speeds up drafting.

Groan of the day: CAD is the computer's drawing buddy.

Sources: Technical drawing

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Technical drawing visually communicates how something functions or is constructed, giving one intended meaning.
  • Familiar symbols, units, and styles form a visual language that keeps drawings clear and unambiguous.
  • Artistic drawings are interpreted subjectively, but technical drawings are understood to have one intended meaning.
  • A sketch is a quick freehand drawing used to record an idea for later use.
  • Compasses are the primary tools used for drawing arcs and circles.
  • The French curve is a drafting tool used for drawing smooth curves.
  • Templates help create recurring objects and common symbols without redrawing them each time.
  • The drafting machine, an application of the pantograph, gives an accurate right angle anywhere on the page.
  • Drafting requires understanding of geometry, trigonometry, and spatial comprehension.
  • CAD systems have largely automated and accelerated the mechanics of the drafting task.
  • CAD systems for producing technical drawings come in two dimensions and three dimensions.
  • A 2D CAD system lets you copy and modify the original, saving time when revisions are needed.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What is the main purpose of a technical drawing?
    • To communicate how something functions or is built
    • To replace written instructions
    • To decorate a wall
    Show the answer

    To communicate how something functions or is built. Technical drawing visually communicates how something functions or is constructed, giving one intended meaning.

  2. What are the two types of CAD systems used for technical drawings?
    • Loud and quiet
    • 2D and 3D
    • Wet and dry
    Show the answer

    2D and 3D. CAD systems for producing technical drawings come in two dimensions and three dimensions.

  3. What is the main purpose of technical illustration?
    • Replacing all text
    • Selling artwork
    • Explaining items to a nontechnical audience
    Show the answer

    Explaining items to a nontechnical audience. Technical illustration describes or explains items to a more or less nontechnical audience with accurate images.

  4. What does an architect's scale help show on a drawing?
    • Actual size of features through dimensions
    • The building's smell
    • The owner's name
    Show the answer

    Actual size of features through dimensions. Using an architect's scale and showing dimensions communicates the actual size of features.

  5. What does CAD stand for?
    • Cardboard art design
    • Computer-aided design
    • Color and drawing
    Show the answer

    Computer-aided design. CAD stands for computer-aided design, which automates and speeds up drafting.

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