Website TemplatesWeb HostingWeb Hosting
Main Menu
Projects
Disclosure

Drafting tools and techniques

Drafting tools and techniques have gone through a lot of changes since personal computers became popular. We dont use slide rules anymore and sepias and track machines are a thing of the past but some drafting equipment remains with us.

The venerable Machinerys Handbook is one of them and plenty of estimators and architects still use engineering and architectural scales. The computer age has brought some cool new tools as well. Heres some links to useful drafting aids and techniques both new and old.

Machinerys Handbook

The machinerys handbook is one text just about every draftsperson, engineer and machinist uses. Find out more about this useful book here.

Laser Distance Measuring

If you have to do a lot of field measuring, a laser measuring tool can make your life a lot easier. In this article I describe the tool I use and give some suggestions about other tools that are available.

Drafting Symbol

Drafting symbol software packages can be very useful to keep the repetitive work at a minimum

Engineering Scales

The engineering scale and the architects scale explained. Why we still need to use these tools in an age where CAD systems supposedly draw everything perfectly to scale.

Drafting chair and drafting stool

Some thoughts about what makes the best drafting chair or drafting stool

Drafting table and drafting desk

If you are looking for a new drafting table or drafting desk, here are some suggestions to help you make that purchase.

Drafting paper and drafting storage

Here is information about the different types of drafting paper or media, both for hand drafting or for use in wide format printers.

Click here to return to the home page from the drafting tools techniques page.

 
Feed Display
AAA Drafting Blog
A SolidWorks designer talks about stuff related to CAD and mechanical design
  • Yuuuuup - Auction Websites in Ontario !

    Perhaps its because of the hit TV series "Storage Wars" going to auctions of all types has become very popular. Both for personal and for business purchases. Visiting auctions can be a great way for a new business to get started. If you are looking for office furniture and factory equipment there are always great bargains to be had.

    Be extremely careful when computers, flat screen TV's and other technology items. You must know the value of these items before bidding. People go crazy about these items and auctioneers know it. In the heat of the moment people often pay more for a used computer that is several years old then they would brand new in a retail store.

    Bear in mind you are buying items as-is where-is and there is always the possibility that the item you are buying wont work or be damaged in some way. Take advantage of the inspection days that most auctioneers provide and factor the risks into the maximum price you are willing to pay for an item. Record this information and have it handy when the auction starts and you go to bid.

    Auctioneers often will refuse to sell an item if it does not draw a high enough price, they will withdraw the item and list it in a future auction where they hope it will gain more more attention. In general it pays to find an item you are interested at an auction where the majority of bidders are not looking for that kind of item. You want to be the only person bidding on it.

    Auctions most often charge a fee over and above what you pay for the item. This is called a “buyers premium” and usually goes to cover the cost of the auctioneers services. You have to factor in this cost. As well, You also have to pay all applicable sales taxes.

    The internet has revolutionized the auction business. Many auction houses use the services of www.bidspotter.com which allow users to view the auction live and bid online without actually being at the auction. This increases the bid frenzy dramatically and drives up profits for the auctioneers. But its great if you want to log on as a guest and get a feel for a live auction and see how the auctioneers work the audience.

    Registering with Bidspotter is simple and is no different than registering for an auction in person. The main difference is that you can bid in auctions across the continent. Just bear in mind that if you win a bid you will have to pay to arrange shipping and delivery to your location if you are unable to pick the item up your self.

    List of auction websites May 2012


    Fair warning !, Auctioneers websites are sometimes not exactly what you would call user friendly. Some like to hide their latest auctions and make it a challenge for you to figure out where they are. You can always throw your hands up in frustration and find the local auction listings in the Toronto Star any Sunday. With dilligence, you can plan out your next auction excursion

    Abco Food Equipment



    This company sells primarily restaurant items and with the frequency that restaurants go bankrupt, its got to be a great business. A great place to find ultra expensive espresso machine you have always wanted. Many auction houses also double as sales outlets for brand new equipment.

    Asset Services, Auction and Appraisals



    Mostly industrial sales of machinery. If you are intimately familiar with the equipment, you can find great bargains if you are willing to tolerate the risks.

    Auction Advertiser



    A directory of mainly estate auctions taking place throughout Ontario. Click on any day in the calendar to find auctions taking place.

    Corporate Assets



    Upcoming auctions are listed in the Toronto Star on Sunday if you get frustrated with their website.

    Danbury Sales



    Up until recently had a retail store location on Lakeshore road in Oakville where you could buy items from their auction sales. Now they seem to have returned to their core business of industrial and commercial auctions.

    Hilco Asset Sales Canada



    URL redirects to Hilco Industrial auction site in the USA which does list auctions in Canada.

    Infinity Assets Solutions



    Mostly company equipment auctions. You can use bidspotter.com to join in the bidding without being there.

    Northern Auction Service Inc.



    Hold regular sales at the sherwood auction sales in Milton, a nice room used by several auction houses where you sit in old church pews while you bid on items. Even if you dont buy anything, the bacon on a bun they serve in the back is worth the trip.

    Principal Liquidators Inc



    Wildly popular auctions every Tuesday in Mississauga go on until Midnight. Principal Liquidations are also well known for their hardwood flooring material auctions.

    Studio 1 Auctions



    Sparse website but do show pictures of upcoming auctions.


    If you have any comments or suggestions for great auctions in Oakville, Burlington and the surrounding area, feel free to post them !

Copyright © 2009 AAA Drafting Services
All Rights Reserved.

Free Joomla Templates designed by Web Hosting Top .org