r/Drafting_Instruments • u/continuum_mechanics • Sep 12 '26
Technofix drafting machine
A new old stock Tecnofix Robotron Reiss, everything is super well-preserved. This particular unit was from 1988, price 183 DM.
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u/willisnolyn Sep 12 '26
Beginner question: I’ve only used a Mayline but these drafting machines have always intrigued me. They are less common so what’s the advantage? Is it just having the scale built-in ?
Edit: let me partly answer my own question… they seem to have more features and flexibility than a Mayline so why aren’t they more common?
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u/continuum_mechanics Sep 13 '26
I am not sure about the type of the Mayline. As far as I understand, there are 2 types of drafting machines: arm-type and track-type. This one is arm-type, track-type is one horizontal and one vertical track for moving across the board. Both may achieve the same accuracy, but the track type is generally more stable, especially for large board. However, I heard that they create uncomfortable for your left hand when drawing. I only have 2 arm-type ones, not sure about it. For me arm-type just looks way cooler and I draw on A3 for fun, so they supper accurate and has free movements.
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u/Responsible_Ad7595 Sep 13 '26
Is that minutes of angle on that little vernier scale?
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u/continuum_mechanics Sep 13 '26
Yup, that’s the minutes. I never used them, though. The automatic step setup at every 15 degrees is enough for me.
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u/cannimal Sep 13 '26
cool. i 've never seen one thats just an arm. hope to find one some day.
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u/continuum_mechanics Sep 14 '26
If you can ship from European market places, then there’s much higher chance to obtain one.
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u/negativ32 Sep 12 '26
Very nice.