This is the list for future students who plan to major in architecture at the university. This is just a personal list of what I found most useful by semster at Penn State University
Vyco -. I had never heard of Vyco before, but it’s pretty useful stuff. We had to get a rather large piece of vyco, and fortunately architecture dropout sell me a cheap replacement. It is a softer material that gives a little when you pull so you’re not drawing on a hard surface. It really does make a difference
Parallel Rule -. This is one of the essential tools for making. Before you go to school, I had never heard of such a thing and, when I ordered it, I had no idea how it worked. Do not be afraid, however, it is very easy to use after a quick installation. Basically it is a ruler that slide up and down on the table using a guide wire that always creates parallel lines. It can even tilt to get an angle parallel lines. A definite must for technical preparation. I do not know how I lived without it before. Keep in mind, they are rather expensive, but they are definitely worth it. If you can, buy the best you can get, because it will be a great investment
Triangle (30-60-90; 45-45-90) – No, I . is talking about musical triangle. I’m talking about architects triangle. You should probably get two. A 30 degree triangle and 45 degree triangle. The come in hand for the construction of lines and vertical lines (in cooperation with parallel testimonies)
Adjustable Triangle -. Although this is not necessary, I found it quite useful when I had to recreate a certain angle of the line. I had a huge 12 “triangle, which was useful for the big lines, but I would recommend getting 6”, much easier to handle
2mm Lead Holder and lead -. Forget the old wooden pencils for making, receiving clutch pencils. They are much more durable, you have a better grip, easily interchangeable hardness ways, and you can always keep a sharp point. . Definitely a must for technical drawings
Lead Pointer – Going with clutch pencil, make sure to get a 2mm lead evidence sharper large piece of lead that you bought. This is a nifty device that sharpens your guide as you turn down with metal teeth. It is quite addicting, but you must be careful becaues before you know it, you’re gone. Some of my classmates began to collect lead dust, piling it up after a while
kneaded eraser -. A great strength for easy drying lines and smudges. Definitely useful in all kinds of situations and a lot of fun to play with
Compass Set -. To be honest, you do not even need a kit, but you never know when it might come in useful. All you really need is a compass. I prefer the no bar in the middle, mainly because I get frustrated with it, but it’s much more accurate to get one with a bar in the middle (not sure of the technical name). Compasses come in handy for, well, drawing circles. And the door swings
Relative Divider -. A divider ratio is just that. It takes a certain measurement on one end and the other converts it to a third, fourth, sixth, etc … It is very useful when scaling drawing up or down. They are rather expensive though, but if you have the money, then I definitely recommend it. If you do not have money for it, just get a regular segment (they usually come with a compass Kit). They’ll be almost as useful
Vellum and Tracing Paper ( Rolls ) -. Tracing paper is always good to get a quick sketches / drawings and not wasting good paper. Vellum is a must. It is high quality paper that is semi-transparent (such as tracing paper). It’s great drawing paper, definitely worth it. We used to deal vellum as it was gold
negotiating table -. Make sure to pick up a bit of a drafting table. Honestly, the roll is all you need, at least that’s all I need and I used it a lot. You will use it to perform all the drawings to the board. I still have more than half of roll memory
Ring Profiles – .. not necessary, but can be a time saver at times, especially when drawing Roman temple
We also be seated part during the semester. Here is some of the tools we used
tacky glue – This is the magic glue. Not really, but it was definitely helpful and very quick drying. Also, while you are in adhesive shelf, pick up some rubber cement. It’s pretty good for gluing paper thing
hot glue gun -. Although not a good use of final projects, it is good for fast model study. A definite time-saver
Utility Knife / Xacto Knife -. It was a huge asset on the model level. I had to cut so much cardboard, chipboard, and all kinds of paper, they were always successful. Make sure to get some extra blades. I learned the hard way to cut with a dull blade leads to bad things. (No gruesome, just bad craftsmanship). I would suggest getting a utility knife with a pop-up if like the one here so the blade is easily changed, not the kind with a screw. They are a pain.
All this ends up being quite expensive, but you will use all of it, so that it will get used. If you are wondering where to find these supplies, visit http://www.mildesigner.com where I have each product on the list.